Save A bright and fluffy sheet cake infused with lemon soda, topped with a tangy lemon glaze. Perfect for gatherings or an easy weeknight dessert.
The first time I baked this cake was for a last-minute dinner with friends. I loved how the lemon soda gave the cake a soft and airy texture, and the glaze added just the right amount of tangy sweetness. It disappeared fast, and everyone asked for the recipe!
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Baking powder: 1 ½ teaspoons
- Baking soda: ½ teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup
- Unsalted butter (softened): ½ cup
- Eggs: 3 large
- Lemon zest: 1 tablespoon
- Fresh lemon juice: ¼ cup
- Lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or 7-Up): ¾ cup
- Sour cream: ½ cup
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Powdered sugar: 1 ½ cups
- Fresh lemon juice (for glaze): 2 tablespoons to 3 tablespoons
- Lemon zest (for glaze): 1 tablespoon
- Lemon-lime soda (for glaze): 1 tablespoon to 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Prep:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch sheet pan and line with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
- Add Flavorings:
- Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Mixtures:
- Alternately add flour mixture and sour cream to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with flour.
- Finish Batter:
- Gently mix in lemon-lime soda until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake:
- Spread batter evenly in pan. Bake 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Cool completely in pan before glazing.
- Make Glaze:
- In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and lemon-lime soda until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze Cake:
- Pour glaze over cooled cake, spread evenly, and let set.
- Serve:
- Cut into 16 squares and serve.
Save This is now a family favorite, especially for brunches when we want something light and citrusy. My kids love helping with the glaze, and everybody looks forward to the lemon aroma filling the kitchen.
Required Tools
9x13-inch sheet pan, electric mixer, mixing bowls, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, spatula, parchment paper
Allergen Information
Contains gluten, eggs, and dairy. Check soda and other ingredients if you have allergies.
Nutritional Information
Each square has about 225 calories, 8 g total fat, 36 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.
Save Cut these squares just before serving for the freshest, most vibrant flavor. Enjoy their soft texture with your favorite tea or lemonade!
Cooking Questions
- → Can I use different soda brands?
Yes, any lemon-lime soda like Sprite or 7-Up works well and helps lift the cake's texture.
- → What if I want stronger lemon flavor?
Add a few drops of lemon extract alongside the zest and juice for a more intense citrus taste.
- → How do I achieve a fluffy texture?
Cream butter and sugar thoroughly, and avoid overmixing once the soda is added. This keeps the crumb light.
- → Can I substitute sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a suitable alternative for sour cream, maintaining moisture and tenderness.
- → How should I slice the cake?
Cool fully, then use a sharp knife to cut clean squares. Wipe the blade between cuts for neat edges.
- → What garnishes work well?
Thin lemon slices or edible flowers add visual appeal and freshness to each serving.