7-Up Cake

3 sticks butter, softened (see quick softening tip)
3 cups sugar
5 eggs
3 cups flour
2 Tbsp vanilla extract*
3/4 cup 7-Up

Glaze (optional)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1-2 Tbsp milk

1. Beat softened butter and sugar for about 20 minutes. (A stand mixer works best.) It will be very fluffy, and the sugar will be incorporated.
   
2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Mix in the flour and vanilla gradually, alternating between flour and vanilla.
   
4. Fold in the 7-Up.
5. Pour into a well greased bundt pan and bake at 325 degrees for about 1-1/4 hours. The top will be crackly and delicious.
6. Allow cake to cool slightly. Blend milk into powdered sugar gradually, to desired consistency. Blend thoroughly with a whisk and pour over cake.

*Substitute lemon extract for vanilla if desired.

All through college, I worked at a dry cleaners. There was this woman who made a cake for every birthday. We could choose from a whole book of recipes, but every person in my store always chose the same cake every year: 7-Up cake. It was so incredibly light and wonderful, with just the right amount of sweetness.

About a year ago, I suddenly remembered that cake and desperately wanted to have some. I searched the Internet and found quite a few variations. This one is pretty close to what I remember, nearly as good as the cake our birthday lady made. (Isn't it funny how our fondest memories never seem quite as good when we try to recreate them? It's still fun to try, though.)

--Sarah