With more and more people stocking up on 7Up Shirley Temple for the holiday season, the sweet, sparkling refreshment goes beyond the glass. In collaboration with Melissa Ben-Ishay, this holiday bundt cake recipe could become a new family tradition that everyone will crave year after year.
The holiday season is often more than just twinkling lights and traditional décor. It is the time when people come together to share stories, reconnect, and celebrate the beauty of the season. Children’s surprise and delight as they unwrap gifts is mesmerizing, but the true heart of the holidays is togetherness.
Those memories are often made around the table. While the food is the star, it is the laughter and good conversation that make people feel satisfied. No one wants to feel stuffy or regimented.
In a recent survey from 7Up Shirley Temple, the findings showed that “81% (of adults) wish they could go back to simpler times when they were kids.” While the reasoning behind that sentiment can be varied, the concept says a lot. Maybe there was a moment where everyone grew up too quickly.
This holiday season, 7Up Shirley Temple and Melissa Ben-Ishay, from Baked by Melissa, collaborated on both a special recipe featuring the hottest beverage for the holiday season as well as some tips to make the table more engaging for all ages. Channeling that inner child could be the best present of all.
According to Ben-Ishay, one easy way to bring some child-like wonder to the adults table is to give everyone an activity. For example, instead of the stuffy, white table cloth, she recommends a different idea, craft paper.
Ben-Ishay recommended, “Give your guests an activity at the table while you chat. I love to use craft paper in place of a tablecloth. Then, when we’re finished eating, I give out boxes of crayons for everyone to decorate with while we keep the conversation (and glasses of 7UP® Shirley Temple) flowing.”
That idea can be adapted in many ways. Beyond the tablecloth doodles, maybe consider a little puzzle, easy craft, or game next to the name card. Or, consider a question with the box of crayons to have everyone draw a memory of their favorite holiday gift or other special memory. These ideas help to engage conversations (and hopefully avoid unsavory topics).
While the engagement is a key part of a holiday table, the food is equally as important. Even if some traditions involve grandma’s favorite recipe or maybe sneaking in a slice of a Costco pie, Ben-Ishay’s recipe using the 7Up Shirley Temple could be a new favorite.
Some people might be familiar with the classic concept of a 7Up Cake. That Southern favorite is known for its moist texture and delicate crumb. This new version is equally as delicious.
Here’s how to make the 7Up Shirley Temple Bundt Cake from Baked by Melissa.
Ingredients:
1½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups sugar
5 eggs, at room temperature
1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
2 teaspoons vanilla paste
¾ cup 7UP® Shirley Temple*
3 cups cake flour
Pinch of salt
Red food coloring (optional)
Vanilla icing, for decorating (optional)
*recommend using the regular 7UP Shirley Temple
For the icing
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3¾ cups confectioners’ sugar
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
2-3 tablespoons whole milk
Food coloring (optional)
Rainbow sprinkles (optional)
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 325°F and brush the inside of a 12” Bundt pan completely with butter. Dust flour into the pan, rotating to get every nook coated. Add more flour as needed, shaking any excess out into the sink. (This helps ensure your cake doesn’t get stuck.)
Combine the butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fit with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium-high for about 7 minutes, until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the eggs one at a time, mixing completely between each addition. Add the vanilla and lemon zest.
With the mixer on low, add 1 cup cake flour and salt, followed by half of the 7UP® Shirley Temple. Add 1 more cup flour, then mix in the remaining 7UP® Shirley Temple. Stir in the last cup of flour, mixing just until no streaks remain.
Fold in a few drops of food coloring if desired, mixing just until combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Remove the pan from the oven and let sit for 1 minute. Cover the Bundt with a wire rack or cutting board and use a tea towel to flip it over, knocking on the top to release the cake from the pan. Carefully lift the pan off the cake and let cool.
Decorate with your favorite icing before serving. (Optional)
To make the icing
Add the butter to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and beat on high for 1 minute. With the mixer on low, add the vanilla and mix to combine. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Add the salt and mix, then add the sugar one cup at a time, until completely incorporated. Scrape the sides of the bowl again and mix on high for 3 minutes, until light and fluffy.
Stir in the milk 1 tablespoon at a time, until the icing is smooth and
Add a few drops of food coloring, mixing until no streaks remain. (Optional)
Transfer the icing to a piping bag and pipe over the cooled Bundt cake. Scatter rainbow sprinkles on top and serve.
While this recipe highlights the limited-edition beverage, it could work with a classic 7Up, too. The holiday recipe does not have to be just served at the end of the year. The dessert would be equally delightful at a summer barbecue.
This holiday season, take a moment to think enjoy the joy, wonder, and togetherness. Pour a 7Up Shirley Temple and toast to the memories that will last a lifetime.