If you have a sweet tooth and love a nostalgic twist on classic chocolate cake, this Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe is going to be your new favorite indulgence. Combining the rich, moist texture of chocolate cake with the fizzy cherry-flavored pop of Dr. Pepper and the luscious bite of maraschino cherries, this dessert manages to feel both comforting and refreshingly unique. Every slice is a delightful celebration of deep chocolate notes mellowed by that sweet, unmistakable cherry spark, making it perfect for any occasion where you want to wow your friends and family with a memorable treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to creating this irresistible Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe. Each item is simple yet carefully chosen to bring that perfect balance of flavor and texture, from the softness of the butter to the playful fizz of Dr. Pepper. Let’s see what you’ll need to make magic happen in your kitchen.
- Chocolate cake mix (dry): The foundation of your cake, ensuring a tender and chocolate-packed base.
- Dr. Pepper Cherry (1 1/2 cups): This is where the magic bubbles happen, adding moisture and that signature cherry soda flavor.
- Maraschino cherries (1 jar, no stems): Adds juicy bursts of sweetness and a fun texture; be sure to halve them as shown in the recipe.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Essential for creamy frosting and balanced sweetness without overpowering saltiness.
- Powdered sugar (3 cups plus extra if needed): The key to a smooth, sweet frosting that holds its shape beautifully.
- Chocolate shavings: For that gorgeous finish, these add a delightful texture and more chocolate appeal; you can find these at stores like Hobby Lobby.
How to Make Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven warms, lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with baking spray to ensure your cake comes out cleanly and retains its perfect shape.
Step 2: Mix Your Batter
In a standing mixer, combine the chocolate cake mix and the fizzy Dr. Pepper Cherry soda. This creates a wonderfully moist batter with a subtle cherry fizz infused into every bite. Mixing until just combined prevents overworking the gluten, which keeps your cake tender.
Step 3: Add the Cherries
Carefully cut your maraschino cherries in half and fold them gently into the batter. These cherries bring a juicy pop throughout the cake and make the flavor unforgettable.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, keeping an eye out for when a toothpick inserted comes out clean, signaling that your cake is perfectly cooked through.
Step 5: Cool Completely
Once out of the oven, let your cake cool fully before moving on to frosting. This step is crucial to prevent melting your beautiful frosting and keep everything looking just right.
Step 6: Make the Cherry Frosting
Using your standing mixer again, whip together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and juice from the maraschino cherries until the mixture is fluffy and stiff. If the frosting feels too thin, gently add more powdered sugar to reach that perfect spreading consistency.
Step 7: Frost and Decorate
Generously scoop your frosting over the cooled cake and smooth it out with an angled spatula for a flawless finish. Sprinkle chocolate shavings over the top, and then artfully place a few whole maraschino cherries to embellish your creation.
Step 8: Chill and Serve
Pop the cake into the refrigerator for about an hour. This chilling step lets the frosting firm up nicely, making it easier to slice and serve stunning, clean pieces.
How to Serve Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra maraschino cherries right before serving can elevate the presentation and reinforce that cherry flavor. A light dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of chocolate syrup also pairs beautifully, making each slice look as decadent as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This cake stands well on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. If you’re aiming for a more grown-up indulgence, a small glass of cherry-infused liqueur or a cup of robust coffee can complement the cake’s rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, consider serving the cake in individual portions topped with a cherry and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings. Layering slices between delicate glass plates brings out the vibrant cherry specks inside the cake, inviting your guests to dig in right away.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe treats keep well when covered and stored in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the frosting’s texture and preserves the freshness of the cherries inside. It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days for optimal flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the cake without frosting. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to two months. When ready to serve, thaw the cake completely in the fridge before frosting.
Reheating
Since this cake is best served chilled, reheating is not usually recommended. However, if you prefer your cake at room temperature, take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to let it soften slightly, which enhances the flavors beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use a different soda instead of Dr. Pepper Cherry?
Absolutely! While Dr. Pepper Cherry gives this cake its unique signature flavor, you can experiment with other cherry-flavored sodas or even regular Dr. Pepper. Just keep in mind that different sodas can change the sweetness and moisture level.
Do I have to use maraschino cherries or can fresh cherries work?
Maraschino cherries provide sweetness and a syrupy texture that fresh cherries won’t exactly replicate. Fresh cherries could be a fun twist, but they might add more tartness and moisture, so adjustments may be needed.
Is this cake suitable for kids?
Definitely! The appeal of chocolate and cherry combined with a soft soda-based cake makes it a hit with kids. Just be mindful that maraschino cherries and soda add sweetness, so it’s a perfect treat for special occasions.
What type of chocolate shavings work best?
Dark or semisweet chocolate shavings add a nice contrast to the sweet frosting, but you can also try milk chocolate if you want a milder chocolate flavor. Hobby Lobby and many craft stores carry decorative chocolate shavings that work beautifully.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You could try substituting the cake mix with a gluten-free chocolate cake mix, but results may vary slightly in texture. Always check that all other ingredients, like the soda, don’t contain gluten to be safe.
Final Thoughts
There is something so joyfully retro and effortlessly delicious about this Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe that it just puts a smile on your face with every bite. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dessert or a festive gathering, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up and impossible to resist. So go ahead, grab those ingredients, and bring a little bubbly cherry magic into your kitchen today!
Print
Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake is a delightful twist on traditional chocolate cake, infused with the unique flavors of Dr. Pepper Cherry soda and maraschino cherries. It is topped with a creamy cherry frosting and decorated with chocolate shavings and additional cherries, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. The cake is moist, flavorful, and offers a fun combination of soda-infused batter and rich chocolate accents.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (dry mix only)
- 1 1/2 cups Dr. Pepper Cherry soda
- 1 jar maraschino cherries, no stem (remove and reserve 24 cherries)
For the Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar (plus up to 2 more cups if needed)
- Juice from maraschino cherries jar
- 1 container chocolate shavings (available at Hobby Lobby)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the cake.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick baking spray and set it aside to prevent sticking.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a stand mixer, combine the dry chocolate cake mix with the Dr. Pepper Cherry soda until just blended.
- Add Cherries: Cut the reserved maraschino cherries in half and gently fold them into the cake batter to distribute evenly.
- Pour Batter: Pour the prepared cake batter into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake Cake: Bake the cake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully baked.
- Cool Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the baking dish before applying the frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Using a stand mixer, cream together softened butter, powdered sugar, and the juice from the maraschino cherries until the mixture is smooth and stiff.
- Adjust Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too thin, gradually add up to 2 more cups of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake, smoothing it with an angled spatula for a clean finish.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle chocolate shavings generously over the frosted cake and decorate with reserved whole cherries on top.
- Chill Cake: Place the frosted cake into the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow the frosting to set firmly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled and set, slice the cake and serve. Enjoy this sweet, cherry-infused treat!
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh maraschino cherries with juice for frosting instead of just water or milk.
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of the frosting.
- You can substitute cherry-flavored soda if Dr. Pepper Cherry is not available, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
- Chocolate shavings can be replaced with chocolate chips or curls depending on availability.
- Refrigerate leftover cake in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 3 days.
