Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe
If you are searching for a show-stopping dessert that combines rich chocolate with a delightful cherry twist, look no further than this Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe. This cake perfectly balances the deep, indulgent notes of chocolate with the unique fruity fizz from Dr. Pepper Cherry soda, creating a moist, flavorful treat that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Topped with luscious cherry frosting and adorned with maraschino cherries and chocolate shavings, it’s a dessert that’s sure to wow your friends and family at any gathering. Whether you’re an avid baker or just love trying exceptional cakes, this Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking this unforgettable cake. Each component serves an important purpose—from the fizzy soda that tenderizes the crumb to the cherries that infuse bursts of sweetness and vibrant color.
- Chocolate cake mix: Using a dry mix ensures a consistent, rich chocolate base with minimal effort.
- Dr. Pepper Cherry soda (1 1/2 cups): Adds moisture and a unique cherry flavor that elevates the cake’s taste.
- Maraschino cherries (1 jar): Halved for mixing into the batter and reserved whole for eye-catching decoration.
- Unsalted sweet cream butter (1 cup, softened): Provides a creamy foundation for the smooth cherry frosting.
- Powdered sugar (3 cups, plus up to 2 cups extra): Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve the perfect consistency.
- Maraschino cherry juice (3–4 tablespoons): Infuses the frosting with authentic cherry flavor and keeps it luscious.
- Chocolate shavings: Adds texture and a touch of elegance as a finishing garnish.
How to Make Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepping a 9×13-inch baking pan with baking spray sets the stage for a perfectly cooked cake. A well-oiled pan ensures the cake releases effortlessly after baking and maintains its integrity.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl or with a stand mixer, combine the dry chocolate cake mix with the Dr. Pepper Cherry soda, blending thoroughly for about 1 to 2 minutes until smooth. Gently fold in the halved maraschino cherries, which add subtle pops of sweetness and visual appeal baked right into the crumb.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly with a spatula. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling a perfectly baked cake with a moist yet firm texture.
Step 4: Cool the Cake
Patience is key. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting. This step is essential as it prevents the frosting from melting and keeps your cake looking as beautiful as it tastes.
Step 5: Prepare the Cherry Frosting
Using a stand mixer, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while beating to develop a thick, luscious frosting. Slowly mix in 3 to 4 tablespoons of maraschino cherry juice—adding just enough to reach the perfect spreadable consistency with a vibrant cherry flavor.
Step 6: Frost the Cake
With an angled spatula, carefully spread your cherry frosting evenly across the cooled cake’s surface, smoothing every corner to create a dreamy, silky finish that invites eager forks.
Step 7: Decorate
Sprinkle chocolate shavings generously on top to add a sophisticated texture contrast, then artistically arrange the reserved whole maraschino cherries to create a stunning presentation that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Step 8: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the decorated cake for at least one hour to allow the frosting to set firmly, making slicing neater and serving cleaner. Once chilled, it’s ready to make any occasion extra special.
How to Serve Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe by adding fresh mint leaves or a dusting of cocoa powder alongside the maraschino cherries and chocolate shavings. These small touches brighten up the plate and provide an extra layer of flavor complexity that guests will notice and appreciate.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides such as a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a simple bowl of fresh berries. These accompaniments complement the rich cherry and chocolate notes without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual slices topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of cherry syrup, or neatly stack small cake cubes on skewers alternating with whole cherries for festive party bites. The Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe is versatile enough for any celebration style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover cake securely with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh. Refrigeration is best since the frosting contains butter and cherry juice, which benefit from a cool environment.
Freezing
You can freeze slices of this cake by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying to maintain the best texture and flavor of your Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe.
Reheating
While this cake is typically enjoyed chilled, you can bring slices to room temperature for the best flavor. If you prefer, warm a slice gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, but avoid overheating as it may affect the frosting’s texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute regular soda for Dr. Pepper Cherry in this recipe?
While other sodas might work, Dr. Pepper Cherry is special because it infuses the cake with a signature cherry flavor that’s both unique and essential. Using a different soda may alter the taste significantly.
Is it necessary to cool the cake before frosting?
Absolutely. Cooling prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off, helping you achieve a smooth, clean finish on your Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe.
Can I use homemade frosting instead of the cherry frosting?
You can, but the cherry frosting complements the soda and cherries perfectly, tying all the flavors together. Using another frosting might lose that unique cherry flair that defines this recipe.
How long does the cake stay fresh?
Stored properly in the refrigerator, your cake will stay fresh and delicious for about 3 to 4 days. After that, the texture and flavor might start to decline.
Is this cake suitable for kids?
Yes! This Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe is a kid-friendly dessert that delights with its sweet cherry notes and chocolate flavor, though it does contain soda, which some parents might want to consider.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the way this Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe marries nostalgic soda pop with rich chocolate and vibrant cherries. It’s that kind of dessert that brings smiles, sparks conversations, and gets asked for again and again. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, don’t hesitate—make this cake and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of sweet joy today!
Print
Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake is a delightful chocolate dessert infused with the unique flavor of Dr. Pepper Cherry soda and maraschino cherries. Moist and fluffy, it features a smooth cherry frosting topped with chocolate shavings and whole maraschino cherries, making it perfect for any celebration or sweet craving.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (dry mix for best results)
- 1 1/2 cups Dr. Pepper Cherry soda
- 1 jar maraschino cherries (no stems; reserve 24 cherries for topping, halve the rest for the batter)
Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar, plus up to 2 additional cups if needed
- 3–4 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice (from the jar, as needed for consistency)
Decoration
- Chocolate shavings (as desired; found at hobby or baking supply stores)
- Reserved maraschino cherries (about 24 for decorating)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with baking spray and set aside to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the dry chocolate cake mix with the Dr. Pepper Cherry soda. Mix on medium speed until fully incorporated, about 1–2 minutes. Halve the maraschino cherries (keep 24 whole for garnish) and gently fold the cherry halves into the batter for bursts of cherry flavor.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is done.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. This ensures the frosting won’t melt when applied.
- Prepare the Cherry Frosting: Using a stand mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing. Pour in 3–4 tablespoons of maraschino cherry juice and continue mixing until the frosting is stiff and spreadable. If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar little by little to reach the perfect consistency.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake has fully cooled, spread the cherry frosting evenly over the top using an angled spatula for a smooth finish.
- Decorate: Sprinkle chocolate shavings generously over the frosting and arrange the reserved whole maraschino cherries evenly on top for an attractive presentation.
- Chill and Serve: Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the frosting to set firmly before slicing and serving. Enjoy your Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake!
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use fresh maraschino cherry juice from the jar for authentic cherry flavor in the frosting.
- For extra chocolate flavor, add chocolate chips into the batter if desired.
- The frosting consistency can be adjusted by adding more cherry juice or powdered sugar as needed.
- Chocolate shavings can be replaced with chocolate chips or curls for decoration.
- This cake keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
