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
Scale
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
