If you’re looking for a dessert that brings a delightful pop of flavor and a fun twist on traditional chocolate cake, then the Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. This cake combines the sweet fizz of Dr. Pepper Cherry soda with juicy maraschino cherries and rich chocolate, resulting in a moist, flavorful treat that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. It’s not just a cake; it’s an experience that celebrates classic soda-shop vibes with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make this cake truly shine, each one playing an essential role in texture, sweetness, and that unmistakable cherry-chocolate harmony.
- Chocolate cake mix: Using a quality dry mix forms the perfect chocolatey base for this cake.
- Dr. Pepper Cherry soda (1 1/2 cups): Adds moisture and a unique sweet cherry flavor that sets this cake apart.
- Maraschino cherries (1 jar, stems removed): Fresh cherries mixed into the batter bring bursts of chewy, fruity goodness.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Crucial for making the frosting rich and creamy without overpowering the other flavors.
- Powdered sugar (3 cups, plus up to 2 more cups if needed): Sweetens the frosting to a perfect consistency that’s not too runny or stiff.
- Chocolate shavings (1 container): Adds a decorative, decadent chocolate texture on top, enhancing the cake’s visual appeal.
How to Make Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring that it reaches the perfect baking temperature while you prepare the batter. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with a non-stick baking spray to prevent the cake from sticking and to guarantee easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Mix Your Batter
In a standing mixer, combine the chocolate cake mix with 1 1/2 cups of Dr. Pepper Cherry soda. Mixing these together slowly incorporates the soda’s fizz and sweetness into the batter, helping create a moist and flavorful cake crumb.
Step 3: Add in the Cherries
Drain your maraschino cherries, remove 24 to set aside for decoration, and cut the remaining cherries in half. Fold these halved cherries gently into the cake batter to evenly distribute fruity punches of cherry flavor.
Step 4: Bake Your Cake
Pour the prepared batter into your greased baking dish and smooth it out for even baking. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, revealing a perfectly baked cake.
Step 5: Cool Completely Before Frosting
Once baked, let your Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake cool thoroughly in the baking dish. This cooling step is essential to ensure the frosting doesn’t melt or run when applied.
Step 6: Prepare the Frosting
While the cake cools, prepare the frosting by beating together the softened butter and powdered sugar. Start with 3 cups of powdered sugar and add more if needed to reach your desired sweetness and consistency. This frosting will provide a luscious, creamy topping that complements the cherry and chocolate beautifully.
Step 7: Frost and Garnish
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake, creating a smooth, inviting layer. Finish by sprinkling chocolate shavings generously on top and decorate with the reserved whole maraschino cherries for that extra pop of color and flavor.
How to Serve Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Besides the chocolate shavings and maraschino cherries already on the cake, consider adding a light dusting of cocoa powder or a fresh mint leaf to each slice. These small touches enhance the presentation and add subtle flavor contrasts.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. You can also serve it alongside fresh fruit like raspberries or sliced strawberries, which balance the richness of the cake with a bit of tartness.
Creative Ways to Present
To make your Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake experience even more special, try serving it in individual clear glass dishes for a layered effect or cut into petite squares and arranged on a decorative platter for a party setting. A drizzle of warmed cherry sauce or chocolate ganache over each slice adds a touch of elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your cake has been frosted, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days.
Freezing
If you want to save the Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe for later, you can freeze it without frosting. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, freezing for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator before frosting.
Reheating
The cake tastes best cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer it warm, gently microwave individual slices for 10 to 15 seconds. Avoid overheating to maintain the cake’s moist texture.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade cherry soda instead of Dr. Pepper Cherry?
While homemade cherry soda can work, Dr. Pepper Cherry offers a distinctive flavor that contributes to the cake’s unique taste. Substituting may change the final profile but can still yield a delicious cake.
Is it necessary to use maraschino cherries, or can fresh cherries be used?
Maraschino cherries provide a consistent sweetness and bright color that complement the soda flavor well. Fresh cherries can be used but may alter moisture levels and sweetness, so adjustments might be needed.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the chocolate cake mix for a gluten-free alternative. Ensure the mix you choose bakes well and is suitable for soda-based recipes.
What is the best way to avoid a soggy cake bottom?
Properly greasing your pan and baking the cake fully until a toothpick comes out clean helps prevent sogginess. Additionally, letting the cake cool completely before frosting stops moisture from seeping down.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the frosting a day in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature, or refrigerate if your kitchen is warm. Give it a quick whip before spreading to restore its creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
The Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe is such a delightful way to bring nostalgic flavors to your dessert table, guaranteed to wow friends and family every time you serve it. Its unique blend of cherry and chocolate keeps everyone coming back for more, so don’t hesitate to whip up a batch and share the love!
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 moist, flavorful chocolate cake infused with the unique taste of Dr. Pepper Cherry soda and studded with maraschino cherries. Topped with a rich, creamy buttercream frosting and decorated with chocolate shavings, this cake is perfect for celebrations or any time you crave a sweet treat with a nostalgic twist.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (dry mix only)
- 1 1/2 cups Dr. Pepper Cherry soda
- 1 jar maraschino cherries with no stems (about 24 cherries, halved)
Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar (plus up to 2 cups more if needed for consistency)
- 1 container chocolate shavings (for garnish)
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 (such as Pam) to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Mix Batter: In a stand mixer, combine the dry chocolate cake mix with the Dr. Pepper Cherry soda. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Add Cherries: Cut 24 maraschino cherries in half and gently fold them into the cake batter to evenly distribute the fruit throughout the cake.
- Pour Batter: Pour the cherry-studded batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the baking dish before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Using a stand mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add 3 cups of powdered sugar, continuing to beat until smooth and fluffy. Add additional powdered sugar if needed to reach your desired frosting consistency.
- Frost Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the prepared buttercream frosting evenly over the top of the cake.
- Decorate: Sprinkle chocolate shavings generously over the frosted cake for an elegant and delicious finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Adjust the frosting sweetness by gradually adding powdered sugar and tasting as you go.
- You can substitute Dr. Pepper Cherry soda with regular Dr. Pepper or another cherry-flavored soda if unavailable.
- For a richer cherry flavor, consider adding a splash of maraschino cherry juice to the batter.
- The cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for longer freshness.
