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
Scale
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.
