If you’re looking for a cake that bursts with nostalgic cherry flavor and a soft, moist crumb enhanced by a surprising twist, you have to try this Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe. This unique treat combines the rich complexity of chocolate cake mix with the effervescent sweetness of Dr. Pepper Cherry soda and the bright pop of maraschino cherries, creating a perfectly balanced dessert that everyone will rave about at your next gathering. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Dr. Pepper or simply love cherry chocolate combos, this cake is effortlessly impressive yet completely doable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe shines because it’s built on a foundation of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component plays a key role: the chocolate cake mix ensures a tender, chocolatey base; Dr. Pepper Cherry soda infuses moisture and a subtle, fruity fizz; and maraschino cherries bring their signature sweetness and vibrant color throughout the cake and frosting.
- Chocolate cake mix (1 box): This saves prep time while guaranteeing a moist and rich cake base that pairs beautifully with cherry flavors.
- Dr. Pepper Cherry soda (1 1/2 cups): Adds a fizzy, fruit-forward note that helps keep the cake light and flavorful without extra effort.
- Maraschino cherries (1 jar, no stems): Freshened up by halving most for batter inclusion and saving some whole for a stunning garnish.
- Unsalted sweet cream butter (1 cup, softened): Essential for making the luscious, creamy cherry frosting.
- Powdered sugar (3 cups plus up to 2 more): Provides the perfect sweetness and texture for a frosting that holds its shape well.
- Maraschino cherry juice (3–4 tablespoons): Adds natural cherry flavor and helps create the perfect frosting consistency.
- Chocolate shavings (as desired): Optional but highly recommended for adding elegant texture and deep chocolate notes on top.
- Reserved maraschino cherries (about 24): For that classic, glossy cherry topping that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
How to Make Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with baking spray to ensure the cake doesn’t stick, so you get clean slices and an easy release when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl or your stand mixer, blend the dry chocolate cake mix with 1 1/2 cups of Dr. Pepper Cherry soda until everything is smooth and uniformly combined. This liquid incorporates fizz and sweetness that brings a subtle lift to the batter. Halve the maraschino cherries, being sure to reserve 24 whole ones for decoration later, and gently fold those halved cherries into the mixture. This little addition ensures cherry sweetness bursts in every bite.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the greased pan and level out the top so it bakes evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This step is key for that perfect moist texture paired with a slight tender crumb.
Step 4: Cool the Cake
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. This resting period is crucial so that when you add luscious frosting, it won’t melt or become runny.
Step 5: Prepare the Cherry Frosting
While the cake cools, whip up the frosting by beating the softened butter in a stand mixer until creamy. Slowly incorporate the powdered sugar along with 3 to 4 tablespoons of the reserved cherry juice from the maraschino jar. This juice adds an unmistakably bright cherry flavor to the frosting. If the frosting feels too loose, keep adding powdered sugar by small increments until you get a thick, smooth consistency perfect for spreading.
Step 6: Frost and Decorate the Cake
Use an angled spatula to smooth the cherry frosting evenly over the cooled cake, creating a flawless cherry-hued canvas. Top with chocolate shavings sprinkled generously, then artfully arrange the reserved whole maraschino cherries for a festive, eye-catching finish.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
Place the decorated cake in the refrigerator for at least one hour to let the frosting set nicely. This chilling step ensures clean, beautiful slices and brings all those flavors together perfectly. Once chilled, slice and enjoy the magic of this delightful Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe!
How to Serve Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe
Garnishes
The reserved maraschino cherries aren’t just for looks; they provide the perfect sweet, juicy bite on top of every slice. Adding chocolate shavings adds an elegant touch, creating a contrast of textures and a hint of chocolaty decadence that pairs beautifully with the cherry notes.
Side Dishes
This cake complements a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience. Fresh seasonal berries can also brighten the plate and add a fresh acidity that balances the richness of the cake and frosting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve this cake with a drizzle of cherry syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra presentation flair. Try layering small slices with whipped cream and cherries in parfait glasses for a charming alternative serving style that’s perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting firm and the cake moist. Leftovers will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy this delightful dessert over time without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze slices of the cake individually, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to maintain moisture and texture.
Reheating
It’s best to enjoy this cake chilled or at room temperature rather than reheated, as warming can soften the frosting too much. If desired, let frozen slices thaw completely, then bring to room temperature before eating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of soda instead of Dr. Pepper Cherry?
While Dr. Pepper Cherry gives the cake a unique and signature flavor, you can experiment with other cherry-flavored sodas or even cola, but expect some variation in taste and sweetness. The original soda adds a special nostalgic punch that’s hard to beat.
Is it necessary to use a boxed chocolate cake mix?
Using a boxed mix makes this recipe incredibly quick and consistent, but if you prefer, a homemade chocolate cake batter can work. Just ensure it’s a moist, rich chocolate cake to complement the soda and cherries well.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and verify that all other ingredients, such as baking spray and chocolate shavings, are gluten-free. The method stays the same and you’ll still get that fantastic cherry-chocolate flavor.
How do the maraschino cherries affect the texture?
The halved cherries folded into the batter add little bursts of chewy, juicy sweetness that contrast nicely with the soft crumb of the cake. Meanwhile, the whole cherries on top provide a fresh, glossy finish that’s as much about presentation as flavor.
What’s the best way to get chocolate shavings?
You can buy chocolate shavings at specialty baking stores, or easily make your own by using a vegetable peeler on a good-quality chocolate bar. They add beautiful texture and deep chocolate taste to balance the cherry sweetness perfectly.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried a Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe before, you’re in for a deliciously surprising treat. This cake perfectly blends nostalgic soda pop charm, fresh cherry bursts, and comforting chocolate into a dessert that’s fun to make and impossible to resist. Seriously, whether for a celebration or just a sweet weekend indulgence, this recipe will quickly become one of those favorites you’ll want to bake again and again.
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Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake is a delightful chocolate cake infused with the unique flavor of Dr. Pepper Cherry soda and dotted with maraschino cherries. The cake is topped with a creamy cherry frosting made from butter, powdered sugar, and cherry juice, then garnished with chocolate shavings and whole maraschino cherries. Perfect for celebrations or any time you want a whimsical, flavorful dessert with a nostalgic twist.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 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 Ingredients
- 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)
- 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). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with baking spray and set aside to prevent sticking.
- 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 for about 1–2 minutes until the batter is fully incorporated and smooth. Halve the maraschino cherries (reserving 24 whole cherries for garnish) and gently fold the cherry halves into the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the baking dish. This step is important to prevent the frosting from melting 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. Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of maraschino cherry juice from the jar to the frosting mixture to achieve a smooth, stiff consistency. If the frosting seems too thin, add additional powdered sugar a little at a time until the desired firmness is reached.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cherry frosting evenly over the top using an angled spatula to create a smooth finish.
- Decorate: Sprinkle chocolate shavings generously over the frosting for an elegant look. Arrange the reserved whole maraschino cherries on top as a decorative garnish.
- Chill and Serve: Place the frosted and decorated cake in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the frosting to set firmly. Slice and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy your Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake!
Notes
- Using Dr. Pepper Cherry soda enhances the cherry flavor and adds moisture to the cake.
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting to achieve the desired thickness.
- Chocolate shavings can be made at home using a vegetable peeler on a chocolate bar if not available at stores.
- This cake is best served chilled but can be stored at room temperature for up to one day.
