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
Scale
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.
