If you are craving a dessert that bursts with unique flavors and has a nostalgic touch, then you are in for a treat with the Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe. This cake combines the fizzy sweetness of Dr. Pepper Cherry soda with luscious maraschino cherries, marrying them perfectly into a moist chocolate cake that feels like a little celebration in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just because you want to indulge, this recipe brings a fun twist to traditional chocolate cake with a vibrant cherry kick that your taste buds will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this recipe. Each element works together to create that moist texture and balanced sweetness that makes this Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake so memorable.
- Chocolate cake mix: Using a box mix keeps things simple and makes sure you get a consistent, rich chocolate flavor without the fuss.
- Dr. Pepper Cherry soda: This adds a unique fizz and fruity undertone that truly sets the cake apart from anything regular chocolate cake can offer.
- Maraschino cherries: These juicy cherries bring bursts of color and cherry sweetness straight into the batter for a heavenly blend.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Vital for the frosting, it adds creamy richness and smooth texture.
- Powdered sugar: This sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency, with flexibility to adjust sweetness.
- Chocolate shavings: For that beautiful finishing touch that not only enhances flavor but makes the cake look irresistibly elegant.
How to Make Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your oven is just right when the cake batter is ready to go in. While that’s heating up, prepare your 9×13 baking dish by giving it a gentle spray with non-stick baking spray. This little step guarantees your cake will come out clean and unbroken.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
Grab your standing mixer and combine the dry chocolate cake mix with the Dr. Pepper Cherry soda. This is where the magic begins—the soda will create a bubbly, fluffy batter with a hint of cherry undertone. Mix until just combined to maintain that perfect cake texture.
Step 3: Add the Cherries
Slice the maraschino cherries in half and gently fold them into your batter. This spreads those sweet bursts of cherry throughout the cake and adds delightful pops of color within each slice.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for around 30 minutes, but start checking at 25 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center. Once it comes out clean, your cake is perfectly baked—moist and ready to cool.
Step 5: Cool and Frost
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling is crucial because frosting a warm cake can cause the icing to melt and slide right off. Once cooled, you can whip up your frosting using the softened butter and powdered sugar, adjusting the sweetness as you go.
Step 6: Add the Final Touch
Spread your luscious homemade frosting generously over the cake. Then, beautify the top with chocolate shavings for an elegant, textured finish that adds just the right amount of chocolate crunch alongside the soft cake and creamy frosting.
How to Serve Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, don’t hesitate to add a few reserved whole maraschino cherries on top for extra charm and color contrast. A light dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of chocolate syrup can also elevate the look and flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Both provide a cool, creamy counterbalance to the cake’s rich and fruity flavor profile.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this cake in individual glass jars layered with whipped cream and extra cherries for a fun, shareable presentation. Or cut the cake into neat squares and skewer with a cherry on top for an elegant party bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. For longer freshness, keep it covered and refrigerated where it will stay moist and delicious for 4 to 5 days.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting if unfrosted.
Reheating
While the cake is great chilled or at room temperature, reheating small slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds can bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feeling, especially when accompanied by a scoop of ice cream.
FAQs
Can I use a different soda instead of Dr. Pepper Cherry?
You certainly can! While Dr. Pepper Cherry gives a distinctive flavor, other cherry-flavored sodas or even classic Dr. Pepper will work. Just keep in mind each soda’s unique flavor may alter the final taste a bit.
Do I need to add eggs or oil to the cake mix?
Nope! The soda replaces the liquid component, and the maraschino cherries add moisture and sweetness. This cake is wonderfully simple with fewer ingredients but still super moist.
How important is it to let the cake cool before frosting?
It’s very important. Frosting a warm cake can cause the icing to melt or become runny, so patience pays off with a smooth, stable frosting layer that looks and tastes perfect.
Can I make the frosting less sweet?
Yes! You can reduce the powdered sugar or add a little cream cheese to balance the sweetness if you prefer a tangier frosting. Feel free to adjust until it suits your taste.
Is this recipe good for special occasions?
Absolutely! The Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe is a fun and unexpected choice for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration where you want to impress with a cake that’s as delicious as it is unique.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe is one of those rare desserts that feels like a happy discovery every time you make it. The combination of cherry soda, fresh cherries, and chocolate creates a flavor party you won’t forget. I highly encourage you to give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easily you can whip up something so special and tasty.
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake is a delightful and moist chocolate cake infused with the unique flavors of cherry soda and maraschino cherries. Perfectly topped with a creamy buttercream frosting and decorated with chocolate shavings, this cake is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (dry mix only)
- 1 1/2 cups Dr. Pepper Cherry soda
- 1 jar maraschino cherries (remove 24 cherries, then cut in half)
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar (add 2 more cups if needed for desired consistency)
- 1 container of chocolate shavings (found at Hobby Lobby)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with PAM baking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Mix Cake Batter: Using a standing mixer, combine the dry chocolate cake mix with the Dr. Pepper Cherry soda until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
- Add Cherries: Cut the reserved maraschino cherries in half and gently fold them into the cake batter to evenly distribute the fruit.
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 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 and Frost Cake: Beat the softened unsalted butter with 3 cups of powdered sugar until smooth. Add more powdered sugar if needed for the right consistency. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake, then generously top with chocolate shavings to finish.
Notes
- Make sure the Dr. Pepper Cherry soda is fresh to ensure the best flavor and carbonation effect on the cake texture.
- Cooling the cake completely before frosting prevents the frosting from melting.
- You can adjust the powdered sugar quantity in the frosting for your preferred sweetness and thickness.
- The maraschino cherries add a burst of cherry flavor; removing the stems makes eating easier.
- Use PAM baking spray or any non-stick spray to ensure easy cake removal and cleanup.
