Description
This Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake is a delightful and moist chocolate cake infused with cherry-flavored Dr. Pepper soda and studded with maraschino cherries. Topped with a luscious cherry-infused buttercream frosting, chocolate shavings, and whole cherries, this cake offers a perfect balance of sweet and fruity flavors, making it ideal for celebrations or a special dessert treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 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
- 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)
Decoration
- 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). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with baking spray and set aside to prevent the cake from 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 thoroughly for about 1–2 minutes until fully incorporated. Halve the maraschino cherries, reserving 24 whole cherries for garnish, and gently fold the cherry halves into the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. Cooling fully ensures that the frosting will not melt when applied.
- Prepare the Cherry Frosting: Using a stand mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add 3 cups of powdered sugar along with 3–4 tablespoons of maraschino cherry juice. Continue mixing until the frosting is smooth and stiff. If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar in small increments until the desired consistency is reached.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cherry frosting evenly over the surface using an angled spatula to create a smooth finish.
- Decorate: Sprinkle chocolate shavings generously over the frosting. Arrange the reserved whole maraschino cherries on top to add a festive and colorful touch.
- Chill and Serve: Place the 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.
Notes
- Use dry chocolate cake mix for best texture and structure.
- Ensure the cake is fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting or running frosting.
- Adjust the cherry juice quantity in the frosting to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Chocolate shavings can be substituted with chocolate curls or chips if unavailable.
- Refrigerate leftover cake to keep frosting firm and cake moist.
- For a deeper cherry flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cherry extract to the frosting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
