Description
This Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake combines the rich flavors of chocolate and cherry with a unique twist of Dr. Pepper Cherry soda for a moist, flavorful dessert. Topped with a creamy cherry frosting, chocolate shavings, and maraschino cherries, this cake is perfect for celebrations or anytime you want a deliciously distinctive 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 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 until fully incorporated, about 1–2 minutes. Halve the maraschino cherries, reserving 24 whole for garnish, and fold the halves into the batter gently to distribute evenly.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top for even baking. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is done.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan to prevent 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 and cherry juice from the maraschino cherries jar, mixing until the frosting reaches a smooth, stiff consistency. If the frosting is too thin, add additional powdered sugar gradually until desired thickness is achieved.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the cherry frosting evenly over the completely cooled cake using an angled spatula to create a smooth, attractive finish.
- Decorate: Sprinkle chocolate shavings generously over the frosting and arrange the reserved whole maraschino cherries on top as desired to add a festive and colorful touch.
- Chill and Serve: Place the finished cake in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the frosting to set firmly before slicing. Serve chilled and enjoy your deliciously moist cherry-flavored chocolate cake.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting and running.
- Adjust frosting thickness by adding more powdered sugar if it’s too soft or maraschino juice if it’s too thick.
- Chocolate shavings can be substituted with chocolate chips or curls if unavailable.
- For best taste, use sweet cream butter rather than salted to control saltiness.
- Allowing the cake to chill ensures cleaner slices and better presentation.
