Introduction

Cherry Dr Pepper Cake is a delightful twist on classic chocolate cake, combining the rich flavor of Devil’s food cake with the sweet, fruity notes of Maraschino cherries and cherry-flavored Dr Pepper. Topped with a creamy cherry frosting and garnished with chocolate shavings, this dessert is sure to impress at any gathering.

A slice of chocolate cake is lifted on a spatula, showing two layers: a thick, dark brown, moist chocolate cake base and a thick light pink frosting layer on top. The frosting is smooth and topped with curly chocolate shavings and a bright red cherry with its stem in the center. The rest of the cake, with the same layered look and frosting decoration with cherries and chocolate curls, is on a white marbled surface in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

10 ounces maraschino cherries (remove the stems from 15 cherries and reserve the juice for the frosting)
1 box Devil’s food chocolate cake mix (dry)
1½ cups cherry Dr Pepper
1 cup butter (softened)
Reserved maraschino cherry juice
3 cups powdered sugar (plus ½ cup extra if needed)
¼ cup chocolate shavings

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with baking spray.
Step 2: Remove the cherries from the jar, reserving the liquid for the frosting. Remove stems from 15 cherries, slice each cherry into quarters, and set aside. Keep the rest with stems on for garnish.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the dry cake mix and cherry Dr Pepper. Mix on low speed until just combined.
Step 4: Gently fold the sliced cherries into the batter with a large spoon.
Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
Step 6: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with ¼ to ⅓ cup of the reserved cherry juice until creamy.
Step 7: Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add 3 cups of powdered sugar, about ½ cup at a time, until the frosting reaches a firm but spreadable consistency. Add up to ½ cup more powdered sugar if needed.
Step 8: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
Step 9: Lightly score the cake to mark serving sizes. Place one stemmed cherry on each piece. If you have fewer whole cherries than servings, remove stems from remaining cherries, slice them, and use as garnish.
Step 10: Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour to help the frosting set.
Step 11: Sprinkle chocolate shavings evenly over the frosting before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra cherry flavor, try adding a teaspoon of cherry extract to the frosting.
If you prefer, substitute regular Dr Pepper or cola for cherry Dr Pepper for a different twist.
Use fresh cherries in season as a garnish to elevate the presentation.
To make chocolate shavings, use a vegetable peeler on a chocolate bar for fresh, homemade decoration.

Storage

Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow chilled cake to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving for best texture. The frosting may firm up when cold, so gentle warming will help soften it.

How to Serve

A close-up of a dessert in a clear glass dish shows three bright red cherries with stems on top of a thick layer of light pink creamy frosting, which is sprinkled evenly with small, curly chocolate shavings. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, and in the top left corner, there is a partial view of a black can with red and green design, and in the top right corner, a small glass bowl filled with more red cherries is slightly out of focus. The texture of the frosting looks smooth and fluffy, while the chocolate curls add a fine roughness to the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake from scratch without the mix?

Yes, you can use your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe and substitute cherry Dr Pepper for some of the liquid to achieve a similar flavor profile.

Can I freeze the Cherry Dr Pepper Cake?

Yes, this cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving and refresh the frosting if needed.