Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Cherry Dr Pepper Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 385 reviews
  • Author: lilan
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

This Cherry Dr Pepper Cake is a luscious and unique twist on classic chocolate cake. Infused with cherry-flavored Dr Pepper soda and studded with luscious maraschino cherries, it boasts a moist devil’s food chocolate crumb. The cherry-infused buttercream frosting, made with reserved cherry juice, adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the chocolate richness. Topped with stemmed cherries and delicate chocolate shavings, this cake is a festive and irresistible dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 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

Frosting

  • 1 cup butter (softened)
  • Reserved maraschino cherry juice (about ¼ to ⅓ cup)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar (plus ½ cup extra if needed)

Garnish

  • Chocolate shavings (¼ cup or as needed)
  • Stemmed maraschino cherries for decorating

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cake.
  2. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with baking spray to ensure the cake does not stick.
  3. Prepare Cherries: Remove all maraschino cherries from the jar, reserving the juice for the frosting. Remove stems from 15 cherries, then slice each into quarters for folding into the cake batter. Keep the remaining cherries with stems for garnish.
  4. Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the dry devil’s food cake mix and cherry Dr Pepper. Using a mixer on low speed, mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  5. Add Cherries to Batter: Gently fold in the sliced cherries with a large spoon until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the baking dish before frosting.
  8. Make Frosting: In a large bowl, use a mixer on medium speed to cream together the softened butter and the reserved cherry juice (about ¼ to ⅓ cup) until smooth.
  9. Add Powdered Sugar: Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add 3 cups of powdered sugar, about ½ cup at a time. Continue beating until the frosting reaches a firm, spreadable consistency. If frosting is too thin, add up to ½ cup more powdered sugar carefully.
  10. Frost Cake: Spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cooled cake using an offset spatula or knife.
  11. Score Cake: Gently score the top of the frosted cake to mark serving pieces for easier cutting later.
  12. Decorate with Cherries: Place a stemmed maraschino cherry in the center of each piece of cake. If you have fewer stemmed cherries than pieces, slice the stemmed cherries and use halves as garnish.
  13. Chill to Set Frosting: Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes to 1 hour to help the frosting set before slicing and serving.
  14. Add Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle chocolate shavings evenly over the top of the frosted cake. You can use store-bought shavings or create your own by peeling a chocolate bar with a vegetable peeler.

Notes

  • Using cherry-flavored Dr Pepper adds a unique soda sweetness and subtle cherry taste, but regular Dr Pepper or cola could be substituted if needed.
  • Make sure the cake has completely cooled before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
  • Adjust the frosting consistency by adding more powdered sugar as needed; ensure it is firm enough to spread but not too thick.
  • Chilling the cake after frosting helps the frosting firm up for cleaner slices and better presentation.
  • The chocolate shavings add texture and visual appeal but can be omitted if desired.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 28 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cherry cake, Dr Pepper cake, chocolate cherry cake, maraschino cherries, devil's food cake, cherry frosting, soda cake, chocolate cake

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://cooklilan.com/cherry-dr-pepper-cake-recipe/