Description
This Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake combines rich chocolate cake infused with the unique flavor of Dr. Pepper Cherry soda and juicy maraschino cherries. Topped with a creamy cherry-flavored buttercream frosting and garnished with chocolate shavings and whole maraschino cherries, it’s a deliciously moist and festive dessert perfect for any occasion.
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)
Garnish
- Chocolate shavings (as desired; found at hobby or baking supply stores)
- Reserved maraschino cherries (about 24 for decorating)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with baking spray and set aside to prepare for the cake batter.
- Prepare Batter: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the dry chocolate cake mix with the Dr. Pepper Cherry soda. Mix thoroughly until fully incorporated, about 1–2 minutes. Halve the maraschino cherries (saving 24 whole cherries for garnish) and gently fold the cherry halves into the batter.
- Bake Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly to smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Cool Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This step ensures the frosting won’t melt when applied.
- Make Frosting: Using a stand mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and 3–4 tablespoons of maraschino cherry juice (or as needed) and continue to beat until the frosting becomes smooth, stiff, and spreadable. If it’s too thin, incorporate additional powdered sugar a little at a time to reach the desired consistency.
- Frost Cake: Spread the cherry frosting evenly over the completely cooled cake using an angled spatula to achieve a smooth finish.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chocolate shavings over the frosted cake, then artfully arrange the reserved whole maraschino cherries on top for a beautiful and flavorful presentation.
- Chill Cake: Place the finished cake in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the frosting to set firmly before slicing and serving. Enjoy this moist, cherry-infused chocolate delight!
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Adjust frosting thickness by adding powdered sugar or cherry juice to get the perfect consistency.
- Chocolate shavings can be purchased or made by shaving a chocolate bar with a vegetable peeler.
- For a more intense cherry flavor, add a teaspoon of cherry extract to the frosting.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
