When you think of comfort desserts that bring a burst of nostalgia and fun, this Cherry Dr Pepper Cake Recipe takes the spotlight. It combines rich chocolate fudge cake with the surprisingly delightful fizz and flavor of Dr Pepper soda, punctuated by juicy maraschino cherries and a luscious chocolate frosting frosting that ties it all together. It’s an absolute showstopper for gatherings or a cozy night in, delivering layers of moistness and sweet cherry essence that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simplicity and letting each ingredient shine through. With a few staple pantry items complemented by the unique twist of Dr Pepper and cherries, you’ll achieve a cake that’s moist, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.
- Chocolate fudge cake mix: The base that guarantees deep chocolate flavor and a fudgy texture every time.
- Dr Pepper (12 oz, regular): Adds a subtle spicy sweetness and carbonation that keeps the cake incredibly moist.
- Chopped maraschino cherries (1/2 cup): These bring bursts of juicy, bright cherry flavor throughout the cake.
- Cherry juice (1/4 cup): Taken from the maraschino jar, it amps up that cherry essence to next level goodness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A small addition that enhances all the other flavors with warm, aromatic notes.
- Chocolate frosting (16 oz container): The creamy topping that makes every bite irresistibly indulgent and rich.
How to Make Cherry Dr Pepper Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your cake will bake evenly and release easily when it’s done.
Step 2: Mix Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate fudge cake mix and regular Dr Pepper soda. Stir these together until you have a smooth batter free of lumps. The soda adds a unique fizz and flavor that’s the secret behind this cake’s moist texture.
Step 3: Fold in Cherries, Juice, and Vanilla
Gently fold the chopped maraschino cherries, cherry juice, and vanilla extract into the batter. This step infuses the cake with vibrant cherry flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the prepared batter into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool and Frost
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan—that’s key to having a flawless frosting layer. Once cooled, frost the top evenly with the chocolate frosting. If you want extra cherry charm, decorate the surface with a few whole maraschino cherries.
How to Serve Cherry Dr Pepper Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a handful of maraschino cherries on top adds a pretty pop of color and accentuates the cherry flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, a light dusting of cocoa powder or some chocolate shavings will elevate the look without overpowering the delicate balance of flavors.
Side Dishes
This cake shines as a standalone dessert, but if you want to pair it, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee also makes an excellent companion for this rich, cherry-chocolate delight.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into bite-sized squares and serving it as part of a dessert platter with other cherry or chocolate treats. Or, make it into a layered trifle by crumbling the cake and layering it with whipped cream and cherry pie filling for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, cover the cake with plastic wrap or a cake dome and leave it at room temperature. It will stay moist and delicious for up to three days, making it perfect for prepping ahead of time.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover cake slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve that perfect texture.
Reheating
Although best enjoyed at room temperature, you can warm individual slices slightly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to make the chocolate frosting a bit melty and gooey, enhancing the rich sensation.
FAQs
Can I use diet Dr Pepper for this Cherry Dr Pepper Cake Recipe?
It’s best to avoid diet soda, as the artificial sweeteners can affect the cake’s texture and taste. Regular Dr Pepper ensures the perfect balance of sweetness and carbonation.
Is it necessary to use pre-made chocolate frosting?
Not at all! While pre-made frosting is convenient, homemade chocolate ganache can add a more luxurious and rich touch if you want to customize this recipe.
Can I substitute fresh cherries for maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries can be used, but they don’t have the same sweetness or juicy syrup as maraschino cherries and cherry juice, which are key to the flavor profile of this cake.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this Cherry Dr Pepper Cake Recipe gluten-free, choose a gluten-free chocolate cake mix. Just be sure to check all ingredient labels carefully.
Why does the Dr Pepper soda work well in this cake?
The unique blend of 23 flavors in Dr Pepper introduces a slight spicy, fruity sweetness that enhances the chocolate and cherry tones, plus the carbonation keeps the cake light and moist.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Cherry Dr Pepper Cake Recipe, bringing an unexpected yet delightful twist to classic chocolate cake. It’s a fun, easy-to-make dessert that’s sure to make smiles blossom at your next get-together or family dinner. Once you try it, this cheerful cake will likely become one of your favorite sweet treats to bake and share.
Print
Cherry Dr Pepper Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cherry Dr Pepper Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make chocolate soda cake featuring the unique flavor of Dr Pepper and juicy maraschino cherries. Moist and rich with a luscious chocolate frosting topping, it’s a perfect American dessert for cherry and chocolate lovers alike.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate fudge cake mix
- 1 can (12 oz) Dr Pepper (regular, not diet)
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup cherry juice (from the maraschino cherry jar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting
- 1 container (16 oz) chocolate frosting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate fudge cake mix and the can of Dr Pepper. Stir the mixture until smooth and well incorporated, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add Flavorings: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, cherry juice extracted from the cherry jar, and vanilla extract to the batter, mixing carefully to distribute evenly without breaking up the cherries too much.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the baking dish to set properly before frosting.
- Frost the Cake: Once cooled, spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top of the cake using a spatula or knife.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the frosted cake with extra maraschino cherries if desired. Slice into 12 servings and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute cherry-flavored Dr Pepper for enhanced cherry flavor.
- For a more homemade touch, use a simple chocolate ganache instead of store-bought frosting.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
