Decadent Cherry Dr Pepper Cake

This decadent Cherry Dr Pepper cake combines the rich depth of chocolate with the unique tang of cherry soda for a dessert that never fails to impress. The maraschino cherries add bursts of sweetness throughout, making each bite an adventure in flavor.

I first made this for my nephew's birthday when I was in a pinch for time, and it's been requested at every family gathering since. The combination of chocolate and cherry reminds me of those special chocolate-covered cherries we'd get as holiday treats.

Ingredients

• Chocolate fudge cake mix provides the perfect base and saves time while ensuring consistency
• Cherry Dr Pepper adds moisture and a subtle cherry cola flavor that elevates this beyond ordinary chocolate cake
• Maraschino cherries bring bursts of sweetness and a beautiful color contrast against the dark cake
• Salted butter in the frosting balances the sweetness with just the right touch of salt
• Powdered sugar creates that perfectly smooth and fluffy frosting texture that melts in your mouth

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Oven And Pan

Preheat your oven to exactly 350°F. The correct temperature is crucial for proper rising. Thoroughly coat your 9x13 baking pan with cooking spray, making sure to get the corners where cake tends to stick.

Mix The Batter

Combine the dry cake mix with room temperature Cherry Dr Pepper. Using room temperature soda prevents the batter from seizing up when mixed. Whisk thoroughly until no dry pockets remain, about 2 minutes of vigorous whisking.

Add The Cherries

Select 24 plump maraschino cherries, remove their stems, and cut each into fourths. Gently fold these cherry pieces into the batter until evenly distributed throughout. This ensures every slice has that delightful cherry surprise.

Bake To Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, using a spatula to smooth the top for even baking. Place in the center rack of your oven and bake for exactly 30 minutes. The center rack provides the most consistent heat distribution.

Prepare The Frosting Base

While the cake bakes, beat the butter in your stand mixer for a full 3 minutes until it turns lighter in color and becomes fluffy. This incorporates air for a lighter texture and allows the butter to properly accept the sugar.

Create The Cherry Frosting

Add powdered sugar gradually, one cup at a time, fully incorporating each addition before adding more. This prevents lumps and creates a silky texture. Add the cherry juice from the jar, watching as the frosting transforms into a beautiful pink hue.

Assemble And Decorate

Once the cake has completely cooled, apply your fluffy cherry frosting in an even layer. Garnish with the remaining whole cherries for a beautiful presentation that hints at the flavor inside.

Save This

The maraschino cherry juice is truly the magical ingredient in this recipe. I remember my grandmother always saying that a drop of almond extract enhances cherry flavor, but the concentrated cherry juice from the jar does this naturally while adding that beautiful color to the frosting.

Make-Ahead Options

This cake actually improves with time as the flavors meld together. You can bake the cake up to two days in advance and store it tightly covered at room temperature. The frosting can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature and give it a quick whip before frosting your cake. This makes it perfect for busy holidays or when you need to prepare for a party in advance.

Flavor Variations

While Cherry Dr Pepper creates the signature flavor, you can experiment with different soda varieties for unique twists. Regular Dr Pepper works beautifully for a less pronounced cherry flavor. For chocolate lovers, try Coca Cola for a classic chocolate soda cake. Root beer creates an amazing depth of flavor that complements the chocolate wonderfully. You can also switch up the cherries, using black cherries for a more sophisticated flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is wonderful on its own but reaches new heights when served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm cake and cold ice cream creates a delightful sensory experience. For an extra special touch, drizzle with chocolate sauce or sprinkle with chocolate shavings before serving. At parties, I like to cut this into smaller squares and serve on a tiered platter for an impressive dessert table centerpiece.

The Science Behind Soda Cakes

Soda cakes have been popular since the mid-20th century when home bakers discovered that carbonated beverages could replace eggs and oil in cake recipes. The carbonation in Dr Pepper acts as a leavening agent while the sugar and flavors enhance the cake. The acid in the soda also helps activate the leavening agents already present in the cake mix, resulting in a tender crumb structure. This makes soda cakes particularly foolproof for beginner bakers.

Common Queries

→ Can I use regular Dr Pepper instead of Cherry Dr Pepper?

Yes, you can substitute regular Dr Pepper, but you'll lose some of the cherry flavor. To compensate, consider adding 1-2 teaspoons of cherry extract to the batter.

→ How should I store this cake?

Store the frosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Allow refrigerated cake to come to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.

→ Can I make this cake as cupcakes instead?

Absolutely! Pour the batter into lined cupcake tins, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes. This recipe should yield approximately 24 cupcakes.

→ Why is my frosting too runny?

If your frosting is too thin, the butter may have been too warm or you added too much cherry juice. Add more powdered sugar, 1/4 cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time for an event?

Yes! You can bake the cake 1-2 days ahead and store unfrosted in an airtight container. The frosting can also be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Bring frosting to room temperature and whip briefly before using.

→ What can I substitute for maraschino cherries?

Fresh or frozen cherries can work, though they'll provide a different flavor profile. For the frosting, you'd need to create a cherry reduction to replace the maraschino juice. Alternatively, use cherry preserves thinned with a little water.