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Cherry Dr Pepper Cake is that showstopper dessert combining two crave-worthy flavors in a single slice—rich chocolate and sweet cherries. Every bite is soft and bursting with fruit, coated in a dreamy cherry frosting. It is the ultimate party trick when you want something memorable and easy everyone will talk about long after the last crumb disappears.
The first time I served this at my neighbor’s block party there were no leftovers and requests for the recipe started flying in before the night ended.
Ingredients
- Maraschino cherries: look for bright red cherries without blemishes they bring that cherry pop and keep every slice juicy
- Devil’s Food chocolate cake mix: try to use a trusted brand for the richest chocolate flavor
- Cherry Dr Pepper soda: adds fizz moisture and a deeper cherry note than regular cola
- Butter: choose unsalted creamy butter for the smoothest frosting
- Reserved cherry juice from the jar: this gives your frosting its pretty pink color and signature fruit taste
- Powdered sugar: make sure it is fresh and lump free for flawless frosting
- Chocolate shavings: go for good quality dark chocolate for garnish it adds a fancy touch and a hint of bittersweet
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Spray a 9x13inch baking dish with nonstick spray so your cake releases easily and has a perfect surface for frosting
- Prep the Cherries:
- Remove cherries from the jar and set aside the juice which you will use later for the frosting Pick 15 cherries and remove the stems then cut them into quarters Save the remaining cherries with stems for decoration
- Mix the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl empty the chocolate cake mix and pour in the Cherry Dr Pepper Soda Beat with a mixer on low just until everything is blended and no dry spots are left Fold in the quartered cherries gently so every bite bakes up fruity
- Bake the Cake:
- Scrape the batter into the prepared dish Level the top and bake at 350 F for about 28 minutes Test by sticking in a toothpick when it comes out with no goo the cake is done Let it cool to room temperature
- Make the Frosting:
- Blend softened butter and reserved cherry juice on medium until smooth and creamy Dump in powdered sugar half a cup at a time and beat on low Make sure you pause to scrape the bowl If your frosting feels thin add more powdered sugar until thick enough to spread
- Frost the Cake:
- Once your cake is cooled spread the pink cherry frosting all over with a spatula
- Decorate with Cherries:
- Score lines on the frosting to mark serving pieces Top each with a stemmed cherry If you run out cut extra stemless cherries for garnish Chill for at least half an hour to set
- Add Chocolate Shavings:
- Scatter chocolate shavings over the frosting just before slicing This step takes the look and flavor over the top
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One of my favorite tricks is swirling extra cherry juice into the frosting for a marbled effect Kids will always scramble to get a slice with a cherry on top and I remember my grandson proudly choosing the biggest piece at his birthday last year
Storage Tips
Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to four days If you want to freeze slices make sure they are wrapped well in plastic and foil The frosting will get a bit denser after thawing but the flavor stays lively
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find Cherry Dr Pepper plain Dr Pepper works fine but the cherry version gives the best punch For an alcoholfree adult twist try a splash of cherry liqueur in the frosting Swap Devil’s Food with dark chocolate or fudge cake mix if you like a deeper cocoa
Serving Suggestions
Each piece loves a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra decadence This cake also pairs with coffee or even sparkling wine Make cube shapes for finger desserts at parties—I love how the color pops on a white plate
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Cultural Notes
Soda cakes have deep roots in American baking especially in the South where creative home cooks transformed pantry basics into crowdpleasers This one channels the nostalgia of cherry colas at an oldschool diner mixed with classic birthday cake comfort
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How does Dr Pepper influence the texture?
Dr Pepper gives the cake a notably moist crumb, contributing lightness and subtle depth to the chocolate base.
- → Can fresh cherries replace maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries can be used, but maraschino cherries offer extra sweetness and vibrant color in the batter and decoration.
- → What consistency should the frosting have?
The frosting should be creamy but firm enough to hold its shape on the cake. Add powdered sugar until the desired thickness is achieved.
- → How should the cake be served?
Chill the cake after frosting to help set the topping, then slice and decorate each piece with a cherry before serving.
- → Is there a substitute for chocolate cake mix?
You may use a homemade chocolate cake batter if cake mix is unavailable, maintaining the same proportions of cherries and soda.