If you adore quirky, crowd-pleasing desserts that balance nostalgia with bold flavor, you are in for a treat! Cherry Dr Pepper Cake is a whimsical, super-moist chocolate cake blending effervescent Dr Pepper, sweet maraschino cherries, and a fudgy finish. Perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or just a sweet weeknight treat, this cake turns a handful of pantry staples into pure dessert bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Cherry Dr Pepper Cake couldn’t be easier. Each element not only has its role, but together they create the cake’s unique richness and irresistible cherry-chocolate vibe that is always a hit.
- Chocolate fudge cake mix: This boxed mix serves as a reliable, rich base that keeps things simple but decadent.
- Dr Pepper (regular, not diet): The soda adds a subtle spice, signature cherry hints, and creates a light, fluffy crumb.
- Chopped maraschino cherries: Bright, sweet, and ruby-red, these bits are little flavor and color gems throughout the cake.
- Cherry juice (from the maraschino cherry jar): Just a splash amps up the cherry flavor and adds moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor and adds a cozy, familiar note beneath the cherry and chocolate.
- Chocolate frosting: Creamy and rich, it tops off the cake in decadent style—store-bought or homemade, your choice!
How to Make Cherry Dr Pepper Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, ensuring the perfect environment for a fluffy, evenly baked cake. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it—nonstick spray or a smear of butter works well—to guarantee your Cherry Dr Pepper Cake slices come out clean and beautiful every time.
Step 2: Mix Your Batter
In a large mixing bowl, pour the chocolate fudge cake mix and the full can of Dr Pepper. Stir gently but thoroughly until you have a smooth, glossy batter. This is where the soda’s bubbles work their magic, giving you a light texture without eggs or oil.
Step 3: Add Cherries, Cherry Juice, and Vanilla
Now, fold in your chopped maraschino cherries, cherry juice, and vanilla extract. These simple additions infuse every bite of Cherry Dr Pepper Cake with bursts of cherry flavor and pockets of juicy sweetness, all wrapped in chocolate goodness.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop the cake into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the kitchen smells absolutely divine.
Step 5: Cool, Frost, and Garnish
Let your Cherry Dr Pepper Cake cool completely right in the pan—a crucial step so the frosting won’t melt. Once cooled, slather the whole cake in a generous layer of chocolate frosting. For a finishing touch, dot the top with extra whole maraschino cherries. Slice, serve, and prepare for rave reviews!
How to Serve Cherry Dr Pepper Cake
Garnishes
No Cherry Dr Pepper Cake is complete without its glitzy maraschino cherry topping. Add a few whole cherries on each slice, or sprinkle with mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of extra cherry juice for flair. Whipped cream swirls always earn extra smiles, too.
Side Dishes
This cake shines as the centerpiece, but a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side never hurts. Fresh berries offer a refreshing contrast, and a tall glass of cold milk or cherry soda rounds out the dessert table.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut your Cherry Dr Pepper Cake into bite-sized squares and skewer each with a cherry on top. Bake in cupcake tins for individual treats, or serve warm with a chocolate ganache drizzle and a cherry nestled on whipped cream—simple upgrades turn this fun dessert into a stunning showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Cherry Dr Pepper Cake in the pan with plastic wrap or foil and keep at room temperature for up to three days. This cake stays surprisingly moist, making it perfect for snacking all weekend long.
Freezing
To freeze, cut the cake into pieces and wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months—just remember to leave the cherries off the top until serving, as they don’t freeze as well.
Reheating
If you’d like a slightly warm slice, pop a portion into the microwave for 10–15 seconds. The chocolate frosting turns almost fudgy, and the cherries become extra juicy—just like a fresh-baked Cherry Dr Pepper Cake.
FAQs
Can I use diet Dr Pepper in this recipe?
For best texture and flavor, stick to regular Dr Pepper. The sugar content in regular soda helps the cake rise and remain tender, while diet versions may cause the crumb to be less moist and flavorful.
Will cherry-flavored Dr Pepper make a big difference?
Absolutely! Cherry-flavored Dr Pepper intensifies the cherry profile, making the Cherry Dr Pepper Cake even more vibrant and fruity. If you love cherry, it’s a fun swap to try.
Can I make this cake in advance for a party?
Yes, you can bake Cherry Dr Pepper Cake a day ahead. Just wait to frost and garnish until the day of serving for the freshest taste and best presentation.
Is it possible to use homemade frosting?
Definitely! A simple chocolate ganache or homemade chocolate buttercream adds a lovely, personal touch if you want to skip the store-bought frosting.
What other toppings go well with this cake?
Try chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, toasted coconut, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. All of these make Cherry Dr Pepper Cake even more festive and offer delicious texture contrasts.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a playful twist on classic chocolate cake, Cherry Dr Pepper Cake is the recipe to try next. It’s simple enough for any baking level but always delivers a memorable flavor punch. So don’t be shy—gather your ingredients and treat yourself (and your favorite people) to this irresistible dessert!
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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
Indulge in the delightful combination of rich chocolate fudge cake infused with the unique flavor of Dr Pepper, studded with juicy maraschino cherries, and topped with decadent chocolate frosting in this Cherry Dr Pepper Cake.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 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
For the Frosting:
- 1 container (16 oz) chocolate frosting
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate fudge cake mix and Dr Pepper, stirring until smooth. Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, cherry juice, and vanilla extract.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Frost: Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with additional maraschino cherries if desired. Slice and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute cherry-flavored Dr Pepper for extra 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.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
