If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that feels like a decadent party in every bite, then you absolutely must try this Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe. It’s such a delightful twist on a classic soda cake, marrying rich chocolate with the sweet, fruity zing of maraschino cherries and that unmistakable Dr. Pepper flavor. This cake is moist, tender, and topped with a luscious cherry frosting that will have you reaching for seconds before anyone else gets a slice. Honestly, it’s one of my all-time favorites for gatherings or any day you want a little extra sweetness in your life.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe uses a handful of simple but incredible ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. Each one plays an important role in creating the cake’s moist texture, deep flavor, and gorgeous color.
- Chocolate cake mix: The base of the cake, providing convenient and reliable chocolaty richness.
- Dr. Pepper (regular, not diet): Adds a unique soda-infused sweetness with hints of cherry and spice.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender throughout baking.
- Large eggs: Help bind everything together and add structure.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- Chopped maraschino cherries: Deliver bursts of sweet, fruity flavor and a pop of color inside the cake.
- Unsalted butter (for frosting): Creates a creamy, smooth base for the frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
- Maraschino cherry juice: Infuses the frosting with authentic cherry flavor and a lovely pink hue.
- Almond extract (optional): Adds a subtle nutty note reminiscent of cherry bakewell, taking the frosting up a notch.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
How to Make Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your baking dish and preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your cake comes out without a hitch. This simple prep helps create that perfect crust on your cake edges while keeping the inside wonderfully soft.
Step 2: Mix the cake batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix with the Dr. Pepper, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until smooth and lump-free, which should take about 2 minutes. The fizz from Dr. Pepper helps lighten the batter and adds that signature soda cake lift. Once smooth, gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. These add delightful pockets of sweetness that sneak up on you with every bite.
Step 3: Bake the cake
Pour your batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Pop it into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. You’ll notice the irresistible chocolate aroma filling your kitchen during this time, a lovely sign that something delicious is underway. Once baked, let the cake cool completely before moving on to frosting.
Step 4: Make the cherry frosting
While the cake cools, beat the softened unsalted butter until it’s creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing well between additions to keep things fluffy, not powdered-sugar-dusty. Next, pour in the maraschino cherry juice along with the almond extract if you want that extra cherry bakewell vibe. Add a pinch of salt to balance it all out. Beat until the frosting is light, airy, and perfectly spreadable.
Step 5: Frost and garnish
Spread the luscious cherry frosting evenly over the cooled cake. For an added pop of color and flavor, sprinkle extra maraschino cherries on top. Chill the finished cake in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve, giving the frosting a chance to set beautifully.
How to Serve Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond those classic maraschino cherries on top, you can sprinkle shaved dark chocolate or even a light dusting of powdered sugar to elevate its presentation. Fresh mint leaves add a refreshing visual contrast and hint of aroma that pairs wonderfully with the cherry and chocolate flavors.
Side Dishes
This cake is a star on its own, but if you want to make your dessert spread even more impressive, consider serving it alongside vanilla ice cream or a scoop of whipped cream. A cup of bold coffee or black tea also complements the rich chocolate and subtle cherry notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the cake into squares and serve as mini dessert bites on cocktail sticks for parties. Alternatively, bake this recipe as cupcakes for individual treats that still boast all the flavor magic of the full cake. Wrapping cupcakes in pretty cupcake liners with a swirl of cherry frosting on top makes them perfect for gifting or celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake covered tightly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the cake moist and the frosting fresh for up to 4 days, perfect for enjoying over several days or sharing with friends and family.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped well in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving. If you want to freeze the whole cake with frosting, it’s best to do so for shorter periods and consume within 1 month to maintain the best frosting texture.
Reheating
Since this cake is best served chilled, reheating is not typically necessary. However, if you prefer it warm, gently microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating to prevent melting the frosting completely or drying the cake out.
FAQs
Can I use diet Dr. Pepper in this Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe?
It’s best to stick with regular Dr. Pepper because the sugar and carbonation help the cake rise and develop that classic moist soda cake texture and taste. Diet soda won’t provide the same result.
Can I substitute fresh cherries for maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries have a different texture and moisture content, so they can be used, but the cake may be less sweet and moist. Maraschino cherries bring a unique sweetness and color that are integral to this recipe’s charm.
Is the almond extract necessary in the frosting?
Almond extract is optional but highly recommended if you want to amplify the cherry flavor and add a subtle nutty depth reminiscent of cherry bakewell desserts. If you don’t have it, the frosting is still delicious without it.
Can I make this recipe as cupcakes instead of a cake?
Absolutely! Use cupcake liners and bake for around 18 to 20 minutes. It’s a great way to make portable, shareable treats while keeping all the flavor goodness of the Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe.
How long will the cake stay fresh?
Stored in the refrigerator covered tightly, this cake will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. Make sure to keep it properly wrapped to prevent it from drying out.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe is such a delightful surprise that I guarantee will become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. Its unique flavor combo, moist texture, and irresistible frosting come together in a way that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly different. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because you need a sweet pick-me-up, you’re going to love how easy and satisfying this recipe is. Go on, treat yourself and enjoy every cherry-spiked, chocolate-infused bite!
Print
Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake is a moist and delicious chocolate cake infused with the unique flavor of Dr. Pepper soda and studded with maraschino cherries. Topped with a creamy cherry frosting that includes a hint of almond extract for a bakewell-style twist, this dessert is perfect for parties or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 1 can (12 oz) Dr. Pepper (regular, not diet)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries (plus extra for garnish)
Cherry Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, Dr. Pepper soda, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until smooth, about 2 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add cherries: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries into the batter, distributing them evenly.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Make the frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy using a mixer. Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition to avoid lumps.
- Add flavor to frosting: Stir in the maraschino cherry juice and almond extract (if using), then beat the frosting until smooth and fluffy. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
- Frost the cake: Spread the cherry frosting evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula or knife.
- Garnish and serve: Decorate the frosted cake with extra maraschino cherries on top for a beautiful finish. Refrigerate until ready to serve to keep the frosting set.
Notes
- This recipe can also be made as cupcakes; bake them for 18–20 minutes instead of the full cake’s baking time.
- The almond extract in the frosting is optional but adds a delightful cherry bakewell-style flavor.
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
