Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe

Meet your new favorite dessert for those hectic weeknights: Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake. This beauty is unbelievably easy, packed with nostalgic cola-and-cherry flavor, and comes together quickly—no need to drag out every bowl in your kitchen or hover by the oven all night. If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s fun, foolproof, and a total showstopper, this cake checks every box. The tender, chocolatey crumb infused with cherry-soda magic and topped with creamy cherry frosting (and a flurry of chocolate shavings!) is simply irresistible. Best of all, you don’t need any fancy baking skills—just a little enthusiasm and maybe a few spare maraschino cherries!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ridiculously Simple: You’ll only need a handful of ingredients and a mixer. Minimal prep, no-fuss baking, and cleanup is a breeze.
• Speedy: From mixing to frosting, you’ll have cake ready in under an hour. All the wow with none of the waiting!
• Fun Flavors: Dr. Pepper Cherry steps in for water, giving the cake a delightful zing and an intense cherry-chocolate flavor that’s anything but boring.
• Perfect for Every Occasion: Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a last-minute party, or just a craving for something sweet, this cake always delivers.
• Crowd Pleaser: With its moist crumb, billowy cherry icing, and festive garnish, this is a dessert that gets everyone’s attention (and plenty of recipe requests).

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a fancy pantry or a cart-full of groceries—just these easy-to-find, flavor-packed staples:

• Chocolate Cake Mix: The ultimate shortcut! Use your favorite box variety for rich, reliable chocolate flavor. Tip: Don’t prepare the mix, just use it dry.
• Dr. Pepper Cherry Soda: This is your secret flavor weapon. It gives moisture, lifts the crumb, and packs a punch of cherry goodness. Regular Dr. Pepper or even cola works in a pinch, but that cherry twist is special.
• Maraschino Cherries: These juicy pops of sweetness get folded into the cake and used for garnish. Be sure to remove the stems—and set aside a few for finishing touches.
• Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter: For that indulgent, rich base in the frosting. Let it soften at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Powdered Sugar: The backbone of a sturdy, creamy frosting. Add more if you like a stiffer swirl—or if your cherries are extra juicy!
• Chocolate Shavings: For that bakery-worthy finish and a hit of bittersweet flavor. Find them near the baking aisle or make your own with a veggie peeler.
• Reserved Cherry Juice: Don’t toss the cherry jar! A splash of this rosy syrup is the magic that turns the frosting pink and bursting with cherry sweetness.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to play around—this cake loves a little improvising!

• Classic Cola: Only have regular Dr. Pepper or cola? No problem! The result will be slightly different but still absolutely delicious.
• Vanilla Twist: Swap out some of the cherry juice in the frosting for vanilla extract for a creamy, soda-shop vibe.
• White Cake: Go lighter by using a white or yellow cake mix—still with cherry soda for that unique zip.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top with the chocolate curls for a texture boost.
• Mini Cakes: Divide the batter among cupcake tins and cut down baking time for portable, party-perfect treats.

How to Make Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13 baking dish, give it a generous spray with nonstick baking spray, and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the dry chocolate cake mix with Dr. Pepper Cherry soda. Mix just until everything is blended—don’t overmix or you’ll lose that soda fizz!

Chop up your maraschino cherries (just the ones you set aside for the batter) and gently fold them in for juicy, ruby bites throughout.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour that irresistibly pink-speckled batter into your prepared dish. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before you think about frosting—trust me, patience rewards you with perfect texture.

Step 4: Whip Up Cherry Frosting

While the cake cools, make the frosting. In a bowl, cream together softened butter, powdered sugar, and a few spoonfuls of cherry juice from the maraschino jar. Begin with 3 cups powdered sugar, add more if the frosting feels too soft. Beat until fluffy and gorgeously pink.

Step 5: Frost and Decorate

Scoop generous dollops of your cherry frosting onto the cooled cake. Use an angled spatula to spread it evenly from corner to corner. Shower with chocolate shavings (as much as your heart desires), then nestle a few whole cherries on top for that bakery window finish.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Pop the finished cake in the fridge for an hour—this helps the frosting set to that perfect sliceable consistency. Then cut, serve, and get ready for compliments!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overmix: Once the soda is in, stir just until combined to keep the crumb light and airy.
• Soft Butter is Key: Room temperature butter makes the silkiest frosting. If you forget, 10 seconds in the microwave usually does the trick.
• Tweak Your Frosting: If the frosting seems thin, add more powdered sugar slowly. If it’s too thick, a touch more cherry juice will smooth things out.
• Make-Ahead Garnishes: Set aside your prettiest cherries before chopping so your finished cake looks gorgeous.
• Frosting Application: For an extra-smooth spread, run your spatula under warm water before smoothing over the cake.

How to Serve

This cake is an instant centerpiece, so slice generously and serve it up cold or at room temperature. Pair each piece with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a little espresso for balance. The fun, soda-fountain profile makes it perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or cozy movie nights. If you’re hosting, add some extra maraschino cherries on the side—people will love customizing their slices!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers covered in the fridge; the cake stays fresh and moist for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cake for later—a great way to save time. Cool it completely, wrap in plastic plus foil, and freeze up to 2 months. For frosted cake, flash freeze the cut squares on a tray first, then transfer to a container.

Reheating

No need to reheat, but if you prefer a slightly warmer cake, a quick 10 seconds in the microwave softens it just enough without melting the frosting.

FAQs

Can I use diet Dr. Pepper Cherry?
Yes, you can swap in diet soda without changing the recipe—just know the cake may come out a little less sweet, and the crumb might be slightly different. Still delicious!

What if I don’t have cherry-flavored soda?
Regular Dr. Pepper or even a classic cola works in a pinch. For extra cherry flavor, double the maraschino cherries in the batter.

How do I know when the cake is done?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. The cake should spring back lightly when pressed.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely, just use your favorite gluten-free chocolate cake mix. Be sure to double-check that all other add-ins are gluten-free too.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake is one of those desserts that feels special but doesn’t ask much of you in return. The playful cherry-cola combo, the soft, chocolatey crumb, and that swoon-worthy frosting come together with almost no effort. Give this recipe a try—and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new weeknight tradition (or reason to keep a bottle of Dr. Pepper in the fridge at all times)! Enjoy every slice, and remember: in baking, simple can be absolutely spectacular.

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