Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe
If you love bold flavors, nostalgic fun, and the kind of cake that turns every bite into an occasion, you absolutely have to try this Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe. The combination of rich chocolate, fizzy cherry soda, and pops of maraschino cherries bakes up into a moist, unforgettable treat. With a luscious cherry-tinted cream cheese frosting on top, this dessert brings together sweet, tangy, and decadent in the best possible way—perfect for birthday parties, potlucks, or just because you’re craving something unique! Let’s dive into the irresistibly fizzy world of the Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe is in its balance of pantry staples and a few special touches, with each ingredient bringing something delicious to the table. You’ll be surprised at how just a handful of simple items come together for a cake that truly shines.
- Chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz): Starts you off with a lush, chocolatey foundation; any favorite brand works just fine.
- Dr Pepper Cherry soda (1 cup): The fizzy cherry-cola twist that gives this cake its signature flavor and an incredibly moist crumb.
- Vegetable oil (1/3 cup): Helps lock in moisture and yields that tender, just-right texture.
- Large eggs (3): Essential for binding everything together and making the cake rise beautifully.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and depth to enhance the chocolate-cherry notes.
- Chopped maraschino cherries (1 cup plus extra for garnish): Tiny bursts of sweetness and color in every slice—don’t skip them!
- Mini chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): A bonus for those who crave extra hits of chocolate (and who doesn’t?).
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The tangy, luxurious base for our swoon-worthy frosting.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, softened): Blends with the cream cheese for a dreamy-smooth frosting.
- Powdered sugar (3 cups): Brings sweetness and that irresistibly fluffy finish to the creamy topping.
- Maraschino cherry juice (2 tablespoons): Infuses the frosting with cherry flavor and a gorgeous blush-pink hue.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): A little more vanilla magic for that perfectly balanced frosting.
How to Make Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Oven
Start by cranking up your oven to 350°F and generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe comes out of the pan with those lovely clean edges, ready for all that glorious frosting. If you like easy cleanup, line the pan with parchment, too!
Step 2: Mix Up the Batter
Grab a big mixing bowl and combine the chocolate cake mix, Dr Pepper Cherry soda, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Give it a good beat until everything’s silky-smooth—about two minutes. This step lets the bubbles from the soda aerate the batter, making the bake extra tender.
Step 3: Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in your chopped maraschino cherries and those optional mini chocolate chips. The cherries will stud the Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe with bright red bites, while the chocolate chips add gooey richness in every forkful.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepped baking dish. Smooth out the top so it bakes up evenly. Slide it into the oven for 30 to 35 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick poked into the center comes out mostly clean—moist crumbs are fine, but no raw batter!
Step 5: Cool Completely
Tempting as it is, make sure your cake cools completely in the pan. This patience pays off; frosting will set beautifully on a cool surface and won’t melt or slide.
Step 6: Make the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth. Add the powdered sugar, maraschino cherry juice, and vanilla extract, then whip until the frosting is light and fluffy. You’ll notice a beautiful pink hue—and a mouthwatering cherry aroma!
Step 7: Frost and Garnish
Spread the cherry frosting generously over your cooled cake. For the ultimate Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe presentation, top with extra maraschino cherries and maybe a few chocolate chips for sparkle. Pop the cake in the fridge until you’re ready to slice and share.
How to Serve Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This cake looks irresistible with a crown of whole maraschino cherries, a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of cherry syrup. If you want to go festive, add rainbow sprinkles or dark chocolate shavings for a little something extra. The vibrant toppings highlight the playful spirit of a Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe.
Side Dishes
A chilled glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the rich flavors and cherry zing of the cake. For grown-ups, coffee or even a cherry-flavored cocktail can elevate dessert into an event. Keep sides simple to let the Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe be the star of the show!
Creative Ways to Present
Slice squares and layer them in parfait glasses with extra frosting and fresh cherries for a trifle effect, or cut the cake into circles and stack for individual mini cakes. Cupcake-sized portions are ideal for parties, and a dusting of powdered sugar across the top always adds bakery-style flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe keeps like a dream in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days—with the frosting helping the cake stay extra moist and flavorful. Let slices sit out for a few minutes before serving for maximum softness.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this cake, either whole or in individual portions. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and pop into a freezer bag. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before unwrapping and enjoying.
Reheating
While this cake is delicious chilled, if you prefer a slightly warm treat, microwave slices (without frosting) for 10–15 seconds. Add the frosting afterward for a gooey, indulgent bite—just like fresh-baked!
FAQs
Can I use regular Dr Pepper instead of Dr Pepper Cherry?
Absolutely! The classic Dr Pepper adds a rich depth and plenty of fizz, but you’ll miss out on the extra cherry flavor. If you want that bright cherry note, consider adding a splash of cherry juice or a few more maraschino cherries to your Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe.
Is there a substitute for the maraschino cherries?
Fresh or frozen cherries can work in a pinch, but maraschino cherries deliver color and sweetness that makes this cake extra special. If you switch them out, be sure to chop and blot dry your cherries to avoid excess moisture.
Can the Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Just substitute your preferred gluten-free chocolate cake mix (ensure the blend is 1:1 for cakes), and double-check that your remaining ingredients are gluten-free. The rest of the steps stay exactly the same.
How do I make this cake in a bundt or as cupcakes?
For a bundt pan, increase the baking time to 40–45 minutes, but keep an eye on it and test for doneness. For cupcakes, fill liners just over halfway and bake for about 18–22 minutes—perfect for sharing at parties!
Should the cake be refrigerated after frosting?
Yes, because of the cream cheese frosting, it’s best to store your cake in the fridge. This keeps both the frosting firm and the cake delightfully moist. Just cover tightly to keep it from absorbing any fridge odors.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe—the way it combines playful soda bubbles, real cherries, and rich chocolate is bound to bring joy to any table. Whether you’re baking for a loved one or treating yourself, this cake promises fun, nostalgia, and plenty of second helpings. Go ahead, give it a try—you’ll want to make this recipe again and again!
Print
Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful Dr Pepper Cherry Cake, a moist chocolate cake infused with the unique flavor of Dr Pepper Cherry soda, studded with maraschino cherries, and topped with a creamy cherry frosting. This easy-to-make dessert is a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Cake:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup Dr Pepper Cherry soda
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
For the frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix cake: In a large bowl, combine cake mix, Dr Pepper Cherry soda, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Fold in cherries and chocolate chips. Pour batter into the dish.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add sugar, cherry juice, and vanilla. Spread over the cooled cake.
- Garnish: Garnish with extra cherries if desired. Chill before serving.
Notes
- You can use regular Dr Pepper if you don’t have Dr Pepper Cherry.
- For a bundt version, adjust baking time to 40–45 minutes.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
