A Delicious Twist: Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake
Calling all chocolate and cherry lovers! This Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake is a delightful twist on a classic dessert. It features a moist and flavorful chocolate cake infused with the unique flavor of Dr. Pepper cherry soda, all topped with a decadent cherry frosting and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings.
A Party in Every Bite:
This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to potlucks or simply a delicious treat for yourself. The combination of chocolate, cherry, and the subtle fizz of Dr. Pepper creates a flavor explosion that's sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- The Chocolatey Cake:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (use only the dry mix)
- 1 ½ cups Dr. Pepper Cherry Soda
- 1 jar maraschino cherries with no stem (reserve 24 cherries for garnish)
- The Decadent Cherry Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar (with an additional 2 cups on hand, if needed)
- Reserved cherry juice from the maraschino cherries (about ¼ cup)
- The Finishing Touches (Optional):
- 1 container chocolate shavings
- Reserved maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat for Perfection: Before you begin, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures the cake bakes evenly and reaches a perfect internal temperature.
- Preparing the Pan: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with nonstick baking spray. This helps the cake release easily after baking.
- Creating the Batter: In a large bowl using a stand mixer, combine the dry cake mix and Dr. Pepper cherry soda. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.
- Adding the Cherries: While the mixer is on low speed, slowly add the halved maraschino cherries to the batter. Fold them in gently with a spatula to ensure even distribution.
- Baking to Perfection: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cooling Completely: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. This allows the cake to set properly and prevents the frosting from melting.
- Frosting Magic: In a clean bowl using a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and 3 cups of powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This forms the base of your delicious cherry frosting.
- Adding the Cherry Touch: Add the reserved cherry juice from the jar, a little at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. The cherry juice adds both flavor and color to the frosting. If the frosting is too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Frosting and Finishing Touches: Spread the cherry frosting evenly over the cooled cake. For a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle chocolate shavings (if using) over the top of the frosting. Gently press a few reserved maraschino cherries onto the frosted cake for a pop of color and decoration.
- Setting the Stage for Slicing: Place the frosted cake in the refrigerator for at least 60 minutes to allow the frosting to set completely. This ensures clean cuts and beautiful slices.
- Slice and Savor! Cut the Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake into slices and serve. Enjoy the delicious combination of chocolate, cherry, and the subtle fizz of Dr. Pepper in every delightful bite!
Tips:
- For an extra cherry punch, use a dark chocolate cake mix instead of a regular chocolate mix.
- Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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