Cherry Dr Recipe
If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, let me introduce you to the irresistible Cherry Dr. This cake is a rich chocolate treat that gets a playful twist from Dr. Pepper soda and a generous helping of maraschino cherries, making every bite burst with nostalgic, cherry-cola flavor. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, potluck, or just want to add a little sparkle to your weeknight, Cherry Dr is bound to be your new favorite cake to share (or keep all to yourself!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cherry Dr lies in its simple lineup of pantry staples and a couple of special touches. Each ingredient brings something unique to the table, building layers of flavor, color, and delightfully moist texture.
- Chocolate cake mix: The base that keeps things easy, moist, and chocolaty—choose your favorite brand.
- Dr. Pepper soda: Adds a subtle cherry-cola undertone and makes the cake extra tender.
- Large eggs: Essential for structure and richness in every slice.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb super moist and soft.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the overall flavor and balances the chocolate and cherry notes.
- Maraschino cherries: Halved for bursts of sweet, bright cherry flavor (don’t forget to reserve some juice for the frosting!).
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melty pockets of chocolate make each bite a delight.
- Cream cheese: The star of the frosting, adding tangy creaminess.
- Unsalted butter: Blends with the cream cheese for a dreamy, fluffy frosting base.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the frosting to perfection.
- Maraschino cherry juice: Tints and flavors the frosting with a gorgeous pink hue and cherry flavor.
- Almond extract: A little goes a long way to boost the cherry flavor and add sophistication.
How to Make Cherry Dr
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with a bit of butter or nonstick spray. This ensures your Cherry Dr cake releases beautifully and bakes evenly every time.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, Dr. Pepper soda, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until smooth and glossy—don’t overmix, just aim for a lump-free batter. The Dr. Pepper adds lift and moisture, making your cake extra soft and flavorful.
Step 3: Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the halved maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips. These little bursts of cherry and chocolate make every bite of Cherry Dr an adventure! Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly to the edges.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few fudgy crumbs. Let the cake cool completely in the pan—this is crucial for frosting later.
Step 5: Make the Cherry Dr Frosting
While the cake cools, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a bowl until creamy and smooth. Slowly add the powdered sugar, maraschino cherry juice, and almond extract, whipping until the frosting is fluffy and pale pink. The cherry juice not only gives gorgeous color but infuses the frosting with sweet, tangy flavor—a true Cherry Dr signature touch!
Step 6: Frost and Decorate
Once your cake is cool, spread the cherry cream cheese frosting generously over the top. For a little extra flair, dot the cake with more maraschino cherries. Slice, serve, and watch everyone swoon over your Cherry Dr masterpiece!
How to Serve Cherry Dr
Garnishes
For an eye-catching finish, top your frosted Cherry Dr cake with extra halved or whole maraschino cherries—don’t be shy! A sprinkle of mini chocolate chips or dark chocolate shavings adds a touch of elegance and a hint of crunch. If you’re feeling extra, a light dusting of powdered sugar makes it feel like a celebration.
Side Dishes
Cherry Dr pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a lighter touch, serve slices alongside a fruit salad or a glass of cold milk. If you’re going all out, try a cherry cola float for a retro diner-inspired dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform Cherry Dr into a layered cake by dividing the batter between two 9-inch round pans and assembling with extra frosting between the layers—perfect for birthdays or special occasions. You can also cut the cake into bite-sized squares for a party tray, or bake in cupcake tins for individual treats. However you serve it, Cherry Dr is guaranteed to steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cherry Dr keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator. Simply cover the pan or transfer slices to an airtight container; the cake will stay fresh and the frosting nice and creamy for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making tomorrow’s slice even better!
Freezing
If you want to save some Cherry Dr for later, you can freeze unfrosted cake layers tightly wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. For frosted cake, freeze individual slices on a baking sheet, then wrap and store them—this way, you can thaw just what you need for a sweet treat anytime.
Reheating
To enjoy Cherry Dr warm, pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. The chocolate chips get melty, and the cake tastes freshly baked. If reheating from frozen, let the slice thaw overnight in the fridge before gently warming.
FAQs
Can I use cherry Dr. Pepper instead of regular Dr. Pepper?
Absolutely! Using cherry Dr. Pepper instead of regular adds even more cherry punch to the cake. If you love a bold cherry flavor, this swap is a game-changer for your Cherry Dr experience.
Can I make Cherry Dr as cupcakes?
Yes, you can! Just divide the batter among cupcake liners and bake at the same temperature for about 18–22 minutes. They make adorable party treats and are perfect for sharing.
Is it okay to use a different cake mix flavor?
Of course! While chocolate is classic for Cherry Dr, you can experiment with devil’s food or even vanilla cake mix for a twist. Each gives a slightly different vibe, but the cherry and Dr. Pepper combo always shines through.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
No problem—simply leave it out or add a splash more vanilla extract. The almond does enhance the cherry flavor, but your Cherry Dr frosting will still be delicious without it.
How do I keep the cake from getting soggy with the cherries?
Be sure to drain the maraschino cherries well and even blot them with a paper towel before folding into the batter. This keeps Cherry Dr perfectly moist without extra liquid weighing it down.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something unique, crowd-pleasing, and downright fun to make, Cherry Dr is the dessert you need in your life. Give this recipe a whirl and see how quickly it disappears—don’t forget to share your creations and spread the Cherry Dr love with friends and family!
Print
Cherry Dr Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake is a moist, flavorful chocolate cake enhanced with the unique sweetness of Dr. Pepper soda and juicy maraschino cherries. Topped with a creamy cherry-infused cream cheese frosting and a hint of almond extract, it’s a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- 1 cup Dr. Pepper soda
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 jar maraschino cherries (10 ounces), drained and halved, reserve juice
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, Dr. Pepper soda, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Add Cherries and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the halved maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without overmixing.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is cooked through.
- Cool Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan to set before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, maraschino cherry juice, and almond extract, beating until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Optionally, top with extra maraschino cherries for garnish.
- Serve and Store: Slice the cake into 12 servings and enjoy. Refrigerate leftovers to maintain freshness of frosting.
Notes
- For a stronger cherry flavor, substitute regular Dr. Pepper with cherry-flavored Dr. Pepper.
- The cake batter can be baked in two 9-inch round pans to create a layered cake.
- Store leftover cake in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 41 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
