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
Scale
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
