If you love the nostalgic tang of Cherry Dr, combined with rich chocolate cake and fluffy cherry frosting, this recipe is guaranteed to be your new obsession. Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake embraces everything we adore about soda-fountain treats and transforms them into a moist, decadent dessert that’s shockingly easy to make. Imagine cutting into slices of super-soft chocolate cake, each bite studded with bits of maraschino cherry and topped with silky pink frosting—talk about a party in every slice! Whether you’re prepping for a birthday, potluck, or just want to wow your family after dinner, this Cherry Dr will light up the room.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cherry Dr cake proves that you don’t need a long grocery list or complicated ingredients to bake up something spectacular. Each item is simple, but when combined, they create something memorable with a unique flavor, crave-worthy texture, and a stunning pop of color.
- Chocolate Cake Mix: The perfect shortcut for a rich, moist cake base—no one will ever guess it’s from a box!
- Dr. Pepper: The original Cherry Dr ingredient, it adds lift, moisture, and unmistakable flavor.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake wonderfully soft and tender even days after baking.
- Large Eggs: Essential for structure and a beautiful crumb.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds warmth.
- Chopped Maraschino Cherries: Tiny bursts of color and tart sweetness in every bite!
- Unsalted Butter: The secret to creamy, dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth frosting.
- Powdered Sugar: Whips up into the fluffiest frosting imaginable.
- Maraschino Cherry Juice: Infuses the frosting with color and unmistakable cherry essence—no food coloring required!
- Almond Extract (optional): Adds a cherry bakewell twist to the frosting if you want to get fancy.
- Pinch of Salt: Balances the sweetness for just the right flavor profile.
- Extra Maraschino Cherries: For an eye-catching garnish that’ll tempt everyone to grab a slice.
How to Make Cherry Dr
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
First things first: set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and give your 9×13-inch baking dish a good greasing and flouring. This not only guarantees that gorgeous Cherry Dr cake pops right out of the pan, but also helps create those perfectly smooth edges everyone loves to see.
Step 2: Mix the Cherry Dr Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, a can of Dr. Pepper (yes, trust the process!), vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk and blend until everything’s gloriously smooth—usually about 2 minutes. The Dr. Pepper magically transforms the batter into a light, fluffy dream!
Step 3: Add the Cherries
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. Every bright red bit will peek out as you slice into the cake later, delivering sweet-tart bursts and a little jaw-dropping color contrast. Don’t overmix; a gentle hand keeps the batter nice and airy.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. Your kitchen will soon smell like a retro soda shop! When a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, you’re set. Let the cake cool completely before moving on—patience is key for the best Cherry Dr frosting experience.
Step 5: Whip Up the Cherry Frosting
While your cake cools, get started on the frosting. Beat the softened butter until it looks creamy, then add powdered sugar a cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the maraschino cherry juice (and almond extract, if you’re feeling fancy), along with a pinch of salt. Beat until everything is pink, pillowy, and irresistibly smooth.
Step 6: Frost and Garnish
Once your cake is completely cool, spread the cherry frosting in a thick, even layer over the top. For an Instagram-worthy finish, dot the surface with extra maraschino cherries. Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve your Cherry Dr masterpiece—each slice is going to disappear fast!
How to Serve Cherry Dr
Garnishes
The best way to really show off the Cherry Dr is with plenty of extra maraschino cherries on top. You can also add chocolate shavings, fun sprinkles, or even a drizzle of cherry syrup for a bakery-worthy sparkle. It’s amazing how those bright garnishes make each serving look straight out of a dessert display case!
Side Dishes
Pair your Cherry Dr cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for classic soda-fountain vibes, or offer fresh whipped cream and tart berries on the side. The richness of the cake balances beautifully with simple sides that add freshness and lightness to each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Cherry Dr as cupcakes for parties—just reduce the baking time to 18–20 minutes. For a stunning dessert tray, cut the cake into bite-size squares, top each with a cherry, and skewer with little decorative picks. Or layer leftover cake pieces and frosting in mason jars for a retro-style trifle everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover leftover Cherry Dr cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Thanks to all that lovely moisture from the soda and oil, the cake stays perfectly soft for up to four days, which makes it ideal for prepping in advance or enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this Cherry Dr cake (with or without frosting!) for up to two months. Just wrap individual slices or the whole cake in a double layer of plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
For the ultimate treat, let the cake come to room temperature before serving. If you prefer your Cherry Dr cake slightly warm, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it—the frosting melts quickly but tastes absolutely delicious slightly gooey!
FAQs
Can I make Cherry Dr cake with cherry-flavored soda instead of Dr. Pepper?
You can definitely swap in cherry cola or another cherry-flavored soda, but the classic Dr. Pepper gives the cake a uniquely subtle, complex cherry-vanilla profile you won’t get from other sodas. If you’re after the original experience, stick with the Cherry Dr combination.
Is this Cherry Dr cake recipe suitable for cupcakes?
Absolutely! Divide the batter among lined cupcake tins and bake for about 18–20 minutes. You’ll get around 24 perfectly portioned Cherry Dr cupcakes, each ready to be topped with a swirl of cherry frosting and a cherry garnish.
Can I make Cherry Dr cake ahead of time?
Yes, in fact, the flavors deepen and the cake gets even moister as it sits. Bake a day ahead, frost, and refrigerate—your Cherry Dr cake will be the star of any get-together!
I don’t like almond extract, should I leave it out?
No problem! The almond extract in the frosting is totally optional. If you prefer, stick to the cherry juice for a pure Cherry Dr flavor without that subtle bakewell twist.
How do I keep the frosting from getting too runny?
To avoid runny frosting, add the cherry juice a little at a time and stop once your frosting is a spreadable, fluffy consistency. If it thins out too much, just beat in an extra tablespoon or two of powdered sugar to thicken things up.
Final Thoughts
I can’t encourage you enough to give this Cherry Dr cake a try—it’s fun, simple, and seriously delicious. Whether you’re introducing friends to a new classic or treating yourself just because, one bite will prove why this soda cake always gets rave reviews. Happy baking—let me know how your Cherry Dr turns out!
Print
Cherry Dr Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible combination of chocolate, cherries, and Dr. Pepper with this easy-to-make Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake. A moist chocolate cake infused with the unique flavor of Dr. Pepper, studded with bits of maraschino cherries, and topped with a luscious cherry frosting.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 1 can (12 oz) Dr. Pepper (regular, not diet)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries (plus extra for garnish)
Cherry Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix cake batter: In a bowl, combine cake mix, Dr. Pepper, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Beat until smooth, then fold in cherries.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan and bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool the cake.
- Make frosting: Beat butter, add sugar gradually, mix in cherry juice, almond extract, and salt until fluffy.
- Frost cake: Spread frosting over the cooled cake and garnish with cherries. Refrigerate until serving.
Notes
- This recipe can be adapted for cupcakes, with a baking time of 18–20 minutes.
- Almond extract adds a cherry bakewell-like flavor to the frosting, but it’s optional.
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 41g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
