Sure! Here’s an extended version of the Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake recipe, with a history, formation, and a detailed breakdown of ingredients and instructions.
🍒 Cherry Dr Pepper Cake 🎂🫧
This Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake is a fun and nostalgic dessert that perfectly blends rich chocolate cake with the fizzy, cherry-infused goodness of Dr. Pepper. The vibrant pink buttercream frosting adds a playful touch, making it a standout for any occasion. This retro-inspired cake not only brings back memories but also gives you a unique flavor combination that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Whether you’re hosting a vintage-themed party, a special gathering, or simply want to surprise your loved ones with a fun treat, this cake is sure to impress!
A Little History:
The Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake has roots in the Southern U.S., where soda cakes (cakes made with soda for extra moisture) have been a popular recipe. The combination of chocolate and cherry flavors is a classic, with soda being used to add a bubbly lift and unique sweetness to the cake. Dr. Pepper, a soda with over 23 distinct flavors, gives this cake a one-of-a-kind flavor profile, with its cherry notes elevating the chocolate base. It’s a playful and inventive dessert that brings the sweet nostalgia of classic sodas to life.
Ingredients:
For the Cake Batter:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate fudge cake mix (dry)
- 12 oz Cherry Dr. Pepper (room temperature)
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ÂĽ cup sour cream (for extra moisture)
For the Maraschino Cherry Filling:
- 1 jar maraschino cherries (about 10 oz), chopped
- 3 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
- ÂĽ cup powdered sugar (to thicken)
For the Pink Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons Cherry Dr. Pepper (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A few drops of red food coloring (optional, for a deeper pink)
- A pinch of salt to balance the sweetness
Method & Instructions:
For the Cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Cake Mix: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate fudge cake mix, eggs, oil, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Gradually pour in the Cherry Dr. Pepper soda. Use an electric mixer on medium speed and beat for 2 minutes. The soda will add a lot of bubbles to the batter, making it light and fluffy.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Tap the pans on the counter to level the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Maraschino Cherry Filling:
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, chop the maraschino cherries and set aside. In a separate small bowl, mix the chopped cherries with the cherry juice and powdered sugar. Stir until the mixture is thickened slightly, creating a chunky, syrupy filling.
- Layer the Filling: Once the cakes are cooled, place the first layer on a serving plate. Spread the cherry filling evenly across the top. Add the second layer of cake on top, pressing gently to ensure it’s stable.
For the Pink Buttercream Frosting:
- Cream the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until it’s light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well between each addition. Beat until smooth.
- Incorporate the Cherry Dr. Pepper: Slowly add in the Cherry Dr. Pepper, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat the frosting for another 3-4 minutes, until it’s fluffy and holds stiff peaks.
- Optional Coloring: Add a few drops of red food coloring if you want to intensify the pink color of your frosting.
- Frost the Cake: Once the frosting is ready, spread it evenly over the entire cake, including the sides. You can use a spatula to create a smooth finish or get creative with a textured design.
Formation & Finishing Touches:
Once the cake is fully frosted, you can decorate it with additional maraschino cherries on top for a final cherry pop, or even drizzle some extra cherry syrup around the edges for added flair. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can sprinkle some chocolate shavings or rainbow sprinkles on top to add more texture and color.
Conclusion:
The Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake brings together the nostalgia of a classic soda with the richness of chocolate and the sweetness of maraschino cherries, creating a cake that’s truly a crowd-pleaser. This cake’s unique flavor and fizzy texture offer something different from traditional desserts, making it a great choice for a special celebration or a fun weekend baking project. Whether you’re a fan of retro flavors or simply want to try something new and indulgent, this cake is sure to make an impression.
Lovers of Retro Desserts Will Love This!
This cake is a great option for those who love vintage recipes or creative, soda-inspired cakes. It’s a fun twist on classic chocolate cake, with the added excitement of Cherry Dr. Pepper. Plus, it’s the kind of dessert that will spark conversation at any gathering, and it’s perfect for those who enjoy experimenting with different flavors and combinations. If you love nostalgic, fun desserts that take you back to simpler times, the Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake will be your new favorite!
Enjoy baking, and let this retro treat become a new classic in your recipe collection!