🍒 Cherry Dr Pepper Cake 🎂🫧: Retro Magic with a Sweet & Fizzy Twist
There’s something about retro desserts that brings an irresistible sense of nostalgia, and Cherry Dr Pepper Cake is no exception! Combining the rich, indulgent flavor of chocolate cake with the fizzy cherry soda, maraschino cherries, and a dreamy pink buttercream, this cake is an unforgettable treat that feels both classic and innovative. The fizzy Dr Pepper soda adds a playful pop, while the rich chocolate flavor provides a comforting base.
Whether you’re a fan of Dr Pepper or simply looking for something out-of-the-box, this cake will surprise and delight your taste buds. It’s perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or whenever you want to indulge in something fun, festive, and utterly delicious.
📝 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
For the Pink Buttercream Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp Cherry Dr. Pepper (room temperature)
1 tsp vanilla extract
2-3 tbsp maraschino cherry juice (for extra flavor and color)
Pink food coloring (optional)
For Garnish (Optional):
Maraschino cherries
Sprinkles (optional)
✨ Why You’ll Love This Cherry Dr Pepper Cake
Unique & Fun: The combination of fizzy Cherry Dr Pepper and chocolate cake is truly one-of-a-kind, making this cake a fun conversation starter at any gathering.
Moist & Fluffy: The Dr Pepper in the cake adds moisture and a tender crumb, creating a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Retro Flavor with a Modern Twist: The fizzy soda and maraschino cherry sweetness give this cake a nostalgic feel, while the pink buttercream brings a fresh, vibrant twist.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients (many of which are pantry staples), this cake is a breeze to prepare. Even novice bakers can achieve great results.
Impressive Presentation: The pink frosting and maraschino cherry garnish make this cake visually stunning and perfect for special occasions.
🔥 How to Make Cherry Dr Pepper Cake
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry chocolate fudge cake mix with the Cherry Dr Pepper, eggs, and vegetable oil. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to mix everything together until well combined. The soda will create bubbles that make the cake light and fluffy as it bakes.
3. Bake the Cake
Divide the cake batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Pink Buttercream Frosting
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the Cherry Dr Pepper and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until smooth and fluffy. For an extra cherry flavor, you can add 2-3 tablespoons of maraschino cherry juice.
If you want the frosting to be a fun pink color, add a few drops of pink food coloring and mix until you achieve the desired shade.
5. Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread a generous layer of the pink buttercream frosting over the top. Then, place the second layer of cake on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream.
6. Garnish & Serve
Top the cake with maraschino cherries for an extra pop of color and sweetness. If you want to add some extra flair, feel free to sprinkle some colorful sprinkles on top as well.
🧑🍳 Pro Tips for Perfect Cherry Dr Pepper Cake
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your Cherry Dr Pepper, eggs, and butter are at room temperature before mixing them together.
Maraschino Cherry Juice: The juice from the maraschino cherries can add a deeper cherry flavor to both the cake and the frosting. Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of juice depending on how strong you want the flavor.
Check Cake Doneness Early: Since oven temperatures can vary, start checking the cake with a toothpick at around 28 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Chill the Cake: After frosting, you can refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes to help the frosting set and make slicing easier.
Make It a Layer Cake: If you want to create an even fancier presentation, you can slice each of the two cake layers in half horizontally, adding frosting in between the layers for a tall, decadent dessert.
🍽️ What to Serve with Cherry Dr Pepper Cake
While this cake is decadent on its own, it pairs perfectly with a few beverages and sides to complete the meal:
Iced Tea or Lemonade: The fruity and fizzy notes of the Cherry Dr Pepper cake go wonderfully with a refreshing glass of iced tea or a tangy lemonade.
Coffee: If you’re serving this cake for brunch or a casual get-together, a cup of coffee or a latte complements the sweetness of the cake.
Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream pairs perfectly with this moist chocolate cake, creating a delightful dessert duo.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with fresh berries or citrus fruits can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich cake.
🎉 Why You’ll Love Cherry Dr Pepper Cake
Unexpected & Fun: The combination of Cherry Dr Pepper soda and chocolate cake creates a playful, unexpected twist that will have your guests asking for seconds.
Moist & Flavorful: Thanks to the soda in the batter, this cake stays incredibly moist and tender—every bite is packed with flavor.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, a celebration, or just a sweet treat for yourself, this cake fits the bill.
Showstopper Frosting: The pink buttercream frosting is a fun and vibrant addition that makes this cake look as great as it tastes.
Nostalgic with a Modern Touch: Inspired by retro flavors, this cake brings back memories of childhood treats while offering something new and exciting.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a cake that’s unique, flavorful, and easy to make, Cherry Dr Pepper Cake is the ultimate choice. The fizzy soda, rich chocolate, sweet maraschino cherries, and pink buttercream create a dessert that’s sure to become a favorite for any occasion. From its nostalgic, retro appeal to its unforgettable flavor combination, this cake will wow your guests and leave everyone asking for the recipe.
So grab a can of Cherry Dr Pepper and let’s bake some sweet, fizzy magic into your kitchen! 🎂🫧🍒