Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 box white cake mix
1 cup Dr. Pepper soda
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
For the Frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup Dr. Pepper soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup maraschino cherries, finely chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, Dr. Pepper soda, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Add Cherries: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Divide and Pour: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Frosting
Beat the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
Add Powdered Sugar and Dr. Pepper: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Pour in the Dr. Pepper soda and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Mix in Cherries: Gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries, ensuring they are evenly incorporated.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Layer the Cakes: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top.
Add Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
Decorate: For an extra touch, garnish the cake with whole maraschino cherries or chocolate shavings.
Perfect Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing for the best results.
Draining Cherries: Drain the maraschino cherries well before chopping to avoid excess moisture in the cake and frosting.
Soda Substitutes: If Dr. Pepper is unavailable, you can substitute it with another dark soda like cola or root beer for a different flavor twist.
Customizing
Flavor Variations: Experiment with different soda flavors like cherry cola or black cherry soda to create unique variations of this cake.
Add Nuts: For added texture, fold in some chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting for an extra layer of decadence
