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This cherry cake with Dr Pepper is pure comfort and a little bit of fun all in one bite. Every time I bake it, the unique blend of tart cherries with that familiar Dr Pepper sweetness instantly brings back memories of family picnics and summer days. It is the kind of dessert that leaves people guessing what's inside and always coming back for seconds.
I first tried this cake during a family get together when someone dared me to use soda in batter. Now it is a staple for birthdays and potlucks because everyone wants to know the secret.
Ingredients
- Chocolate cake mix: Look for a mix with a deep cocoa scent and no off odors Fresh mix is best for texture
- Dr Pepper Cherry: The cherry variety gives a fruity tang and subtle spice Make sure it is at room temperature for even mixing
- Cocktail cherries: Choose pitted cherries with a vibrant red color and intact skins Reserve a handful for the prettiest decoration
- Unsalted butter: Use real butter softened to room temperature so your frosting is creamy and light
- Powdered sugar: Pick a fresh bag with no clumps sift if you see lumps for the smoothest icing
- Cherry juice from your cocktail cherries: This colors and flavors the frosting naturally Add a touch at a time for best texture
- Chocolate shavings: Dark or semi sweet chocolate adds crunch and decadence Shave right before serving for extra shine
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Grease a 23 by 33 centimeter ovenproof dish thoroughly with oil or butter covering every corner Then dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking
- Mix the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl combine the boxed chocolate cake mix and Dr Pepper Cherry Set your mixer to medium speed and blend for two to three minutes until the batter is glossy and smooth
- Incorporate the Cherries:
- Drain the jar of cocktail cherries reserving the juice for your icing Set aside about twenty four whole cherries for decorating Slice the rest of the cherries in half then gently fold these into the batter taking care not to break them up too much
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into your prepared dish and spread it evenly Bake in a preheated oven at 175 degrees Celsius for thirty to thirty five minutes Start checking at the thirty minute mark by inserting a toothpick in the center If it comes out clean the cake is done
- Cool Completely:
- Let the cake cool in the pan on a rack until fully at room temperature Applying frosting to a warm cake will make it runny so do not rush this step
- Make the Cherry Frosting:
- In a clean bowl whip soft butter for three to four minutes until it becomes fluffy Gradually incorporate powdered sugar on low speed then whip for another few minutes Add three to four tablespoons of reserved cherry juice and whip until the frosting holds stiff peaks If it is too loose add more sugar
- Frost and Decorate:
- Spread the cherry frosting evenly over your cooled cake using an angled spatula Sprinkle the top generously with freshly shaved chocolate then dot the surface with the reserved cherries arranging them neatly
- Chill Before Slicing:
- Place the completed cake in the fridge for at least one hour so that frosting sets and slicing is neat when served
The look on my niece's face the first time she tried this cake topped with a mountain of cherries is a family story now She still insists on being in charge of the decorations and never lets me forget the chocolate shavings
Storage Tips
This cake stays moist in the fridge for up to five days if you keep it tightly covered I like to store mine in the same baking dish with a layer of plastic wrap pressed against the cut edges For longer storage freeze it without frosting sliced or whole and wrap well in foil Defrost overnight in the fridge and frost fresh before serving
Ingredient Swaps
If you cannot find Dr Pepper Cherry a regular cherry soda or even plain Dr Pepper works well Just boost the cherry flavor in your frosting by adding an extra spoonful of juice Fresh pitted cherries also shine instead of jarred when they are in season simply dust with a bit of flour to prevent sinking If you are out of chocolate shavings use grated chocolate or even a light dusting of cocoa powder
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cake chilled every slice gets a cherry adornment for a little bit of sparkle For a fancier dessert add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream tinged with cherry extract A sprig of mint or a dusting of more chocolate shavings makes every plate pop
A Slice of Cherry Cake History
Fruit and soda cakes have deep roots in American home baking Families have long added cola or fruit sodas for their rise light texture and unique flavor twists This Dr Pepper creation is a turn on the classic poke cake yet the cherry and cola pairing makes it distinctly modern
Seasonal Twists
Substitute strawberries in spring for a lighter flavor Use fresh sour cherries in early summer when available for a tart finish Add extra dark chocolate or even a pinch of chili powder in winter for a richer more warming cake
Quick Tips for Success
Let soda come to room temperature before mixing Wait until cake is fully cool before frosting Decorate just before serving for best look and texture
Success Stories
Some of my friends tried this recipe as cupcakes for a birthday and they disappeared in minutes Another neighbor used her cherry preserves in the frosting and declared it a new family favorite One time I ran out of cocktail cherries but swapped in raspberry jam with stunning results
Make It Freezer Friendly
To prep ahead for busy weeks bake only the cake layer cool and wrap tightly It freezes well for three months When ready to serve thaw in the fridge and mix up the cherry buttercream right before spreading on top
This cake brings together chocolate, cherry, and Dr Pepper in a way that surprises and delights every time. Enjoy every cool, creamy bite!
Common Recipe Questions
- → Czy można użyć zwykłego Dr. Pepper zamiast Cherry?
Tak, zwykły Dr. Pepper również się sprawdzi. Smak będzie mniej wiśniowy, więc można dodać więcej soku z wiśni do kremu, aby uzyskać intensywniejszy efekt.
- → Jak uniknąć suchego ciasta?
Pilnuj czasu pieczenia i sprawdzaj ciasto patyczkiem już po 25 minutach. Dr. Pepper dodaje wilgotności, ale zbyt długie pieczenie powoduje wysuszenie.
- → Czy przygotuję to ciasto bez miksera?
Tak, można wymieszać składniki ręcznie lub mikserem ręcznym. Podczas miksowania trzeba długo i energicznie ubijać dla puszystej konsystencji.
- → Na ile dni pozostanie świeże?
Ciasto można przechowywać przykryte w lodówce do 5 dni. W temperaturze pokojowej najlepiej spożyć w ciągu 2 dni.
- → Czy można użyć świeżych wiśni?
Tak, tylko należy je wydrylować i lekko oprószyć mąką przed dodaniem do masy, by nie opadły na dno podczas pieczenia.
- → Czym zastąpić wiórki czekoladowe do dekoracji?
Można użyć startej tabliczki czekoladowej, pokruszonego ciastka czekoladowego, orzechów albo w całości pominąć ten składnik.