Description
This Cherry Dr. Pepper Chocolate Cake with Cherry Frosting is a moist, flavorful dessert that combines rich chocolate and sweet cherry flavors, enhanced by the subtle spice and caramel notes of Dr. Pepper soda. Perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence, this cake features tender layers topped with a luscious cherry frosting for a harmonious fruit and chocolate pairing.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
- 1 cup Dr. Pepper soda
Frosting Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
- 1/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pans and lightly dust them with cocoa powder to prevent sticking and maintain chocolate flavor.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to create a smooth, lump-free mixture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and maraschino cherry juice until smooth and slightly frothy.
- Add the Dr. Pepper: Slowly pour the Dr. Pepper soda into the wet mixture. Mix gently to maintain the carbonation, which lightens the batter and adds subtle spice and caramel notes.
- Incorporate Wet and Dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, taking care not to overmix to avoid toughening the cake.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Cherry Frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, maraschino cherry juice, chopped cherries, and vanilla extract. Whip the mixture until light and fluffy.
- Assemble and Decorate: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread an even layer of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting. Garnish with whole cherries if desired.
Notes
- Measure ingredients precisely for best results, especially the flour.
- Mix just until combined to avoid a tough cake texture.
- Use room temperature eggs to achieve a lighter batter.
- Fold in Dr. Pepper gently to preserve its carbonation.
- Ensure the cake is fully cooled before applying frosting to prevent melting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: chocolate cake, cherry frosting, Dr. Pepper cake, moist chocolate cake, cherry dessert