Easy Cherry Dr. Pepper Fudge Cake Recipe: Sweet Magic

Sweet cherry Dr.

Pepper fudge cake blends unexpected flavors into a decadent dessert that surprises and delights.

Fizzy soda enhances traditional baking methods with its unique carbonated magic.

Rich chocolate notes intertwine perfectly with deep cherry undertones, creating a complex flavor profile.

Moist cake layers promise an indulgent experience that elevates home baking beyond ordinary expectations.

Soft, tender crumb melts in your mouth with each remarkable bite.

Bold ingredients challenge conventional recipe wisdom while delivering extraordinary results.

Unexpected combinations spark culinary creativity and bring excitement to your kitchen.

Why Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Is a Fun Twist on Dessert

• Pop of Flavor Magic: The unique Dr. Pepper Cherry brings unexpected zesty sweetness that transforms a classic cake into an extraordinary dessert experience.
• Super Quick Baking Charm: With just 50 minutes total time and simple mixing method, this recipe welcomes both novice and experienced bakers to create something deliciously impressive without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Delight: The combination of cherries throughout the cake and frosting creates a crowd-pleasing treat perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Gorgeous Visual Appeal: The quartered cherries scattered in the batter and whole cherries as garnish make this cake not just tasty but also visually stunning, ensuring a gorgeous presentation that looks professionally crafted.

What You Need to Make Cherry Dr. Pepper Fudge Cake

• Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix: A rich, pre-mixed dry foundation that ensures a consistent and moist chocolate cake with minimal effort.
• Dr. Pepper Cherry: Room temperature soda that replaces traditional liquid, adding depth and unique cherry flavor to the cake.

• Maraschino Cherries: Bright red, sweet cherries that provide moisture, color, and a classic fruity accent to the dessert; choose plump, vibrant cherries for best results.

• Salted Butter: Creamy base that provides rich texture and balanced flavor to the frosting; room temperature butter ensures smooth mixing.
• Powdered Sugar: Fine sugar that creates smooth, sweet, and stable buttercream with ideal spreading consistency.
• Maraschino Cherry Juice: Liquid from cherry jar that infuses the buttercream with intense cherry flavor and subtle pink color; strain juice carefully to avoid sediment.

How to Bake This Cherry Fudge Cake from Scratch

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat a 9x13x2 inch baking pan with cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 2: Create the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, blend together:

Cake mix

Dr. Pepper Cherry

Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and free of lumps.

Step 3: Prepare the Cherries

Select 24 cherries for decoration. Quarter the remaining cherries and gently fold them into the cake batter, distributing evenly.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick- it should emerge clean when the cake is fully baked.

Step 5: Whip Up the Frosting

Beat butter until it becomes light and fluffy. Gradually incorporate:

Powdered sugar

Cherry juice

Continue mixing until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Step 6: Decorate and Serve

Allow the cake to cool completely. Spread the cherry frosting evenly across the top. Arrange the reserved whole cherries as a beautiful garnish.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 12

Calories: 350 kcal

Tips for Keeping Your Cake Moist and Rich

• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for cake mix and Dr. Pepper Cherry to ensure consistent texture and flavor.
• Fold Gently: When adding quartered cherries, fold them delicately to prevent breaking and distribute evenly throughout the batter.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Test cake with a toothpick at 25 minutes to avoid overbaking, which can make the cake dry.
• Chill for Better Frosting: Refrigerate the cake for 15-20 minutes before frosting to help the frosting set smoothly and prevent crumbling.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter and cherry juice to reach room temperature for smoother, more consistent frosting that spreads easily.

Best Ways to Store and Warm Up Leftover Cake

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping the frosting fresh and preventing moisture loss.
• Freeze Wisely: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake can last up to 3 months, maintaining its delicious cherry flavor.
• Reheat Gently: Thaw frozen cake in the refrigerator overnight, then warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to restore softness and bring out the cake’s rich taste.

What Tastes Great with Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake

• Sip Sweet Cherry Cocktail Companion: Pair the cake with a chilled cherry mojito or a cherry-infused bourbon cocktail to enhance the dessert’s fruity flavors and create a delightful taste harmony.
• Complement with Creamy Vanilla Scoop: Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cake to balance the rich chocolate and cherry notes, creating a cool and indulgent dessert experience.
• Brew Perfect Coffee Match: Serve with a smooth, dark roast coffee or a cherry-flavored espresso to cut through the cake’s sweetness and provide a sophisticated complementary flavor profile.
• Elevate with Whipped Cream Delight: Top each slice with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings to add extra texture and enhance the cake’s luxurious feel.

Flavor Ideas to Make This Fudge Cake Your Own

• Cherry Chocolate Fusion: Replace half the Dr. Pepper with melted dark chocolate, creating a richer, deeper flavor profile with intense chocolate undertones.
• Bourbon Cherry Blast: Swap cherry juice with bourbon in the frosting and add a splash to the cake batter for a sophisticated adult version with warm, complex notes.
• Nutty Cherry Dream: Incorporate chopped almonds or pecans into the batter for added crunch and texture, complementing the sweet cherry essence of the cake.
• Cream Cheese Cherry Swirl: Mix cream cheese into the frosting for a tangier, more luxurious topping that balances the cake’s sweetness with a slight tang.

Cherry Dr. Pepper Fudge Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Mexican chocolate magic comes alive in this cherry dr. pepper fudge cake, blending rich cocoa depths with fizzy soda sweetness. Moist chocolate layers promise indulgent comfort that pulls you into pure dessert bliss.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 box (15.25 ounces / 432 g) super moist chocolate fudge cake mix
• 12 ounces (355 ml) Dr. Pepper Cherry, room temperature
• 18 ounces (510 g) maraschino cherries

Buttercream Ingredients:

• 1 cup (226 g) salted butter
• 7 cups (840 g) powdered sugar
• 6 tablespoons (90 ml) maraschino cherry juice

Liquid Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (355 ml) Dr. Pepper Cherry, room temperature
• 6 tablespoons (90 ml) maraschino cherry juice

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly coat a 9x13x2 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cake mix and Dr. Pepper Cherry, whisking vigorously until the mixture achieves a uniform, silky texture without any lumps.
3. Select 24 cherries and set them aside for later decoration. Carefully slice the remaining cherries into quarter-sized pieces, gently folding them into the batter to distribute evenly.
4. Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it smoothly and create an even surface.
5. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, conducting the toothpick test to confirm doneness – it should emerge clean when inserted into the center of the cake.
6. While the cake cools completely, prepare the frosting by whipping the butter until it becomes light and airy.
7. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and cherry juice into the butter, blending until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
8. Once the cake has cooled to room temperature, apply the frosting in a generous, even layer across the entire surface.
9. Artfully arrange the reserved whole cherries on top of the frosted cake as a decorative garnish, creating an appealing visual presentation.

Notes

• Refrigerate leftover cake in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness for up to 4 days.
• Fresh cherries work best for garnishing, providing a vibrant pop of color and natural sweetness to the cake.
• Room temperature ingredients ensure smoother mixing and a more consistent cake texture, helping create a perfect crumb.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 533
• Sugar: 69 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 82 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 52 mg