Can I Use Regular Dr Pepper Instead of Cherry Dr Pepper?

Yes. Regular Dr Pepper gives a sweet, spiced flavor, but the cherry note will be milder. For the signature taste of Cherry Dr Pepper Cake, use the cherry version when possible.

Do I Need to Prepare the Cake Mix According to the Box?

No. Use the dry cake mix and the soda listed in this recipe, rather than adding the eggs, oil, and water called for on the package. The recipe is designed around that simplified combination.

How Can I Tell When the Cake Is Done?

Check at around 30 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If wet batter clings to it, bake a few minutes longer.

Easy Cherry Dr Pepper Cake with Cherry Buttercream

Name: Cherry Dr Pepper Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: PT-497994H56M36S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box chocolate cake mix (use the dry mix only); 1 1/2 cups Cherry Dr Pepper; 1 jar stemless maraschino cherries; reserve 24 cherries for decorating and use some of the remaining cherries in the cake; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar, plus up to 2 additional cups if needed; Maraschino cherry juice from the jar, as needed for the frosting (the source does not specify an exact amount); 1 container chocolate shavings, optional

Description

A simple chocolate cake gets cherry flavor from Cherry Dr Pepper and maraschino cherries, then is finished with a sweet cherry buttercream and optional chocolate shavings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box chocolate cake mix (use the dry mix only)
1 1/2 cups Cherry Dr Pepper
1 jar stemless maraschino cherries; reserve 24 cherries for decorating and use some of the remaining cherries in the cake
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar, plus up to 2 additional cups if needed
Maraschino cherry juice from the jar, as needed for the frosting (the source does not specify an exact amount)
1 container chocolate shavings, optional

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Instructions

Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9 × 13-inch baking dish.
Mix the dry chocolate cake mix with the Cherry Dr Pepper until combined.
Cut some of the maraschino cherries in half and fold them into the batter. Keep 24 cherries aside for decorating.
Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely before adding the frosting.
Beat the softened butter with the powdered sugar and a little cherry juice from the jar until the frosting is smooth and firm. Add more powdered sugar if the frosting is too loose.
Spread the frosting over the cooled cake. Add chocolate shavings and some of the reserved cherries, if desired.
Refrigerate the cake for about 1 hour to help the frosting set, then slice and serve.

Notes

Use regular Cherry Dr Pepper rather than a diet version.
Cherry juice is used to flavor and loosen the frosting; the source does not give a precise quantity, so add it gradually.
Gloves can help prevent the cherry juice from staining your fingers.
The source suggests eating the cake within 3–4 days and says it can be kept covered on the counter. Follow local food-safety guidance for storage.
Prep time and yield below are estimates. Nutrition values are approximate; the source does not provide fiber, unsaturated fat, or trans fat values.

Prep Time: 10 minutes (estimated)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (based on an estimated 12 servings)
Calories: 311 kcal
Sugar: 41 g
Sodium: 157 mg
Fat: 11 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: Not provided
Trans Fat: Not provided
Carbohydrates: 52 g
Fiber: Not provided
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 30 mg