Can I use regular Dr. Pepper instead of Cherry?

Absolutely! Regular Dr. Pepper, cola, or even another cherry-flavored soda will all work, but Dr. Pepper Cherry gives the boldest cherry kick.

Do I have to use chocolate cake mix?

Chocolate pairs beautifully with cherry, but if you prefer something lighter, white or yellow cake mix will create a completely different (but still delightful) cake.

Can I make this recipe as cupcakes?

Yes, just fill lined cupcake tins 2/3 full and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. They’re adorable and great for sharing.

How do I keep the frosting from getting too runny?

Be sure your butter is just at room temperature—not melted. If the frosting is thin, add more powdered sugar a little at a time until it’s thick and creamy.

Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe

Name: Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box chocolate cake mix (use dry mix for best results); 1 1/2 cups Dr. Pepper Cherry soda; 1 jar maraschino cherries, no stem (remove 24 cherries and set aside, halve the rest for the batter); 1 cup unsalted sweet cream butter, softened; 3-5 cups powdered sugar (start with 3, add more if needed for texture); Cherry juice (from the maraschino cherry jar, amount to taste for flavor and color); Chocolate shavings (as desired, found at craft or baking stores); Reserved maraschino cherries (for garnish)

This Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake is pure happiness in dessert form—a ridiculously simple, nostalgic treat that wows with rich chocolate, cherry tang, and a hint of fizzy fun from cherry-flavored soda. You won’t believe how easily it comes together, making it the perfect sweet surprise for busy weeknights, laid-back gatherings, or anytime you need a little pick-me-up. The cake bakes up moist, tender, and bursting with little pockets of sweet maraschino cherries, all crowned with a dreamy cherry buttercream and a generous sprinkle of chocolate shavings. Think chocolate-cherry soda fountain bliss, bundled up in cake!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unbelievably Easy: This cake ditches complicated steps. Just mix, bake, and frost! If you can stir, you can master this cake.
Ready in No Time: From pantry staples to finished dessert, you’ll have a gorgeous cake ready in under an hour—no fancy techniques or endless prep required.
Crowd-Pleaser: Chocolate and cherry is a classic combo everyone loves. The subtle sparkle of Dr. Pepper Cherry soda takes it over the top!
Fun to Customize: Let your creativity run wild with toppings, mix-ins, or even the type of soda.
Perfect Texture: Expect a super-moist crumb, soft bursts of cherry, and a creamy, vibrant pink buttercream. Dessert dreams, realized.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what sets this Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake apart, including why you need each ingredient (and how you can tweak them):

Box of Chocolate Cake Mix: The ultimate time-saver. Dry mix is the star here—rich flavor, zero hassle.
Dr. Pepper Cherry Soda: This gives the cake its amazing moisture, soft crumb, and that iconic cherry-cola twist. Regular Dr. Pepper or cola also work if you crave a different vibe.
Maraschino Cherries: Bright pops of candied cherry hidden inside the cake and for garnish on top. Just remember to save some for the finishing touch.
Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter: This creates the luscious and fluffy cherry buttercream. Room temperature is best for easy mixing.
Powdered Sugar: For smooth, melt-in-your-mouth frosting. Adjust to get your dream frosting consistency.
Cherry Juice (from the Cherry Jar): Adds beautiful color and real cherry flavor to the frosting.
Chocolate Shavings: For a gorgeous finish and a hint of texture. You can also use grated chocolate bars or curls if you’re feeling fancy.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This cake is all about fun and flexibility. Here are a few ways to change it up:

Swap the Soda: Try classic Dr. Pepper, root beer, or cola for a subtle flavor shift.
Cherry-Almond Twist: Add a tiny splash of almond extract to the frosting for classic “cherry bakewell” vibes.
White Cake Base: Use white cake mix for a lighter, more cherry-forward version.
Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in chocolate chips or chunks for a little extra indulgence.
Make It a Layer Cake: Bake in round cake pans and stack with extra frosting for a party-worthy presentation.

How to Make Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a good coat of non-stick spray. Trust me, you do not want to wrestle with a stuck chocolate cake later!

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl or a stand mixer, combine the dry chocolate cake mix with the Dr. Pepper Cherry soda. Mix until the batter is nicely blended and a little foamy. Cut about 24 maraschino cherries in half (those juicy ruby gems) and gently fold them into your batter.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared dish and smooth the top. Bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Let the cake cool completely before frosting—this is crucial for perfect icing!

Step 4: Make the Cherry Frosting

Using a mixer, whip the softened butter with powdered sugar and a few spoonfuls of cherry juice from your jar. Beat until the frosting turns a lovely pink and is thick enough to spread. If it feels a bit loose, just add more powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.

Step 5: Frost and Finish

Dollop the frosting all over the cooled cake and swoop it around with an angled spatula for that bakery look. Scatter chocolate shavings on top and arrange a few reserved cherries for color.

Step 6: Chill and Enjoy

Pop the whole cake into the fridge for at least an hour. Chilling helps the frosting set and brings out that velvety texture. After that, slice and serve!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Cool Completely: Never rush the cooling step! Warm cake will melt your gorgeous frosting.
Butter Matters: Room temperature butter gives your frosting the fluffiest texture.
Don’t Overmix: Gently fold in your cherries to keep pockets of fruit intact and batter airy.
Customize Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too soft (especially on a hot day), simply add a bit more powdered sugar.
Chill for Best Results: A short chill in the fridge makes slicing and serving so much easier.

How to Serve

This cake shines as a simple, stand-alone dessert, but a few pairings can take it to another level:

A La Mode: Add a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for a retro treat.
With Fresh Berries: Scatter berries around the plate for freshness and color.
Espresso or Coffee: The rich, slightly bitter notes complement the cake’s sweetness perfectly.
For Dessert Buffets: Cut into squares and serve with cocktail napkins at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake, covered, in the fridge. The flavors actually get better after a day or two, and it keeps well for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze individual slices or the whole cake (unfrosted is best) for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving.

Reheating

While this cake is delicious cold, you can let slices come to room temperature, or warm briefly in the microwave for that just-baked taste.

FAQs

Can I use regular Dr. Pepper instead of Cherry?

Absolutely! Regular Dr. Pepper, cola, or even another cherry-flavored soda will all work, but Dr. Pepper Cherry gives the boldest cherry kick.
Do I have to use chocolate cake mix?

Chocolate pairs beautifully with cherry, but if you prefer something lighter, white or yellow cake mix will create a completely different (but still delightful) cake.
Can I make this recipe as cupcakes?

Yes, just fill lined cupcake tins 2/3 full and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. They’re adorable and great for sharing.
How do I keep the frosting from getting too runny?

Be sure your butter is just at room temperature—not melted. If the frosting is thin, add more powdered sugar a little at a time until it’s thick and creamy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something quick, fun, and bursting with chocolate-cherry goodness, this Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake is about to become your new go-to. Lean into the simplicity, experiment with flavors, and most importantly—enjoy every bite. Go ahead and treat yourself (and your friends) to a slice of carefree joy!