Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 1 can (12 ounces) Cherry Dr. Pepper soda (or any other cherry-flavored soda)
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) of vanilla cake mix (make sure to choose a Halal-certified mix without alcohol, pork, or any forbidden ingredients)
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cherry Dr. Pepper Frosting:
- 1 can (12 ounces) Cherry Dr. Pepper soda
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Ingredient Highlights
- Cherry Dr. Pepper: The soda adds moisture to the cake and imparts its signature cherry flavor, making it the perfect base for the dessert.
- Vanilla Cake Mix: This box mix creates the foundation of the cake and saves time in the kitchen, while still providing a fluffy, soft texture.
- Eggs and Oil: These ingredients provide moisture and richness to the cake, making it tender and soft.
- Powdered Sugar: Used in the frosting, powdered sugar gives it the sweet, smooth consistency that complements the cake.
Instructions
Prepare the Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake Batter:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Cherry Dr. Pepper soda, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully combined and smooth.
- Add Cake Mix: Slowly add the vanilla cake mix to the wet ingredients. Stir gently using a spatula or electric mixer until fully incorporated, being careful not to overmix. The batter will be a bit runny, but that’s perfectly normal.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake pans from the oven and let the cakes cool in their pans for 10-15 minutes. Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Prepare the Cherry Dr. Pepper Frosting:
- Reduce the Soda: In a small saucepan, pour the Cherry Dr. Pepper soda and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Allow it to reduce to about half the volume (roughly 6 ounces), which should take about 10-12 minutes. This concentrates the soda’s flavor.
- Mix the Frosting: Once the soda has cooled down, place the softened butter in a mixing bowl. Add the reduced Cherry Dr. Pepper soda, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cakes have cooled completely, spread a layer of frosting over the top of the first cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake, smoothing it out with a spatula.
Garnish and Serve:
- Optional Garnishes: For an extra touch, you can decorate the top of the cake with cherries, or even drizzle additional reduced Cherry Dr. Pepper syrup for added flavor and decoration.
- Serve: Once decorated, slice the cake into pieces and serve. This cake pairs wonderfully with coffee, milk, or your favorite beverage.
- Prep Time: 15minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 3g