Cherry Pepper Cake is a delightful twist on traditional desserts, combining sweet and spicy flavors that are sure to invigorate your taste buds. This cake incorporates the unique taste of cherry peppers, making it a standout choice for any gathering or special occasion. With the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, this dessert is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced bakers alike.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Pepper Cake

This Cherry Pepper Cake will quickly become a favorite for many reasons. First, it combines sweet and spicy elements, making it a unique cherry pepper dessert that surprises every palate. Second, it’s an easy cherry pepper cake recipe that requires minimal ingredients and effort. Third, the cake is incredibly moist, thanks to the use of cherry soda and maraschino cherries. Additionally, it’s perfect for special occasions, providing a memorable treat for guests. With the added cream cheese frosting, each bite becomes a delightful experience. Lastly, this spicy cherry cake can easily be adapted with various toppings or add-ins, such as nuts or berries, allowing for creative variations.

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Ingredients for Cherry Pepper Cake

Gather these items:

1 (15.25 oz) box Devil’s food cake mix
1½ cups cherry Dr Pepper
1 (10 oz) jar maraschino cherries (15 cherries chopped, reserve juice)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¼ to ⅓ cup maraschino cherry juice
3 cups powdered sugar
½ cup powdered sugar (optional, for thickening)
¼ cup chocolate shavings

How to Make Cherry Pepper Cake Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with baking spray.
Step 2: Remove stems from 15 maraschino cherries and cut them into quarters. Reserve remaining cherries and juice.
Step 3: Using a mixer, combine dry cake mix and cherry Dr Pepper on low speed until just combined.
Step 4: Stir the quartered cherries into the batter gently with a spoon.
Step 5: Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 6: Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Step 7: To make the frosting, cream butter with cherry juice using a mixer on medium speed until fluffy.
Step 8: Reduce speed to low and gradually add powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, until frosting is firm yet spreadable. Add more sugar if needed.
Step 9: Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake with a spatula.
Step 10: Score the cake into serving pieces. Garnish each slice with a whole cherry or half-cherry if needed.
Step 11: Sprinkle chocolate shavings evenly over the top of the frosting.
Step 12: Refrigerate the cake for 30–60 minutes before serving to help frosting set.

Delicious Cherry Pepper Cake: A Unique Dessert Experience - Cherry Pepper Cake - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Cherry Pepper Cake

Keep these in mind:

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better blending.
Use high-quality cherry soda for a more intense flavor.
For a creamier frosting, consider adding cream cheese for a Cherry pepper cake with cream cheese frosting.
Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.

Best Ways to Serve Cherry Pepper Cake

Here are some ideas:

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the spice.
Pair with fresh berries for a colorful presentation and additional flavor.
Top with whipped cream for a light, airy finish to the cake.

How to Store and Reheat Cherry Pepper Cake

To store the Cherry Pepper Cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3-5 days. For meal prep, consider making the cake ahead of time and frosting it on the day you plan to serve it. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Pepper Cake

What is a cherry pepper cake?

A cherry pepper cake is a unique dessert that combines sweet and spicy flavors, typically featuring cherry peppers and a moist cake base, often topped with frosting.

Can I make cherry pepper cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just frost it on the day of serving for the best texture.

How do I avoid common mistakes with cherry pepper cake?

To avoid mistakes, ensure accurate measurements, allow the cake to cool completely before frosting, and use room temperature ingredients for optimal mixing.

Variations of Cherry Pepper Cake You Can Try

Here are some creative ideas:

Try adding chocolate chips for a cherry pepper and chocolate cake.
Incorporate nuts for added crunch and flavor in a Cherry pepper cake with nuts.
Add a layer of cream cheese frosting for a richer dessert experience.
Experiment with different fruits, like strawberries or blueberries, for a Cherry pepper cake with berries.

Delicious Cherry Pepper Cake: A Unique Dessert Experience

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This Cherry Dr Pepper Cake is a moist and flavorful chocolate dessert infused with cherry soda and maraschino cherries, topped with cherry buttercream frosting and chocolate shavings. A nostalgic, easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Author: Robert
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 28 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 (15.25 oz) box Devil’s food cake mix
1½ cups cherry Dr Pepper
1 (10 oz) jar maraschino cherries (15 cherries chopped, reserve juice)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¼ to ⅓ cup maraschino cherry juice
3 cups powdered sugar
½ cup powdered sugar (optional, for thickening)
¼ cup chocolate shavings

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with baking spray.
Remove stems from 15 maraschino cherries and cut them into quarters. Reserve remaining cherries and juice.
Using a mixer, combine dry cake mix and cherry Dr Pepper on low speed until just combined.
Stir the quartered cherries into the batter gently with a spoon.
Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
To make the frosting, cream butter with cherry juice using a mixer on medium speed until fluffy.
Reduce speed to low and gradually add powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, until frosting is firm yet spreadable. Add more sugar if needed.
Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake with a spatula.
Score the cake into serving pieces. Garnish each slice with a whole cherry or half-cherry if needed.
Sprinkle chocolate shavings evenly over the top of the frosting.
Refrigerate the cake for 30–60 minutes before serving to help frosting set.