Name: Cherry Dr Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 ounces); 1 can Dr. Pepper soda (12 ounces); 1 teaspoon almond extract; 1 cup cherry pie filling; 1 (8-ounce) tub whipped topping; 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix; Maraschino cherries (for garnish)

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If you’re searching for a dessert that tastes like celebration and nostalgia all at once, look no further than Cherry Dr. Imagine the rich, fudgy comfort of chocolate cake, the sparkling lift of Dr. Pepper soda, and a ribbon of luscious cherry pie filling running through every slice. Finished with a cloud of chocolate whipped topping and crowned with maraschino cherries, Cherry Dr is more than a cake—it’s an experience! This playful twist on classic flavors is sure to delight any crowd, from birthday parties to backyard BBQs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cherry Dr is the way simple supermarket finds come together to create something magical. Each ingredient plays a special role, whether it’s adding moisture, depth, or that unforgettable pop of cherry flavor and gorgeous color.

Chocolate Cake Mix: Your shortcut to a tender, fudgy base loaded with chocolaty goodness.
Dr. Pepper Soda: Infuses the batter with subtle spice and moisture, lifting the cake to ultra-soft heights.
Almond Extract: Adds a sophisticated, sweet-nutty note that pairs deliciously with cherries and chocolate.
Cherry Pie Filling: Sweet cherries swirled into every bite for bursts of juicy flavor and vibrant color.
Whipped Topping (like Cool Whip): Makes the topping creamy, light, and blissfully easy to spread.
Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix: Gives the topping a rich, thick texture and an extra punch of chocolate flavor.
Maraschino Cherries: The classic, cheerful garnish no Cherry Dr should be without!

How to Make Cherry Dr

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and giving a 9×13-inch baking dish a generous coat of nonstick spray. This little step guarantees the cake releases easily, so every slice of Cherry Dr comes out perfect.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, entire can of Dr. Pepper, and almond extract. Blend everything together until the batter is luscious and smooth. The soda is the secret here, giving the batter an airy lift and delicate tang you’ll notice in every bite of Cherry Dr.

Step 3: Fold in Cherry Pie Filling

Gently fold the cherry pie filling into your chocolatey mixture. Don’t overmix—swirl just enough so juicy cherries and a bit of that glossy filling ripple through the batter. This creates pockets of gooey, fruity flavor that are signature to Cherry Dr.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour your beautiful, cherry-studded batter into the prepped pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Your kitchen will smell like a soda fountain candy shop while the Cherry Dr bakes!

Step 5: Cool Completely

Let the cake cool right in the pan. This helps set the crumb, makes slicing easier, and ensures your creamy topping doesn’t melt into a puddle.

Step 6: Make the Chocolate Whip Topping

In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and whipped topping. It will thicken up quickly to a rich, spoonable cloud—perfect for spreading over Cherry Dr. Chill in the fridge if you want it even firmer.

Step 7: Assemble and Garnish

Spread the fluffy chocolate topping over your cooled cake, then crown each piece with maraschino cherries. It’s now ready to take center stage on your dessert table!

How to Serve Cherry Dr

Garnishes

Presentation makes a difference! For Cherry Dr, I love adding an extra drizzle of chocolate syrup, a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, and of course, a parade of maraschino cherries. Each garnish not only amps up the flavor, but brings a touch of fun to every plate.

Side Dishes

Cherry Dr is undeniably the star of any gathering, but it pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of cherry sorbet on the side. If you’re serving a crowd, offer a platter of fresh berries or a simple fruit salad for a fresh finish after this decadent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking Cherry Dr in two 9-inch round pans for a stunning layer cake—just double the whipped topping and stack with cherries between the layers. For parties, cut the cake into small squares and serve on cupcake liners for a playful, grab-and-go dessert. Or, make it a sundae bar: let friends top slices with extra syrup, sprinkles, and even more cherries!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cherry Dr stores wonderfully! Cover the cake pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. It keeps best in the fridge and will remain moist and flavorful for up to four days—if it lasts that long.

Freezing

Want to prep ahead? You can freeze Cherry Dr, either whole or in individual squares. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

While Cherry Dr is delicious cold, you can gently bring it up to room temperature or give individual pieces a very quick zap in the microwave (just a few seconds!) if you prefer it a little warmer. Just be cautious so you don’t melt the topping.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of soda instead of Dr. Pepper?

Absolutely! While Dr. Pepper gives Cherry Dr its trademark zing and depth, you can experiment with other cherry or cola sodas for a slightly different flavor profile. Just be aware that the taste and moisture might change a bit.

Can I make Cherry Dr gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap in a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and check the cherry pie filling and pudding mix for any gluten-containing ingredients. The rest of the magic stays the same.

Is there a way to make Cherry Dr dairy-free?

Definitely. Use a dairy-free whipped topping and check your pudding mix for dairy content (many brands offer plant-based versions). The rich cherry-chocolate combination will shine no matter what.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter?

Go for it! A handful of mini chocolate chips or chopped walnuts stirred into the batter can add extra texture and flavor, turning Cherry Dr into something totally unique and irresistible.

How far in advance can I assemble the cake with the topping?

You can make Cherry Dr up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. In fact, letting the assembled cake chill overnight improves the flavors and makes for even easier slicing the next day.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Dr is the kind of crowd-pleasing, joy-sparking dessert that instantly raises the spirits of anyone who tries it. If you’re craving a simple but show-stopping treat packed with flavor and fun, you truly can’t go wrong with this recipe. Give Cherry Dr a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s become a go-to favorite in so many kitchens!

Cherry Dr Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful combination of cherry pie filling and Dr. Pepper soda in this moist and flavorful Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake. Topped with a creamy chocolate pudding mix and whipped topping, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 ounces)
1 can Dr. Pepper soda (12 ounces)
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup cherry pie filling

Topping:

1 (8-ounce) tub whipped topping
1 (3.4-ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
Maraschino cherries (for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine cake mix, Dr. Pepper, and almond extract until smooth. Fold in cherry pie filling.
Bake: Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool the cake.
Prepare Topping: Whisk together pudding mix and whipped topping until thick and fluffy.
Finish: Spread topping over cooled cake and garnish with maraschino cherries before serving.