Layered Cherry Coke Cake Recipe

If you love nostalgic flavors that bring a fun twist to classic chocolate cake, then you are absolutely going to adore this Layered Cherry Coke Cake Recipe. This cake captures the fizzy sweetness of Cherry Coke in every bite, combining rich cocoa, tangy cherry juice, and a luscious, pink-hued buttercream that is perfectly dreamy. It’s a showstopper for celebrations or simply when you want to indulge in something truly special. Each layer is moist and tender with just the right balance of cherry and chocolate, making this cake not only delicious but absolutely memorable. Trust me, once you make this cake, it will quickly become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this cake is how straightforward yet essential the ingredients are. Each one brings a unique flavor note or texture that elevates the cake from ordinary to extraordinary, blending together to create that signature cherry-cola magic.

• 2 cups Flour: The base that gives structure and softness to the cake layers.
• 2 cups Sugar: Sweetness that balances the slight tartness from the cherry ingredients.
• 3/4 cup Cocoa Powder: Adds a deep chocolate richness that pairs beautifully with cherry flavors.
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy in texture.
• ½ teaspoon Baking Powder: Provides extra lift and lightness.
• ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• 1 cup + 3 tablespoons Cherry Coke soda: The star ingredient, infusing the cake with that unmistakable cherry & cola fizz.
• ½ cup Canola Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• 1 cup Sour Cream: Adds richness and a slight tang that complements the cherry notes.
• 2 large Eggs: For structure and binding the ingredients together.
• 2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors with warm sweetness.
• ¼ cup Maraschino Cherry Juice: Intensifies the cherry flavor throughout the cake.
• 3 cups Unsalted Butter (softened): Essential for the luscious buttercream frosting.
• 6 cups Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and stability to the frosting.
• 5 tablespoons Heavy Whipping Cream: Makes the frosting creamy and spreadable.
• 1 teaspoon Cherry Extract: Amplifies the cherry notes in the frosting for that perfect fruitiness.
• ¼ cup Maraschino Cherry Juice: Added to the frosting for extra cherry zing and moisture.
• 2 drops Pink Gel Food Coloring: Gives the frosting a beautiful cherry-pink hue that is simply irresistible.
• 1 cup Stemless Maraschino Cherries (dried and halved): For delicious bursts of texture and flavor within the cake layers.
• 1 small jar Maraschino Cherries with Stems: Ideal for elegant and classic cake toppers.
• 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: To create a rich chocolate ganache topping.
• ½ cup Heavy Whipping Cream: Used to make the smooth chocolate ganache.

How to Make Layered Cherry Coke Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and generously spraying your cake pans with baking spray. This ensures your cake layers will release easily without sticking, setting the stage for beautiful, clean layers.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. This blends all the essential dry elements uniformly, which is key to a consistent crumb and beautiful cake texture.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, whisk together the Cherry Coke, canola oil, and sour cream until smooth. This trio brings moisture, fat, and that iconic soda flavor to the batter, ensuring the cake stays tender and full of fizz-inspired character.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavors

Whisk in the eggs, pure vanilla extract, and maraschino cherry juice into the wet mixture. These enrich the batter with structure and deepen the delicious cherry flavor, keeping every bite aromatic and rich.

Step 5: Bring it All Together

Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, whisking gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix so the cake remains light and airy—this step is crucial for the perfect Layered Cherry Coke Cake Recipe texture.

Step 6: Prepare to Bake

Divide the batter evenly into your three prepared cake pans. Distributing the batter evenly ensures uniform cooking and consistent thickness across all cake layers, which makes stacking a breeze later on.

Step 7: Bake the Cake Layers

Bake the cakes for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep your eye on the timer, because you want moist, not dry, layers that will hold up beautifully under frosting.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Let the cakes cool fully in their pans on wire racks before you attempt to remove or frost them. Cooling prevents the cake from crumbling and allows the flavors to settle perfectly.

Step 9: Level Those Layers

Once cooled, carefully remove the cakes from pans and place on cake boards. Use a cake leveler to slice off the domed tops so your layers are flat and perfect for stacking a neat, professional-looking Layered Cherry Coke Cake Recipe.

Step 10: Make the Cherry Buttercream

Beat the softened unsalted butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternate with heavy whipping cream, then mix in cherry extract, maraschino cherry juice, and pink gel food coloring to achieve that dreamy pink cherry buttercream fitting for this dessert’s playful vibe.

Step 11: Assemble the Cake Layers

Place the first cake layer on your cake stand or board, spread a generous layer of the cherry buttercream, and sprinkle half of the dried, halved maraschino cherries evenly on top. Repeat with the second layer. Top with the third cake layer.

Step 12: Frost the Cake

Use the remaining cherry buttercream to cover the top and sides of the cake evenly, smoothing it out for a clean finish. The vibrant pink frosting will contrast beautifully with the dark chocolate cake layers inside.

Step 13: Add the Finishing Touches

Prepare the chocolate ganache by heating the heavy cream and pouring it over the semi-sweet chocolate chips until melted and glossy. Drizzle this luscious ganache over the cake edges, then crown the top with stemmed maraschino cherries for a delightful visual and fruity flourish.

How to Serve Layered Cherry Coke Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Decorating your Layered Cherry Coke Cake Recipe with extra maraschino cherries, a light dusting of cocoa powder, or even edible glitter adds a festive touch that makes every slice feel like a celebration. These small details elevate the experience and make the cake look irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair this decadent cake with fresh whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a simple cup of coffee or black tea. These accompaniments balance the richness and bring harmony to each bite, making it perfect for any gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the cake into perfect wedges and serving on bright, colorful plates. You can also layer individual portions in clear dessert glasses to showcase the beautiful pink frosting and deep chocolate layers, turning this classic cake into a captivating dessert display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. Just be sure to cover well to keep the buttercream from drying out; the flavors actually deepen when left overnight.

Freezing

To freeze the cake, wrap the whole cake or individual layers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen this way, the cake stays fresh for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

If serving chilled, there’s no need to reheat. For a freshly baked taste, allow cake slices to come to room temperature before eating. Avoid microwaving the frosted cake as it can melt the frosting and alter the textures you worked so hard to perfect.

FAQs

Can I use regular cola instead of Cherry Coke?

Regular cola will work in a pinch but Cherry Coke adds that unique cherry flavor which really defines this cake. Using Cherry Coke is highly recommended for the true taste experience of the Layered Cherry Coke Cake Recipe.

What if I don’t have maraschino cherry juice?

You can substitute with a little cherry syrup from jarred cherries or a splash of grenadine. The juice adds acidity and that extra cherry depth that’s essential for true authenticity.

How do I prevent the cake from drying out?

The sour cream and Canola oil keep the cake moist, but proper baking time and storing leftovers in airtight containers are key. Don’t overbake and always cool completely; this ensures your cake stays tender and flavorful.

Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe relies heavily on dairy and eggs for texture, but you might experiment with dairy-free sour cream alternatives and egg substitutes. Keep in mind this may alter the texture and flavor slightly.

Is this cake good for special occasions?

Absolutely! The Layered Cherry Coke Cake Recipe is festive, flavorful, and visually stunning—perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any time you want to impress guests with a nostalgic yet elegant dessert.

Final Thoughts

This Layered Cherry Coke Cake Recipe is one of those magical desserts that brings together childhood nostalgia and grown-up sophistication in every bite. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, you’re in for a delightful treat that is both playful and indulgent. Give it a try and enjoy the whimsical combination of cherry, chocolate, and fizzy soda flavors that make this cake truly unforgettable.

Print