The Happiest Shirley Temple Cake Recipe for Sweet Celebrations

Sweet and nostalgic, Shirley temple cake reimagines a classic childhood beverage into a delightful dessert experience.

Vibrant flavors dance across your palate with this whimsical treat that captures the essence of innocence and celebration.

Bright red cherries and fizzy soda intertwine to create a playful confection that delights both young and mature taste buds.

Soft, moist layers promise a tender crumb infused with the iconic drink’s signature sweetness.

Memories of carefree moments and innocent joy bubble up with each delectable bite of this charming cake.

Playful and spirited, this dessert brings a touch of vintage charm to modern gatherings.

Get ready to indulge in a slice of pure happiness.

Ingredients for Shirley Temple Cake

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a light, fluffy structure.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add moisture to the cake.
• Flour: Gives structure and body to the cake.
• Lemon Extract: Adds bright, citrusy flavor to complement the cherry notes.
• 7up: Adds lightness and subtle citrus flavor to the cake batter.

• Maraschino Cherries: Adds sweet, vibrant color and classic Shirley Temple flavor.
• Cherry Juice: Provides additional moisture and intensifies cherry flavor when poured over cake.

• Shortening: Helps prevent cake from sticking to the bundt pan.
• Glaze Ingredients: Adds sweet finishing touch and decorative drizzle to the cake.

How to Bake a Shirley Temple Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 325°F (standard and Fahrenheit) and get ready for baking magic.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip together butter and sugar until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud-like mixture.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Crack in the eggs and continue mixing until everything blends smoothly.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in the flour, stirring until the batter looks silky and perfect.

Step 5: Create Flavor Burst

• Lemon extract
• 7up

Beat these ingredients until they’re completely combined.

Step 6: Fold in Cherries

Carefully mix in the cherries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 7: Prepare the Pan

Generously grease a 10-inch bundt pan with shortening, then dust with a light layer of flour to prevent sticking.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Spread the batter into the prepared bundt pan and bake for 70-90 minutes. The cake is done when the center is set and looks stable.

Step 9: Initial Cooling

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes to settle and cool slightly.

Step 10: Remove and Decorate

Flip the cake onto a serving dish. Using a skewer, create tiny holes across the top of the cake.

Step 11: Add Cherry Moisture

Slowly drizzle reserved cherry juice over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.

Step 12: Complete Cooling

Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature.

Step 13: Glaze and Garnish

Whip up the glaze ingredients and drizzle generously over the top of the cake.

Step 14: Final Touch

Optionally, sprinkle additional cherries on top for extra visual appeal and flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Shirley Temple Cake

• Measure Precisely: Use standard measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate ingredient proportions for the perfect cake texture.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter, eggs, and 7up to reach room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more evenly blended batter.
• Fold Gently: Carefully fold cherries into the batter to prevent crushing and distribute them evenly throughout the cake.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake – it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs to indicate perfect baking.
• Moistening Technique: When poking holes and adding cherry juice, do this slowly and evenly to help the cake absorb maximum flavor without becoming soggy.

Keeping Shirley Temple Cake Fresh and Fluffy

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store the Shirley Temple cake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap. Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days at a consistent temperature.
• Freeze Expertly: Carefully wrap the cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze up to 2 months for maximum flavor preservation. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat Gently: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Alternatively, place cake slices on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 300º oven for 5-7 minutes to restore moisture and softness.

Flavor Matches for Shirley Temple Cake

• Sip Sparkling Companions: Pair this sweet cake with a chilled glass of prosecco or champagne to echo the bubbly 7up in the recipe, creating a delightful celebratory flavor experience.
• Cherry Cocktail Complement: Enjoy a classic Shirley Temple mocktail alongside the cake, reinforcing the nostalgic cherry flavor and adding a playful drink pairing that matches the dessert's theme.
• Creamy Cool Contrast: Serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the cake's sweetness and provide a smooth, cool counterpoint to the dense, citrusy cake texture.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Match the cake with a light Earl Grey tea or a delicate chamomile brew, which will cut through the richness and enhance the cake's subtle lemon and cherry notes.

Fun Variations of Shirley Temple Cake

• Tropical Cherry Splash: Replace 7up with coconut water and add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical-inspired version that brings beachy vibes to your dessert.
• Berry Burst Remix: Swap maraschino cherries with fresh mixed berries like raspberries and blueberries, creating a vibrant and slightly tart cake with beautiful color variations.
• Citrus Fizz Fusion: Use blood orange soda instead of 7up and add orange zest to the batter, transforming the classic recipe into a zesty, bright cake with complex flavor profiles.
• Boozy Adult Version: Incorporate a splash of cherry liqueur or rum into the glaze and batter for a grown-up rendition that adds depth and sophistication to the traditional Shirley Temple cake.

What Makes Shirley Temple Cake a Party Favorite

• Burst with Nostalgic Flavor: This Shirley Temple Cake transforms the classic childhood drink into a decadent dessert that brings back sweet memories with every single bite.
• Effortlessly Impressive Baking: The simple mixing method and straightforward ingredients make this cake surprisingly easy to create, perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want to wow their guests.
• Texture-Rich Indulgence: Combining the moist cake base with juicy cherries and a tangy glaze creates a multi-dimensional dessert that offers incredible moisture, soft crumb, and bursts of fruity brightness.
• Versatile Party Showstopper: Whether you're hosting a birthday celebration, summer gathering, or casual family dinner, this bundt cake stands out as a conversation-starting dessert that looks and tastes absolutely spectacular.

Shirley Temple Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Shirley Temple Cake brings nostalgic soda pop charm to classic dessert lovers. Sweet maraschino cherries and tangy grenadine create a playful, moist layer cake that whisks guests back to childhood memories.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups butter (softened)
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs (room temperature)
• 10 ounces (283 grams) maraschino cherries (1 jar, drained and juice reserved)
• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) 7up soda

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 teaspoons lemon extract

Glaze Ingredients:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract
• 3–4 tablespoons milk

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Instructions

1. Cream room temperature butter and granulated sugar in a spacious mixing bowl until the mixture becomes airy and pale, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Incorporate eggs one at a time, thoroughly blending after each addition to ensure a smooth, homogeneous consistency.
3. Gradually sift in all-purpose flour, gently folding until the batter achieves a silky texture without overmixing.
4. Pour in fresh lemon extract and chilled 7up soda, stirring gently to distribute the liquid evenly throughout the batter.
5. Delicately fold chopped maraschino cherries into the cake mixture, ensuring even distribution.
6. Prepare a 10-inch (25.4 centimeters) bundt pan by generously coating the interior with vegetable shortening, then dusting with a light layer of flour to prevent sticking.
7. Transfer the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula for uniform baking.
8. Position the pan in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius) and bake for 70-90 minutes, or until a inserted toothpick emerges clean from the center.
9. After removing from the oven, allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes to facilitate easier removal.
10. Carefully invert the cake onto a decorative serving plate, creating small punctures across the surface using a slender skewer.
11. Slowly drizzle reserved cherry juice over the perforated cake, allowing the liquid to seep into the interior.
12. Prepare a simple glaze by combining powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk or cream until achieving a smooth, pourable consistency.
13. Once the cake has completely cooled, elegantly drizzle the glaze across the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
14. Optional: Garnish with additional maraschino cherries for a vibrant, festive presentation.

Notes

• Capture the nostalgic soda-inspired flavor that transforms a classic bundt cake into a playful dessert reminiscent of the iconic childhood drink.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and a consistently tender cake texture.
• Carefully monitor baking time, as ovens vary; start checking for doneness around 70 minutes to prevent potential dryness.
• Poking holes allows cherry juice to deeply penetrate the cake, creating a moist and intensely flavored dessert.
• The low oven temperature helps create an even bake, preventing burnt edges while ensuring a perfectly cooked interior.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature for maximum flavor enjoyment, making it ideal for parties and gatherings.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 70 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 612
• Sugar: 58 g
• Sodium: 225 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 78 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 156 mg