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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Cream room temperature butter and granulated sugar in a spacious mixing bowl until the mixture becomes airy and pale, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, thoroughly blending after each addition to ensure a smooth, homogeneous consistency.
- Gradually sift in all-purpose flour, gently folding until the batter achieves a silky texture without overmixing.
- Pour in fresh lemon extract and chilled 7up soda, stirring gently to distribute the liquid evenly throughout the batter.
- Delicately fold chopped maraschino cherries into the cake mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- 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.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula for uniform baking.
- 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.
- After removing from the oven, allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes to facilitate easier removal.
- Carefully invert the cake onto a decorative serving plate, creating small punctures across the surface using a slender skewer.
- Slowly drizzle reserved cherry juice over the perforated cake, allowing the liquid to seep into the interior.
- Prepare a simple glaze by combining powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk or cream until achieving a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Once the cake has completely cooled, elegantly drizzle the glaze across the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
- 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