Magical Shirley Temple Cake Recipe for Sweet Celebrations

Sweet memories swirl around this delightful shirley temple cake that brings nostalgic childhood flavors to your dessert table.

Cherry syrup gives the layers a vibrant crimson glow reminiscent of classic soda fountain charm.

Soft, moist crumbs melt on your tongue with bright fruity notes.

Maraschino cherries scattered across the top add playful bursts of color and sweetness.

Light frosting complements the cake’s whimsical personality without overwhelming its delicate essence.

Each slice promises a delectable journey back to carefree afternoons filled with fizzy drinks and laughter.

One bite and you’ll want to savor every playful moment of this charming dessert.

Creative Spins on Shirley Temple Cake

• Gluten-Free Cherry Soda Cake: Replace regular flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegetable shortening to accommodate dairy restrictions.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar and reduce the amount of cherry juice for a lighter dessert.
• Vegan Shirley Temple Cake: Substitute eggs with applesauce or mashed banana, use plant-based butter, and choose a vegan-friendly sparkling beverage to create a completely animal-product-free cake.

Best Pairings for Shirley Temple Cake

• Pair Bubbly Cherry Mocktail: Create a refreshing non-alcoholic drink matching the cake's cherry and lemon notes, using 7up, grenadine, and maraschino cherry garnish.
• Chill Vanilla Ice Cream Companion: Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside the cake to complement its sweet, tangy flavor profile and provide a cool contrast.
• Explore Fresh Berry Topping: Scatter fresh raspberries or strawberries around the cake plate to enhance the fruity essence and add vibrant color and natural sweetness.
• Craft Whipped Cream Accent: Dollop light, homemade whipped cream with a hint of vanilla extract to balance the cake's rich texture and add elegant presentation.

Storage Tips for Shirley Temple Cake

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. For best texture, let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Keep cake covered on the counter for 1-2 days if your kitchen is cool and dry. Use a cake dome or loose plastic wrap to maintain moisture.

Common Questions on Shirley Temple Cake

• What gives this cake its unique Shirley Temple flavor?

The combination of 7up soda and maraschino cherries creates the signature Shirley Temple taste, mimicking the classic childhood mocktail in cake form.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have 7up?

Yes, you can use sprite or another clear lemon-lime soda as a direct replacement for 7up without changing the cake’s texture or moisture level.

• How do I know the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake – if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The cake should also have a golden brown color and slightly pulled away edges.

Why Shirley Temple Cake Stands Out

• Burst with Nostalgia: Recreate the beloved childhood drink in a delightful cake form that brings back sweet memories of classic soda fountain treats.
• Master Simple Baking Techniques: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires basic mixing and folding methods that anyone can learn quickly.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Dessert: Guaranteed to impress guests with its unique flavor profile and stunning bundt cake presentation, making it ideal for gatherings and celebrations.
• Surprise Ingredient Magic: Unexpected addition of 7up and maraschino cherries transforms an ordinary cake into an extraordinary dessert with a playful twist.

Ingredients Needed for Shirley Temple Cake

• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cake structure.
• Flour: Gives the cake its basic structure and substance.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture.
• Lemon Extract: Enhances the cake's citrusy flavor profile.
• 7up: Adds lightness and unique carbonated texture to the cake.
• Maraschino Cherries: Provides sweet, vibrant color and fruity flavor throughout the cake.
• Cherry Juice: Adds extra moisture and intensifies the cherry flavor when poured over the baked cake.
• Shortening: Used to grease the pan and prevent cake from sticking.
• Powdered Sugar, Milk or Cream: Creates a sweet, smooth topping to finish the cake.

How to Make Shirley Temple Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn your oven to a cozy 325 degrees, creating the perfect environment for baking your delightful Shirley Temple Cake.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip together softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks like a cloud of sweetness.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs

Add eggs to your buttery mixture and continue blending until everything is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Gently fold flour into the batter, beating until the mixture becomes silky and free of lumps.

Step 5: Add Liquid Magic

Pour in lemon extract and 7up, mixing thoroughly to create a zingy, bubbly base that will make your cake extra special.

Step 6: Fold in Cherries

Carefully stir in drained maraschino cherries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter for bursts of fruity flavor.

Step 7: Prepare the Pan

Grease a bundt pan with shortening, then dust it lightly with flour to ensure your cake releases perfectly after baking.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter into the prepared bundt pan and bake for approximately 1 1/2 hours. The cake is ready when the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 9: Initial Cooling

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to stabilize and cool slightly.

Step 10: Create Moisture Channels

Carefully turn the cake onto a serving dish. Use a skewer to create small holes across the top surface.

Step 11: Soak with Cherry Juice

Slowly drizzle reserved cherry juice over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes and throughout the cake for maximum moisture and flavor.

Step 12: Complete Cooling

Allow the cake to cool completely, letting all the flavors meld together.

Step 13: Glaze and Serve

Prepare a delectable glaze and drizzle it generously over the top of your Shirley Temple Cake, creating a beautiful and delicious finish.

Helpful Tips for Shirley Temple Cake

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use high-quality butter, fresh eggs, and new 7up for the best flavor profile and texture.
• Drain Cherries Carefully: Pat maraschino cherries completely dry to prevent excess moisture from affecting cake consistency.
• Temperature Matters: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake structure.
• Check Cake Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center to confirm the cake is fully baked without wet batter.
• Maximize Moisture: Pour cherry juice slowly and evenly to help the cake absorb liquid completely and enhance overall taste.

Shirley Temple Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet nostalgia meets classic dessert in this Shirley Temple cake, celebrating childhood memories with a delightful twist. Layers of maraschino cherry-infused cake and bright buttercream promise a playful journey through flavor and fun you’ll treasure.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups butter (softened)

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 teaspoons lemon extract
• 3/4 cup 7up (soda)

Garnish and Accent Ingredients:

• 10 ounces maraschino cherries (drained, juice reserved)

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Instructions

1. Cream butter and sugar until achieving a voluminous, airy texture with a pale appearance.
2. Integrate eggs gradually, whisking thoroughly to create a uniform mixture.
3. Gently fold in flour, maintaining a smooth, lump-free consistency while mixing at low speed.
4. Infuse the batter with vibrant lemon extract and fizzy 7up, blending until completely incorporated.
5. Carefully fold chopped maraschino cherries throughout the batter, distributing evenly.
6. Prepare a bundt pan by generously coating with shortening and dusting with flour to prevent sticking.
7. Transfer batter into prepared pan, smoothing the surface for an even bake.
8. Slide into a preheated 325°F oven and bake approximately 90 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick emerges clean from the center.
9. Rest cake within the pan for 10-15 minutes, allowing gentle cooling and preventing structural collapse.
10. Invert onto a serving plate, creating multiple strategic punctures across the surface using a slender skewer.
11. Slowly drizzle reserved cherry juice, ensuring complete absorption throughout the cake’s interior and exterior.
12. Allow cake to cool completely at room temperature.
13. Whisk glaze ingredients until achieving a silky, pourable consistency.
14. Elegantly drizzle glaze over the cake’s surface, allowing it to cascade naturally down the sides.

Notes

• Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother, more even mixing and better cake texture.
• Drain maraschino cherries thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cake’s consistency.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for structure.
• Enhance cherry flavor by reserving some chopped cherries to sprinkle on top of the glazed cake for extra visual appeal and taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 537
• Sugar: 53 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 69 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg