Shirley Temple Cake Recipe
A playful twist on the classic drink, Shirley Temple Cake combines cake mix, lemon lime soda, and chopped maraschino cherries. Baked in a cake pan, it’s moist, colorful, and full of cherry flavor. Finished with a sweet cherry glaze, this easy-to-make dessert is perfect for celebrations, bringing both fun and nostalgia to the table.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- 9×13-inch cake pan
- Cooling rack
- Small mixing bowl for glaze
- Whisk
Ingredients
For The Cake:
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1½ cups unsalted butter softened
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons lemon extract
- ¾ cup lemon lime soda like 7-Up
- 10 ounces jarred maraschino cherries drained
For The Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 3 to 4 tablespoons milk
- Extra maraschino cherries for topping
Instructions
Get Your Oven Ready:
- Set it to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch cake pan, or line it with parchment paper to make cleanup easier.
Cream The Butter And Sugar:
- In a big bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with a mixer until the mixture is nice and fluffy.
Add The Eggs And Lemon Flavor:
- Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. Then stir in the lemon extract until everything is blended.
Mix In The Dry Stuff:
- Slowly add the flour to the butter mixture, alternating with the lemon lime soda. Start and finish with the flour. Be gentle when mixing so the batter stays light.
Fold In The Cherries:
- Drain the maraschino cherries well, then carefully fold them into the batter so they’re spread out evenly.
Bake:
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 55 to 60 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean.
Make The Glaze:
- While the cake bakes, whisk powdered sugar, lemon extract, and milk together in a small bowl. Add the milk little by little until the glaze is smooth and easy to pour.
Finish It Off:
- When the cake has cooled completely on a rack, drizzle the glaze over the top. Add a few extra cherries on top if you like. Let the glaze set before slicing and serving.