Shirley Temple Cake Recipe

This Shirley Temple Cake is a delightful twist on the classic childhood drink! With its fluffy texture, bright pops of maraschino cherries, and a sweet, tangy glaze, it’s a showstopper dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Best of all, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up! Whether it’s for a potluck, birthday, or just a weeknight treat, this bundt cake will win over everyone with its nostalgic charm and dreamy flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple Prep: With just 15 minutes of hands-on time, this cake is perfect when you need a fuss-free dessert that still impresses.
• Unforgettable Flavor: The combination of lemon extract, 7UP, and maraschino cherries creates a deliciously unique cake that’s tangy, sweet, and bursting with fruity goodness.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re cooking for a birthday party or a casual family dinner, this cake is guaranteed to gather oohs and aahs.
• Nostalgic and Fun: Inspired by the beloved Shirley Temple drink, this cake evokes carefree childhood memories in every bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’re going to love how simple and approachable this ingredient list is! These everyday pantry staples come together to create something special.

For the Cake:

• Butter: For richness and a perfectly moist cake texture. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and creates that perfect tender crumb.
• Eggs: Acts as both a binder and a structure-builder to give the cake its lovely rise.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cake, giving it that balance of fluffiness and sturdiness.
• Lemon Extract: Adds a bright citrusy note that pairs beautifully with the cherries.
• 7UP: The not-so-secret ingredient! This fizzy soda adds moisture and a subtle zing to the cake batter.
• Maraschino Cherries: The star of the show! Drained, chopped cherries are folded into the batter for pops of color and flavor. Don’t toss the juice – it’s key for soaking the cake later.

For the Glaze:

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze that drizzles beautifully.
• Lemon Extract: Enhances the citrus flavor in the glaze to tie everything together.
• Milk: Helps thin out the glaze to the perfect consistency for drizzling.

Tip: Use maraschino cherries with stems if you’d like to use them as a garnish for a more elegant presentation!

Variations

This cake is a joy to play around with. Here are some fun ways to shake things up:

Make it boozy:

Swap the 7UP for a splash of sparkling rosé or champagne for an adult twist on the Shirley Temple classic!

Try a different extract:

If lemon isn’t your thing, experiment with almond extract or even vanilla for a new flavor profile.

Add some crunch:

Fold in chopped pecans or sliced almonds for a nice textural contrast along with the cherries.

Colorful fun:

For a festive touch, add some colorful sprinkles to the batter or on top of the glaze!

Citrus switch:

Prefer orange? Use orange extract instead of lemon for a sunny orange-cherry combination.

How to Make Shirley Temple Cake

Let’s break it down into easy steps so you’ll have a perfect Shirley Temple Cake in no time.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Grease your bundt pan thoroughly with shortening and dust it with flour. (This ensures your cake will release without any sticking disasters!)

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy – this step ensures a tender cake. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing until just blended. Next, mix in the flour, lemon extract, and 7UP until the batter is smooth and lump-free.

Step 3: Fold in Cherries

Gently fold in the maraschino cherries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. The cherries add the cake’s signature pops of flavor and color!

Step 4: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 1 ½ hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Soak

Once the cake is out of the oven, cool it in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then turn it onto a serving plate. Use a skewer to poke small holes all over the top of the cake. Slowly drizzle the reserved cherry juice over the top, letting it soak into the cake and seep down for extra moisture and flavor.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon extract, and milk to create the glaze. Drizzle it over the completely cooled cake and top with extra maraschino cherries if desired for a finishing touch.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a silky-smooth batter.
• Don’t Skip the Buttermilk Shortcut: If you’re out of 7UP, you can substitute with a mix of sparkling water and a bit of lemon juice.
• Fully Grease the Pan: Bundt cakes can be finicky – use shortening instead of butter for a foolproof release.
• Soaking the Cake: Drizzle the reserved cherry juice slowly to ensure the cake absorbs it evenly.

How to Serve

This Shirley Temple Cake is a versatile dessert that shines on its own or pairs beautifully with other treats. Here’s how to serve it:

Desserts:

• A dollop of whipped cream on the side is a must for added softness.
• For an extra indulgent treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Beverages:

• A glass of sparkling lemonade or a homemade Shirley Temple drink makes for a fun pairing.

Presentation:

• Garnish with extra cherries (stems intact if possible) for that wow factor at your table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Shirley Temple Cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It stays delightfully moist!

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

To bring back some of its fresh-out-of-the-oven softness, microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pan?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a bundt pan, you can use a large loaf pan or two 9-inch round cake pans. Just watch your baking time – they may cook slightly faster.

2. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
You can, but the flavor of maraschino cherries is key to the cake’s signature sweetness and nostalgic feel. If using fresh cherries, consider adding extra sugar or cherry syrup.

3. Why did my cake stick to the bundt pan?
Bundt pans can sometimes be unforgiving. Be sure to grease and flour the pan thoroughly, reaching every nook and cranny. Alternatively, use a baking spray designed for bundt pans.

4. Can I make the glaze thicker?
Yes! Add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, to achieve a thicker glaze consistency.

Final Thoughts

The Shirley Temple Cake is as delightful to make as it is to eat. With its cheerful personality, nostalgic flavors, and irresistible glaze, it’s a dessert that brings joy to any gathering. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself on a quiet evening, give this recipe a try – and don’t forget to savor every cherry-filled bite!

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