Inspired by the nostalgic Shirley Temple drink, this cake is a fun, flavorful treat that combines the sweetness of maraschino cherries with a hint of lemon, creating a delightful balance of fruity and buttery goodness. The soft, rich cake is infused with 7Up for a light texture and topped with a sweet glaze that makes it perfect for any celebration or gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Shirley Temple Cake 🍒
The Shirley Temple Cake is not only delicious but also beautiful and eye-catching, thanks to the maraschino cherries nestled throughout. The moist texture of the cake, combined with the zesty lemon extract and bubbly 7Up, creates a light and tender crumb. Soaked in cherry juice and finished with a sweet lemon glaze, this cake is an ideal dessert for birthdays, potlucks, or any time you want to add a touch of nostalgia and fun to your table.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups (340 g) butter, softened
- 3 cups (600 g) granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons lemon extract
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) 7Up
- 10 ounces (280 g) maraschino cherries, drained (reserve the juice)
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This lower baking temperature helps the cake bake evenly and prevents the outside from over-browning while the inside stays soft and tender.
2️⃣ Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step should take about 3-5 minutes to ensure plenty of air is incorporated into the batter, which will result in a lighter cake.
3️⃣ Add the Eggs:
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
4️⃣ Add Dry Ingredients and Liquids:
Gradually add the flour to the creamed mixture, beating until smooth. Stir in the lemon extract and 7Up, mixing until fully combined. The carbonation in the 7Up helps create a soft and airy texture in the cake. Finally, gently fold in the drained maraschino cherries.
5️⃣ Prepare the Pan:
Grease a Bundt pan generously with shortening, making sure to cover all the crevices. Dust the pan lightly with flour to prevent sticking. This step is important to ensure your cake releases smoothly after baking.
6️⃣ Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for about 1 1/2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake will be golden and slightly puffed when done.
7️⃣ Cool and Soak the Cake:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before turning it out onto a serving dish. While the cake is still warm, use a skewer to poke holes all over the top of the cake. Slowly pour the reserved cherry juice over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. This step infuses the cake with even more cherry flavor, making it moist and flavorful.
8️⃣ Glaze the Cake:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon extract, and milk until smooth and pourable. Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled cake, letting it flow over the sides. The glaze adds a sweet, tangy finish that complements the fruity cake perfectly.
9️⃣ Decorate and Serve:
For an extra pop of color and sweetness, top the cake with additional maraschino cherries for decoration. Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.
Tips for Success 🍰
- Draining the Cherries: Make sure to drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly and reserve the juice for soaking the cake. You can pat the cherries dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
- Baking Time: Every oven is different, so check your cake at around 1 hour and 20 minutes. The cake should be golden on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Glaze Consistency: If your glaze is too thick, add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Serving Suggestions
This Shirley Temple Cake is a wonderful dessert to serve at parties, brunches, or even as a nostalgic treat for family gatherings. Pair it with a cold glass of 7Up or a Shirley Temple mocktail for a fun and retro vibe. The vibrant colors of the cherries and the glossy glaze make it visually appealing, so it’s sure to be a hit wherever you take it.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 80g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 57g
- Vitamin C: 2mg
With its rich, buttery crumb, tangy lemon extract, and sweet cherries, this Shirley Temple Cake is a true crowd-pleaser! 🍒 Enjoy!