Turn your favorite non-alcoholic drink into a show-stopping dessert! This Shirley Temple Cake is a vibrant, deliciously moist poke cake that starts with a simple boxed mix and finishes with an irresistible cherry and lemon-lime glaze. It’s a nostalgic treat perfect for any celebration or a sweet indulgence.
Shirley Temple Cake Recipe: A Nostalgic, Easy-to-Make Dessert
Why You’ll Adore This Shirley Temple Poke Cake
Imagine the bubbly, sweet, and slightly tart flavors of a classic Shirley Temple drink, but perfectly captured in a cake! This isn’t just any cake; it’s a moist, flavorful “poke cake” that truly embodies the essence of that beloved non-alcoholic beverage. Starting with a convenient boxed cake mix, we elevate it with a secret ingredient—7Up!—and infuse it with the iconic cherry essence that makes a Shirley Temple so special. The result is a stunning dessert that’s incredibly simple to prepare, yet impressive enough for any gathering, from family dinners to festive parties. Whether you’re a seasoned baker looking for a fun new recipe or just starting your baking journey, this Shirley Temple Poke Cake promises a delightful and delicious experience that brings a smile to everyone’s face.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the vibrant flavors it delivers. It’s a fantastic choice when you need a dessert that looks elaborate but comes together with minimal effort. The poke cake method ensures that every single bite is bursting with a juicy, sweet cherry flavor, making it intensely satisfying. Plus, the bright colors from the maraschino cherries make it a visually appealing centerpiece for any occasion.
The Inspiration: The Classic Shirley Temple Drink
For those unfamiliar with its charm, a Shirley Temple is more than just a drink; it’s a symbol of childhood celebrations and a touch of grown-up flair without the alcohol. Typically, this refreshing concoction is made with ginger ale or a lemon-lime soda (like 7Up or Sprite), a generous splash of grenadine (or bright red maraschino cherry juice), and always garnished with a vibrant maraschino cherry and sometimes a slice of orange or lime. It’s a drink synonymous with nostalgia, bringing back memories of special occasions and feeling fancy as a child.
Our Shirley Temple Cake draws directly from this beloved inspiration, meticulously transforming those signature flavors and colors into a truly celebratory dessert. By replacing the water traditionally called for in the cake mix with crisp, bubbly 7Up, we infuse the cake itself with a subtle lemon-lime tang and an incredibly tender texture. The real magic happens with the maraschino cherry juice. After baking, small holes are gently poked into the warm cake, allowing the reserved cherry juice to seep deep into the crumb. This “poke cake” technique ensures that every forkful is infused with a burst of sweet, tart cherry goodness, creating an extra moist texture and intensifying the overall flavor profile throughout the cake.
To top it all off, we crown this delightful creation with a luscious, slightly tart lemon glaze that provides a perfect counterpoint to the sweet cherry. Adorned with additional maraschino cherries, this cake is not only a feast for the palate but also a stunning visual tribute to its iconic namesake. It’s a dessert that tells a story, evokes happy memories, and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Essential Ingredients for Your Shirley Temple Cake
Crafting this wonderfully unique cake doesn’t require a special trip to a gourmet store. All the ingredients are widely available at your local grocery store, making this recipe as convenient as it is delicious. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to transform a simple boxed mix into a truly extraordinary, flavor-packed dessert:
- Yellow Cake Mix: This serves as the convenient and delicious foundation of our cake. While a classic yellow cake mix provides a rich, buttery flavor and a beautiful golden hue, you have flexibility. A white cake mix is an excellent alternative, especially if you want the vibrant red of the maraschino cherry juice to stand out even more for a striking visual effect. A French vanilla mix can also be used for a slightly different, aromatic flavor profile. For avid bakers who prefer everything from scratch, feel free to use your favorite Homemade Yellow Cake Mix or Homemade White Cake recipe as your base, remembering to adjust the liquid content to incorporate the 7Up as specified in this recipe.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: This is truly the secret ingredient that elevates our Shirley Temple Cake to an unbelievably moist and tender dessert. It’s crucial to use *instant* pudding mix, not the “Cook & Serve” variety, as the latter will not achieve the desired texture or overall result in the cake. The instant pudding powder works wonders by helping to create a denser, incredibly tender crumb and subtly enhances the cake with a lovely hint of vanilla flavor, making it feel almost homemade.
- 7-Up (Lemon-Lime Soda): This is where the Shirley Temple magic truly begins in the cake batter. Instead of using plain water, 7-Up replaces it entirely. The carbonation in the soda tenderizes the cake, contributing to its light and airy texture, while the refreshing lemon-lime flavor perfectly complements the sweet cherry notes. If 7-Up is not readily available, any other lemon-lime soda such as Sprite, Mountain Dew, or even a store-brand equivalent will yield equally fantastic results.
- Large Eggs: Eggs are vital for providing structure, essential moisture, and a rich quality to the cake. For optimal results, it’s always recommended to allow your eggs to come to room temperature before incorporating them into the batter. This practice helps them emulsify and mix more smoothly and evenly with the other ingredients, leading to a more consistent and better-textured cake.
- Vegetable Oil: As a key fat source, vegetable oil significantly contributes to the cake’s moistness and ensures a wonderfully tender crumb. You can use any neutral-flavored oil you have on hand, such as canola or sunflower oil.
- Maraschino Cherries: These iconic, brightly colored red cherries are absolutely essential for both the authentic flavor and the whimsical visual appeal of our Shirley Temple Cake. You will need a 10-ounce jar. The drained cherries will be used primarily for garnishing the finished cake, while the vibrant, sweet juice they come packed in will be reserved and used to “poke” into the baked cake, infusing every bite with intense cherry flavor. Maraschino cherries are usually easy to find in most grocery stores—check the baking aisle, near ice cream toppings, or sometimes even in the beverage mixers section.
- Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): This finely milled sugar forms the perfect, smooth base for our delightful lemon glaze. Its powdery texture ensures that your icing will be beautifully smooth and completely lump-free, creating a professional-looking finish.
- Lemon Extract: This ingredient is key for adding a bright, zesty counterpoint to the sweet cherry flavor in the glaze, creating a balanced and refreshing taste. If you don’t have lemon extract on hand, a splash of fresh lemon juice can be substituted for a slightly more natural citrus note, or you can choose to omit it entirely for a simple, sweet glaze if that’s your preference.
- Milk: Used to adjust the consistency of the glaze. Start with a small amount (2 tablespoons) and gradually add more, just a teaspoon at a time, until your desired thickness is achieved. Any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy, like almond or oat milk) will work perfectly.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Shirley Temple Cake
Follow these straightforward steps to create your own perfectly moist, vibrantly flavored, and visually stunning Shirley Temple Cake. This recipe is designed for ease and guaranteed deliciousness!
Preparing the Cake Batter
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This lower temperature helps ensure an evenly baked and moist bundt cake. Generously spray a 10-inch bundt pan with a nonstick cooking spray. For bundt cakes with intricate designs, using a spray that contains flour (such as Baker’s Joy) is highly recommended, as it creates a superior non-stick surface, ensuring easy release and preserving the cake’s beautiful shape. Don’t skip this crucial step!
- Combine Cake Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the entire box of yellow cake mix, the small (3.4 ounce) box of instant vanilla pudding, ¾ cup of 7-Up, 4 large eggs, and ¾ cup of vegetable oil. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
- Mix Until Smooth: Using an electric mixer on medium speed, or by hand with a whisk, mix all the ingredients thoroughly until a smooth, uniform batter forms. Mix just until no dry streaks of cake mix remain. Be careful not to overmix, as overdeveloping the gluten can lead to a tougher, less tender cake.
- Pour and Bake: Carefully pour the prepared cake batter evenly into your greased bundt pan, spreading it gently with a spatula if needed. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45-55 minutes. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on your cake. The cake is ready when a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it.
The Poke Cake Magic: Infusing Cherry Flavor
- Poke Holes: Once the cake is finished baking, remove it from the oven and, while it’s still warm and resting in the bundt pan, use a wooden skewer (or the handle of a wooden spoon, or even a fork) to gently poke numerous holes all over the top surface of the cake. Try to space the holes relatively evenly to ensure thorough juice distribution. These holes are essential for allowing the cherry juice to penetrate deep into the cake.
- Infuse with Cherry Juice: Carefully pour the reserved maraschino cherry juice evenly over the entire surface of the poked cake. Take your time to ensure the juice seeps into all the holes. The warm cake will readily absorb the liquid, initiating the “poke cake” effect, intensifying the cherry flavor and adding incredible moisture throughout the cake.
- Cool Completely: This is a critical step. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This period is vital for the cake to fully set its structure and for the cherry juice to be thoroughly absorbed before you attempt to remove it. Rushing this step could lead to the cake sticking or breaking.
Preparing the Lemon Glaze and Finishing Touches
- Remove from Pan: Once the cake has cooled completely (this may take 1-2 hours), gently invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate or cake stand to release the cake. If it doesn’t come out immediately, give it a gentle shake or tap. Patience is key here!
- Make the Glaze: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of powdered sugar with 1 teaspoon of lemon extract (if you are using it for that bright citrus zing).
- Adjust Consistency: Gradually whisk in 2-3 tablespoons of milk. Start with 2 tablespoons and mix well. If you prefer a thicker, more opaque icing that clings to the cake, use less milk. For a thinner, more translucent glaze that drips elegantly down the sides, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Drizzle and Garnish: Generously drizzle the prepared lemon glaze evenly over the top and sides of the cooled cake. Allow the glaze to set slightly. Finally, adorn the cake with a few of the drained maraschino cherries. These not only add a beautiful pop of color but also reinforce that classic Shirley Temple look and provide an extra burst of cherry flavor.
Your beautiful and delicious Shirley Temple Cake is now ready to be sliced and enjoyed! Serve it chilled or at room temperature for the best experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Shirley Temple Cake
Absolutely! While this recipe emphasizes the vibrant cherry flavor derived from maraschino cherries, a truly traditional Shirley Temple drink often features grenadine, which is a sweet, pomegranate-flavored syrup. You can certainly substitute the maraschino cherry juice with grenadine for infusing the cake. This will give your cake a slightly different, yet equally delicious and authentic, Shirley Temple flavor profile with subtle tartness.
Not at all; you have options! A white cake mix or a French vanilla cake mix are excellent and popular alternatives to yellow cake mix. A white cake mix, in particular, will allow the vibrant, bright red of the maraschino cherry juice to show through more prominently in the cake’s crumb, creating a strikingly beautiful visual effect that many find appealing for this recipe.
The instant vanilla pudding mix is highly recommended because it significantly enhances the cake’s moistness, giving it an incredibly tender crumb, and adds a subtle, delicious depth of vanilla flavor. If you genuinely don’t have it, you can simply omit it from the recipe, though your cake might be slightly less moist and dense. As a creative alternative, instant lemon pudding mix can also be used, which would wonderfully complement the lemon-lime soda in the cake and the optional lemon extract in the glaze, boosting the citrus notes.
No, the lemon extract is entirely optional and can be adjusted completely to your personal preference. It’s included to add a bright, zesty note that beautifully contrasts and complements the sweetness of the cherry and cake. If you prefer a simpler, sweeter glaze, you can just use powdered sugar and milk. For a classic, comforting flavor, a splash of vanilla extract can also be added to your glaze.
Yes, the icing consistency is very easily customizable to suit your preference. This recipe initially suggests a thicker icing, which provides a more substantial coating and a richer glaze-like texture, achieved by using less milk. However, if you desire a thinner, more translucent glaze that elegantly drips down the sides of the cake, simply add a bit more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you achieve your desired, flowy consistency.
To maintain its delightful freshness, flavor, and moisture, any leftover Shirley Temple Cake should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap. It will keep beautifully for 3-4 days. For longer preservation, the cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to enjoy its fresh taste again.
Expert Tips for a Perfect Shirley Temple Cake
Achieving a perfectly moist, flavorful, and beautiful Shirley Temple Cake is easy with these helpful tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: Always ensure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This seemingly small detail helps them emulsify better with the other ingredients, creating a smoother, more homogenous batter. The result is a lighter, more uniform cake texture and better rise.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the cake batter just until the ingredients are combined and no dry pockets of cake mix remain. Overmixing can overdevelop the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough, dense, and less tender cake. Stop mixing as soon as everything is incorporated.
- Generously Grease Your Bundt Pan: Bundt pans, with their intricate designs, can be notoriously sticky. Proper greasing is paramount to prevent the cake from sticking and breaking when released. Use a high-quality baking spray that contains flour (like Baker’s Joy), or thoroughly grease every nook and cranny with softened butter and then dust with flour, tapping out the excess.
- Poke Holes Evenly: When creating the “poke” effect, try to space the holes relatively evenly across the entire surface of the cake. This ensures that the cherry juice distributes consistently throughout the cake, guaranteeing uniform moisture and flavor in every slice.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: Resist the temptation to glaze a warm cake! Applying glaze to a cake that hasn’t fully cooled will cause the glaze to melt, become runny, and seep into the cake instead of forming a beautiful, even coating on top. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack—this might take a couple of hours.
- Adjust Glaze Thickness Gradually: When preparing your powdered sugar glaze, always add milk gradually, a teaspoon at a time. It’s much easier to add more liquid to thin out a glaze than it is to thicken one without adding excessive amounts of sugar, which can alter the flavor balance.
- Consider Presentation: For an extra touch, reserve a few maraschino cherries to place artfully on top of the glaze once it has slightly set. You can also add a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of green color.
- Freshness is Best: While the Shirley Temple Cake stores remarkably well, it’s always at its peak flavor and moistness when enjoyed within one to two days of baking.
Delicious Variations to Try
While the classic Shirley Temple Cake is undeniably fantastic on its own, there are countless ways to customize it and experiment with different flavors to suit your personal taste or occasion. Here are some delicious variations to inspire your next baking adventure:
- Different Soda Bases: Experiment with other clear sodas in the cake batter. While lemon-lime soda is traditional and highly recommended, you could try a clear cream soda for a sweeter, more vanilla-forward cake. For a less sweet cake, you could even use plain sparkling water, though you might lose some of the subtle flavor contribution of the lemon-lime.
- Alternative Frostings: Instead of the lighter lemon glaze, consider a richer topping. A creamy cherry buttercream frosting, made with some of the reserved maraschino cherry juice, would be divine. Alternatively, a classic vanilla cream cheese frosting would add a tangy richness that pairs beautifully with the cake’s flavors.
- Boost the Citrus Zest: For an even brighter and more aromatic flavor profile, incorporate some fresh lemon or lime zest directly into the cake batter. You can also add more zest to the glaze for an intensified citrus kick.
- Almond Flavor Enhancement: The sweet and slightly nutty notes of almond pair wonderfully with cherry flavors. Add a hint of almond extract to the cake batter (start with a quarter teaspoon) or to the glaze. This subtle addition can elevate the overall complexity of the cake.
- Creative Garnishes: Beyond just maraschino cherries, get creative with your garnishes! Fresh mint leaves scattered on top add a refreshing aroma and a pop of contrasting green. Thin lemon or lime slices can be arranged for a sophisticated look, or for a truly festive cake, sprinkle some edible glitter over the glaze.
- Miniature Cakes or Cupcakes: This recipe is easily adaptable for baking in mini bundt pans, creating individual servings perfect for parties, or even as cupcakes. Adjust baking times accordingly (cupcakes typically bake for 18-22 minutes). When making cupcakes, you can still poke holes and drizzle with cherry juice for that extra moisture and flavor.
- Add White Chocolate Chips: Fold a handful of white chocolate chips into the batter before baking for pockets of sweet, melty goodness that complement the cherry flavor.
Craving More Delicious Recipes?
If you’ve thoroughly enjoyed creating and tasting this Shirley Temple Cake, you’re in for a treat with these other fantastic recipes from our collection. Explore more delightful poke cakes, cherry-infused desserts, and other baking inspirations!
- Maraschino Cherry Cake
- Cherry Almond Poke Cake
- Black Forest Poke Cake
- Banana Pudding Poke Cake
- Red Velvet Poke Cake
- Boston Cream Poke Cake
- The Best Poke Cake Recipes
- Twinkie Poke Cake
- Raspberry Poke Cake
- Apple Pie Poke Cake
- Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake
- Homemade Cherry Pie Bars
- Cherry Chocolate Chip Bars
- Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake
Originally published: July 2017
Updated and republished: November 2024
Shirley Temple Cake: The Full Recipe Card
This recipe provides a quick and delightful way to bring the nostalgic charm of a Shirley Temple drink to your dessert table. Enjoy this simple yet impressive cherry-infused cake!
Shirley Temple Cake
One of our favorite non-alcoholic drinks reimagined as a cake! This easy recipe elevates a boxed cake mix with delicious cherry flavor and a refreshing lemon glaze.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8
Author: Brandie Skibinski
For the cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (can use white or French vanilla cake mix)
- 3.4 ounce (small box) instant vanilla pudding
- ¾ cups 7-Up (any lemon-lime soda will work)
- 4 large eggs (link to product)
- ¾ cup vegetable oil (link to product)
- 10 ounce jar maraschino cherries, drained and juice reserved (divided use)
For the glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar (link to product)
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract (optional)
- 2-3 Tablespoons milk (link to product)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Spray a 10-inch bundt pan really well with nonstick cooking spray (a kind with flour in it, like Baker’s Joy, is recommended).
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 box yellow cake mix, 3.4 ounce (small box) instant vanilla pudding, 3/4 cups 7-Up, 4 large eggs and 3/4 cup vegetable oil. Mix until thoroughly combined.
- Pour batter into prepared bundt pan. Bake for about 45-55 minutes (until an inserted toothpick comes out clean).
- Once it’s finished baking, while still in the pan, poke holes all over the cake using a wooden skewer (or similar sized object).
- Then pour reserved maraschino cherry juice into the cake. Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Once the cake is cooled completely, carefully remove from the bundt pan.
- To prepare icing: In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar with 1 teaspoon lemon extract.
- Whisk in 2-3 Tablespoons milk slowly until you’ve reached the desired consistency (start with a little and add more if you need to thin it out).
- Pour Icing evenly over the top of the cooled cake.
- Then top with a few maraschino cherries.
Notes
- Please refer to the FAQs and ingredient list above for other substitutions or answers to the most common questions.
- Do not follow the directions on the back of the cake mix box; please use the specific ingredients and instructions listed in this recipe.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Nutrition Information (Estimate Per Serving)
- Calories: 574 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 86g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 24g
- Sodium: 506mg
- Sugar: 60g
Nutritional Disclaimer
This information is an estimate based on standard ingredient values. Nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on specific brands, ingredient quantities, and preparation methods used. For precise counts, we recommend consulting a professional nutritionist or using a trusted online nutritional calculator with your exact ingredients.
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