Shirley Temple Cake

Here’s a fun recipe for a Shirley Temple Cake, inspired by the classic non-alcoholic cocktail. This cake features bright cherry flavors and a fizzy sweetness from lemon-lime soda!

Shirley Temple Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup lemon-lime soda (e.g., Sprite or 7UP)
  • 5 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp almond extract
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 jar (10 oz) maraschino cherries, drained and chopped (save some whole cherries for garnish)
• For the Glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp maraschino cherry juice (from the jar)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a bundt cake pan or a regular cake pan.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the lemon-lime soda. Stir until just combined.
6. Flavoring and Cherries: Stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and chopped maraschino cherries.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and maraschino cherry juice until smooth. Add lemon juice for extra tartness if desired.
10. Glaze the Cake: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. Garnish with whole maraschino cherries on top.
11. Serve: Slice and serve! Enjoy the burst of cherry flavor.

This Shirley Temple Cake is perfect for parties or any time you want a sweet, nostalgic treat!