Dazzling Shirley Temple Cake Recipe: A Sweet Childhood Flashback

Dessert lovers rejoice as this nostalgic Shirley Temple cake recipe brings childhood memories swirling back to life.

Sweet cherries and vibrant flavors dance across every delectable slice.

The classic mocktail inspires this delightful cake that turns ordinary baking into a celebration.

Soft, moist layers burst with maraschino cherry goodness and a hint of tangy brightness.

Each bite promises a playful nod to the beloved drink that generations have cherished.

Bakers of all skill levels can easily create this whimsical treat that sparks joy and conversation.

Get ready to impress everyone with a dessert that tastes like pure happiness.

How to Serve This Festive Cake

• Serve with a Fizzy Twist: Pair the Shirley Temple Cake with a cold glass of 7up or a homemade Shirley Temple mocktail for a nostalgic beverage experience.
• Cherry Garnish Galore: Scatter fresh maraschino cherries around the cake or create a beautiful cherry crown on top to enhance the visual appeal and add a burst of fruity flavor.
• Creamy Companion: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream alongside each slice to complement the cake's light and refreshing taste.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Slice the cake into smaller pieces and serve on a pretty platter during a weekend afternoon tea gathering with friends and family.

Tips to Store Your Cherry-Lemon Dessert

• Quick Serve Strategy: Slice the Shirley Temple cake at room temperature for the most tender and moist texture. Best enjoyed within 3-4 days of baking.
• Smart Refrigeration Technique: Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying.
• Freeze for Later Enjoyment: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve its delicate texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake a day before your event. The flavors will meld and intensify, creating an even more delicious dessert that's perfect for gatherings or special occasions.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 70 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 406 kcal

Servings: 13

Shirley Temple Cake: What You’ll Need

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation that ensures tender cake texture with smooth, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Sugar: Delivers sweetness and helps create golden, caramelized exterior with soft crumb.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients, adds structure, and contributes to cake's luxurious richness.
• Flour: Creates essential cake structure and ensures delicate, consistent texture.

• Lemon Extract: Introduces bright, zesty undertone that elevates overall cake complexity.
• 7up: Adds unexpected lightness, creates tender crumb, and provides subtle effervescent quality.
• Cherries: Delivers sweet-tart burst of fruity flavor and stunning visual appeal.
• Cherry Juice: Enhances moisture and intensifies natural cherry essence throughout cake.

• Shortening: Ensures smooth pan release and prevents cake from sticking.
• Glaze Ingredients: Creates glossy, sweet crown that complements cake's delicate flavor profile.

Tools for This Sparkly, Retro Cake

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly and evenly.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar, and blending ingredients thoroughly.
• 10-inch bundt pan: Specific pan shape needed to create the cake's signature design.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise for accurately measuring ingredients.
• Skewer or toothpick: Used for poking holes and testing cake doneness.
• Serving dish: For presenting and serving the finished cake.
• Spatula: Helpful for folding cherries and spreading batter evenly.

Instructions for a Sweet Pink Bake

• Cake Preparation

Gather all ingredients and tools for creating a delightful Shirley Temple inspired dessert. Ensure kitchen workspace is clean and organized.

• Butter and Sugar Harmony

Cream butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light, airy, and transforms into a fluffy cloud-like texture.

• Egg Integration

Gently incorporate eggs into the butter mixture, blending smoothly until everything looks uniform and silky.

• Flour and Liquid Magic

Add flour, lemon extract, and 7up to create a wonderfully balanced batter. Mix carefully to maintain a smooth consistency.

• Cherry Burst

Softly fold fresh cherries into the batter, distributing them evenly for delightful fruity surprises in every slice.

• Pan Preparation

Grease a bundt pan generously with shortening, then dust with flour to ensure easy cake release after baking.

• Baking Adventure

Pour batter into prepared pan and bake in a preheated oven at 325º Fahrenheit. Watch for golden edges and a set center, typically taking 70-90 minutes.

• Cooling and Soaking

After baking, let cake rest in pan for 10-15 minutes. Remove and create small holes across the surface. Drizzle reserved cherry juice for extra moisture and flavor.

• Glaze and Garnish

Prepare a light glaze and drizzle over completely cooled cake. Top with additional cherries for a beautiful, tempting presentation.

Fun Ideas to Twist the Flavor Up

• Replace 7up with champagne or add a splash of rum to the batter for a sophisticated adult twist on the classic recipe.
• Adjust glaze thickness by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker coating or more liquid for a lighter drizzle that seeps into cake holes.
• Sprinkle crushed graham crackers, add edible glitter, or garnish with candied cherries to elevate the cake's presentation and texture.
• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness without losing moisture.

Sweet Shirley Temple Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Shirley Temple cake blends nostalgic cocktail flavors into a delightful dessert. Cherry and grenadine notes create a playful, sweet experience for dessert enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups butter (softened)
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs (room temperature)
• 10 oz (283 g) maraschino cherries (1 jar, drained and juice reserved)
• ¾ cup (180 ml) 7up soda
• 2 tsps lemon extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp lemon extract
• 3–4 tbsps milk

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Instructions

1. Creaming: Whip room temperature butter and granulated sugar in a spacious mixing bowl until light and fluffy, creating an airy foundation for the cake.
2. Egg Integration: Blend eggs individually into the butter-sugar mixture, ensuring a smooth and consistent emulsion that forms the cake’s structural base.
3. Dry Ingredient Incorporation: Gently sift all-purpose flour into the wet ingredients, folding delicately to maintain the batter’s silky texture without compromising its airiness.
4. Liquid Infusion: Introduce lemon extract and chilled 7up soda, stirring carefully to distribute the liquid evenly and create a light, effervescent batter.
5. Cherry Distribution: Fold chopped maraschino cherries throughout the mixture, ensuring an equal spread of fruity bursts within the cake.
6. Pan Preparation: Thoroughly grease a 10-inch bundt pan with vegetable shortening and dust with flour to guarantee seamless cake release after baking.
7. Baking Process: Pour batter into the prepared pan, leveling the surface, then bake in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 70-90 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Cooling and Unmolding: Rest the cake in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate, creating small perforations across the surface.
9. Moisture Enhancement: Drizzle reserved cherry juice over the punctured cake, allowing the liquid to penetrate and intensify the fruity flavor profile.
10. Glazing Finale: Craft a smooth glaze by combining powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, then elegantly drizzle over the completely cooled cake, letting it cascade down the sides.
11. Decorative Touch: Optionally crown the cake with additional maraschino cherries for a vibrant and festive presentation.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is truly room temperature for optimal creaming, which creates a light, fluffy cake texture.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Fold flour and liquids gently to prevent tough, dense cake by avoiding overmixing.
• Cherry Distribution Tip: Chop maraschino cherries into smaller pieces for more even flavor throughout the cake.
• Moisture Preservation Hack: Puncturing cake and drizzling cherry juice creates a super moist, flavor-packed dessert that stays deliciously soft.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 70 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 406
• Sugar: 56 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg