Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
  • 1 ½ cups (360ml) vegetable oil
  • shadows: 1
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240ml) cherry cola (flat, let it sit to release carbonation)
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 oz (30ml) red food coloring
  • ½ cup (120g) chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)

For the Frosting:

  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup (60ml) cherry cola
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: Extra maraschino cherries for garnish

Equipment Needed:

  • Two 9-inch round cake pans
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cooling racks
  • Spatula
  • Oven

Instructions

Cake:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, eggs, cherry cola, vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until smooth.
  4. Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
  5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks to cool completely.

Frosting:

  1. Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
  3. Add Liquid: Add cherry cola, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

Assembly:

  1. Level Cakes: If needed, trim the tops of the cakes to make them flat.
  2. Frost: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.
  3. Decorate: Garnish with maraschino cherries if desired.
  4. Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting before serving.

Tips:

  • Ensure the cherry cola is flat to avoid excess bubbles in the batter.
  • Drain maraschino cherries well to prevent adding extra liquid to the cake.
  • For a brighter red color, adjust the food coloring to your preference.
  • Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

Serving:

  • Yields one 9-inch layer cake, about 12–16 slices.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: ~1 hour (plus cooling and chilling)