Shirley Temple Cake

Shirley Temple Cake is a soft, moist, and nostalgic dessert inspired by the classic Shirley Temple drink. It’s sweet, lightly fruity, and often made with lemon-lime soda and cherries for a fun, vintage-style flavor. The result is a fluffy, tender cake with a beautiful cherry glaze.

Prep Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: About 1 hour 45 minutes
• Servings: 12 slices

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or whisk
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

Cake

• 1 box white or vanilla cake mix
• 1 cup lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7UP)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup maraschino cherries, chopped

Cherry Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Extra cherries for topping

Ingredient Notes

• Lemon-lime soda: Makes the cake extra fluffy and light.
• Maraschino cherries: Add sweetness and classic Shirley Temple flavor.
• Cherry juice: Gives the glaze its pink color and fruity taste.

Instructions

Make the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 pan.
2. In a bowl, mix cake mix, soda, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Fold in chopped cherries gently.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan.
5. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cake cool completely.

Make the Cherry Glaze

1. Mix powdered sugar, cherry juice, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Adjust thickness by adding more sugar or juice as needed.

Finish

1. Drizzle glaze over cooled cake.
2. Top with extra cherries.
3. Let set for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition Facts (Approx. Per Slice)

• Calories: 280
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 9g
• Protein: 3g
• Sugar: 32g

Tips & Variations

• Add almond extract for a bakery-style flavor twist.
• Use cherry pie filling instead of chopped cherries for a richer texture.
• Turn into cupcakes for party servings.
• Chill before serving for a firmer texture.
• Add whipped cream on top for extra indulgence.