Shirley Temple Cake: A Nostalgic Bundt Cake Full of Charm and Flavor

The Shirley Temple Cake is a dessert that beautifully bridges the gap between childhood nostalgia and grown-up indulgence. Inspired by the classic Shirley Temple drink, this bundt cake captures the effervescence of lemon-lime soda and the sweetness of cherries, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or simply indulging your inner child, this cake offers the perfect balance of light, moist texture and vibrant flavor. I remember the first time I had a Shirley Temple drink at a family celebration. The fizzy soda, sweet grenadine, and those irresistible cherries on top felt like pure magic. This cake takes those fond memories and transforms them into a dessert that’s not only fun to make but also irresistibly delicious. For beginner bakers, the Shirley Temple Cake is a fantastic recipe to try. With simple steps and a fail-proof bundt pan method, this cake promises excellent results, even for those new to baking.

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The lightness of this cake, combined with the sweet cherry glaze and the citrusy lemon-lime flavor, creates a dessert that’s both nostalgic and modern. Whether you’re serving it for a special event or enjoying a cozy afternoon treat, the Shirley Temple Cake is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. It’s the perfect choice for anyone looking to bake something simple yet show-stopping, with a delightful flavor profile that’ll please both children and adults. The best part? It’s a beginner-friendly recipe that doesn’t require any advanced techniques or special tools. If you’re a novice in the kitchen, this cake will help you build confidence and impress your friends and family.

Ingredients and Preparation

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With a handful of pantry staples and a few special touches, you’ll create a cake that’s brimming with flavor. For this recipe, you’ll need a few basic ingredients, most of which are common in many cake recipes, along with a few twists that make this cake uniquely Shirley Temple-inspired.

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups (340g) butter, softened
• 3 cups (600g) granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons lemon extract
• ¾ cup (180ml) 7Up soda
• 10 ounces (1 jar) maraschino cherries, drained and juice reserved

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups (250g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract
• 3-4 tablespoons (45-60ml) milk

Optional Garnishes:

• Additional maraschino cherries for topping

Alternative Ingredients:

• Substitute lemon extract with vanilla extract for a subtler flavor.
• Use Sprite or any lemon-lime soda as a replacement for 7Up.
• Add orange zest to the batter for a citrusy twist.
• For a slightly healthier version, try substituting half of the butter with applesauce or Greek yogurt.
• If you prefer a less sweet glaze, you can reduce the powdered sugar by a quarter.

The ingredients are simple, making this cake a great choice for beginner bakers. The lemon extract gives the cake its refreshing citrus kick, while the 7Up adds lightness and bubbles, resulting in a tender crumb. The maraschino cherries provide both flavor and a pop of color, and the glaze adds a sweet, zesty finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe breaks down into manageable steps, ensuring even beginner bakers can create a show-stopping dessert. The method is straightforward and easy to follow, with each step building upon the last to create a perfectly baked cake.

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 10-inch bundt pan thoroughly with shortening and dust it lightly with flour. This step is crucial for easy removal of the cake later. The bundt pan’s intricate design can make it tricky to remove a cake if it’s not properly greased, so take your time with this step. If you don’t have shortening, you can also use butter or cooking spray. Just make sure the entire inside of the pan is well-coated, including the crevices. Once greased, dust the pan with flour, tapping out the excess. This will help create a beautiful golden crust and prevent any sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This process should take about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Creaming the butter and sugar well is essential for achieving a light texture in the finished cake. This is when air is incorporated into the batter, helping to create a soft, airy crumb. If you don’t have a stand mixer, a hand mixer will work just fine, or you can mix by hand with a wooden spoon, though it will take a little longer.

Step 3: Add Eggs
Once the butter and sugar are well-creamed, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one. This ensures the batter stays smooth and prevents any lumps from forming. If the eggs are too cold, the batter may curdle, so it’s important to use eggs that are at room temperature. This also helps them blend more evenly into the batter.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Liquid Components
Gradually mix in the flour, followed by the lemon extract and 7Up soda. Stir just until the batter is smooth and evenly combined. You can sift the flour before adding it to prevent any lumps, but it’s not strictly necessary if you’re using all-purpose flour. Add the 7Up soda and lemon extract next, and continue mixing on low speed until everything is well-incorporated. The soda adds a lightness to the batter and helps it rise in the oven. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as overworking the batter can result in a denser cake.

Step 5: Fold in the Cherries
Gently fold the drained maraschino cherries into the batter, distributing them evenly. You want to be gentle here to avoid breaking up the cherries too much, as you still want to see the vibrant red pieces when the cake is done. Folding the cherries in ensures that they are evenly spread throughout the batter without deflating it. This step also helps the cherries maintain their shape, so they don’t dissolve into the cake during baking.

Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly to fill all the corners and edges. Bake for 70-90 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The exact baking time will depend on your oven and the specific bundt pan you’re using, so it’s a good idea to start checking for doneness around the 70-minute mark. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. The cake is done when the center is set, but it should still have a slight jiggle when you shake the pan gently.

Step 7: Cool and Add Cherry Juice
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. This brief cooling time helps the cake firm up slightly and makes it easier to remove from the pan. After the initial cooling, carefully invert the cake onto a serving dish. Use a skewer or a wooden spoon handle to poke holes all over the top of the cake. Slowly pour the reserved cherry juice over the cake, allowing it to soak in completely. This step adds a burst of cherry flavor and moisture to the cake, making it even more delicious.

Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon extract, and 3-4 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Start with less milk for a thicker glaze, and add more gradually to achieve your desired consistency. The glaze should be pourable but not too thin. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk to loosen it up. Conversely, if it’s too thin, you can add more powdered sugar to thicken it.

Step 9: Glaze and Garnish
Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it cascade down the sides in a beautiful, glossy finish. You can use a spoon to drizzle or a piping bag for more control. If desired, top the cake with additional maraschino cherries for an extra pop of color and flavor. The cherries also add a nice visual contrast to the golden cake and the white glaze, making it look as good as it tastes.

Beginner Tips and Notes

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and any refrigerated ingredients are at room temperature. This helps them blend smoothly, creating a uniform batter.
2. Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
3. Greasing the Pan: Thoroughly grease and flour the bundt pan to prevent the cake from sticking. A silicone bundt pan can also make removal easier.
4. Using the Cherry Juice: Pour the juice slowly to allow even absorption. If you prefer a less sweet cake, use half the juice or omit it altogether.
5. Glaze Consistency: Start with less milk for a thicker glaze and add more gradually until it reaches your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

The Shirley Temple Cake is delightful on its own, but here are some ideas to enhance your presentation:

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Pair with a hot cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.
• Decorate the cake plate with fresh lemon slices and cherries for an elegant look.

Storage Tips:

• Store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate leftovers for up to 5 days, bringing slices to room temperature before serving.
• To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Conclusion

The Shirley Temple Cake is a celebration of fun and flavor, offering a light, moist crumb infused with lemon-lime soda and the delightful sweetness of cherries. It’s a dessert that invites nostalgia while providing a creative twist on classic bundt cakes. For beginner bakers, this recipe is a fantastic introduction to the joys of baking. With clear steps, simple ingredients, and endless adaptability, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re recreating childhood memories or sharing a sweet moment with loved ones, this cake is sure to bring smiles all around. Don’t forget to share your baking adventures and any creative spins on the recipe in the comments below!