Big Red Cake: A Sweet and Vibrant Dessert Delight
Cake is one of those desserts that never fails to bring joy, and the Big Red Cake is no exception. While many might gravitate toward classic chocolate or vanilla, this unique cake offers a fun twist with its vibrant flavor and eye-catching appeal. Infused with the bold taste of Big Red soda and topped with a creamy whipped frosting, this cake is moist, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a birthday party, or just because, this dessert is sure to impress with its playful character and rich taste.
This recipe is quick to prepare, taking only about 40 minutes of active prep time, though it requires a few hours of chilling to set perfectly. With a yield of 12 servings, it’s ideal for sharing. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful Big Red Cake from the comfort of your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Big Red Cake
- Unique Flavor: The Big Red soda adds a fun, cherry-like sweetness that sets this cake apart.
- Moist and Fluffy: The poke cake method ensures every bite is infused with flavor.
- Easy to Make: Uses simple ingredients like a boxed cake mix for convenience.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties or gatherings with its vibrant look and taste.
Big Red Cake: A Sweet and Vibrant Dessert Delight
12
servings40
minutes8
hours296.8
kcalIngredients
For the Cake
Yellow Cake Mix: 1 box
Water: 1 cup
Eggs: 3
Vegetable Oil: 1/3 cup
For the Big Red Sauce
Cherry Gelatin: 1 small box
Big Red Soda: 1 can
Boiling Water: 1 cup
For the Whipped Frosting
Vanilla Instant Pudding: 1 box (3.4 ounces)
Frozen Whipped Topping: 1 tub (8 ounces)
Milk: 2 cups
Directions
- Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1 cup water, 3 eggs, and 1/3 cup vegetable oil. Beat with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until smooth and well-combined.
- Bake the Cake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 34-38 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Poke Holes: Once the cake has cooled for about 10 minutes, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes about 1/2-inch apart across the entire surface of the cake.
- Make the Big Red Sauce: In a medium bowl, dissolve the cherry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Add the can of Big Red soda and mix well. Slowly pour the Big Red mixture over the poked cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Prepare the Whipped Frosting: In a large bowl, whisk together the vanilla instant pudding mix and 2 cups of milk until smooth. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until fully combined.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the pudding and whipped topping mixture evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula.
- Chill: Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set.
- Serve: Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy the vibrant, sweet flavors of this unique cake!
Tips for Success
- Poke Evenly: Ensure the holes are evenly spaced to allow the Big Red sauce to distribute uniformly for maximum flavor.
- Chill Time: Don’t skip the refrigeration step—it helps the cake absorb the sauce and sets the frosting perfectly.
- Customize: Add a sprinkle of red sugar or fresh cherries on top for an extra festive touch.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This cake stays moist and delicious!
Why This Recipe Works
The Big Red Cake combines the simplicity of a boxed yellow cake mix with the bold, nostalgic flavor of Big Red soda, creating a dessert that’s both familiar and excitingly different. The poke cake method allows the cherry gelatin and soda mixture to soak into the cake, making every bite moist and flavorful. The whipped frosting, made with vanilla pudding and whipped topping, adds a light, creamy finish that balances the sweetness perfectly. It’s an easy yet impressive dessert that’s sure to become a favorite.
Final Thoughts
This Big Red Cake is a fun, flavorful twist on a classic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its vibrant flavor, moist texture, and creamy frosting make it a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re a fan of Big Red soda or just looking for a new cake recipe to try, this one is sure to delight. Whip it up for your next gathering, and watch it disappear slice by slice!
