Irresistible Shirley Temple Cake Recipe

Name: Shirley Temple Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cake flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 3 large eggs; 1 cup ginger ale; 1 tsp cherry extract; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); 3 cups powdered sugar (for frosting); ¼ cup heavy cream (for frosting)

Published: February 15, 2025

by Liora

Why You’ll Love This Shirley Temple Cake

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners

Recipe preparation

Ingredients for Shirley Temple Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Cake Flour: Using cake flour ensures a light and airy texture in your cake; avoid all-purpose flour for best results
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the batter while helping it rise; feel free to adjust based on your sweetness preference
Baking Powder: This leavening agent is crucial for creating that fluffy texture; always check the expiration date for effectiveness
Salt: A small amount enhances the overall flavor of the cake; don’t skip it!
Eggs: Eggs provide moisture and structure; use large eggs at room temperature for best incorporation
Ginger Ale: This fizzy drink adds lightness and flavor to the batter; opt for regular ginger ale for traditional taste
Cherry Extract: A splash of cherry extract gives that signature flavor reminiscent of the original drink
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness; ensure it’s softened before mixing

For the Frosting:

Powdered Sugar: This sugar creates a smooth frosting texture; sift it before use to avoid lumps
Butter (for frosting): Use unsalted butter at room temperature to achieve creamy consistency in your frosting
Heavy Cream: A splash will help achieve the desired spreading consistency; adjust as needed based on thickness preference

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

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How to Make Shirley Temple Cake

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two round cake pans with nonstick spray or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Then add in eggs one at a time followed by ginger ale and cherry extract until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can lead to a dense cake.

Step 5: Bake Your Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Prepare Frosting

While cakes cool completely on wire racks, make your frosting by beating softened butter with powdered sugar. Add heavy cream gradually until desired consistency is reached.

Transfer cooled cakes onto serving plates and generously frost each layer with cherry frosting for the perfect finishing touch.

Serving and storing

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and butter to reach room temperature before mixing for better integration into the batter
Avoid Overmixing: Mixing too much can cause tough cakes; mix just until combined.
Cake Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for freshness.
Decorative Toppings: Consider garnishing with maraschino cherries or sprinkles for added flair.
Cake Testing Tips: Use a toothpick or skewer inserted into the center of each layer to check doneness.

Now you’re ready to bake an unforgettable Shirley Temple Cake!

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How to Serve Shirley Temple Cake

This Shirley Temple Cake is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Whipped Cream: A light and airy addition that enhances the cake’s sweetness.
Fresh Berries: These add a burst of freshness and acidity, balancing the cake’s flavors.
Iced Tea: A refreshing beverage that complements the sweetness of the cake perfectly.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Tips and tricks

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Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: You can prepare the Shirley Temple Cake batter a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully before baking.
Storing: Once baked, store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months.
Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through without drying out.

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Suggestions for Shirley Temple Cake :

Avoid Overmixing the Batter

When preparing your Shirley Temple Cake, one of the key mistakes to avoid is overmixing the batter. While it might be tempting to ensure a smooth consistency, overmixing can lead to a dense and tough cake. Instead, mix the ingredients just until they are combined. This method allows for air to incorporate into the batter without developing too much gluten. The result will be a light and fluffy cake that perfectly captures the essence of this delightful dessert.

Use Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh ingredients is essential when making a Shirley Temple Cake. Ingredients like baking powder, flour, and even eggs can lose their potency over time. For instance, stale baking powder may not provide the necessary rise in your cake. Always check expiration dates and opt for high-quality products whenever possible. Fresh ingredients not only enhance the flavor but also improve the texture of your cake, resulting in a more enjoyable eating experience.

Right Baking Temperature

Another common mistake is not preheating the oven properly before baking your Shirley Temple Cake. An oven that hasn’t reached the desired temperature can cause uneven baking. This may lead to a cake that is either undercooked in some areas or burnt on the edges. Always preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before placing your cake inside. This ensures that the cake rises evenly and browns beautifully, giving you that perfect finish.

Correct Cooling Time

Allowing your Shirley Temple Cake to cool properly is crucial for achieving the best texture. Many people make the mistake of removing their cakes from pans too soon or skipping cooling altogether. It is important to let the cake cool in its pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents it from breaking apart and guarantees that it sets properly. A well-cooled cake will be easier to frost and slice, making serving much simpler.

FAQs

FAQs :

What makes Shirley Temple Cake unique?

The Shirley Temple Cake stands out due to its whimsical flavor profile inspired by the classic non-alcoholic cocktail named after the famous child actress. Typically, this cake incorporates flavors like cherry and ginger ale, which give it a distinct sweetness reminiscent of its namesake drink. The use of bright red maraschino cherries as decoration adds visual appeal and reinforces its connection to festive occasions, making it an ideal choice for celebrations such as birthdays or holiday gatherings.

Can I substitute ingredients in Shirley Temple Cake?

Yes, you can substitute certain ingredients while making Shirley Temple Cake without compromising its delightful flavor too much. For example, if you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using applesauce instead of oil or butter to reduce fat content while maintaining moisture. Additionally, gluten-free flour can be used if you or your guests have dietary restrictions; however, ensure it’s a blend designed for baking to achieve similar results in texture and taste.

How do I store leftover Shirley Temple Cake?

To store leftover Shirley Temple Cake properly and maintain its freshness, you should follow specific guidelines. Wrap individual slices or whole pieces tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container. Refrigeration can extend its life for up to five days; however, for longer storage, consider freezing it. When freezing, ensure it is well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving again.

Can I make Shirley Temple Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making your Shirley Temple Cake ahead of time can save you stress on event day while allowing flavors to meld beautifully. You can bake and cool the cake a day in advance and store it wrapped at room temperature if you plan to serve it within two days. For longer storage needs, freeze un-frosted layers wrapped tightly until you’re ready to decorate them right before serving—this ensures freshness without sacrificing flavor.

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Conclusion for Shirley Temple Cake :

In summary, mastering the art of creating a delightful Shirley Temple Cake involves several key factors: avoiding overmixing your batter ensures lightness; using fresh ingredients enhances flavor; maintaining correct baking temperatures leads to uniformity; and allowing proper cooling time helps preserve texture. By following these tips diligently, you’ll create a beautiful cake that captures everyone’s attention at any gathering or celebration. Remember that practice makes perfect; don’t hesitate to try multiple batches until you find what works best for you! Embrace creativity with decorations and enjoy every bite of this charming dessert experience.

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