Save to Pinterest A decadent, eye-catching bar cake made with Monster Energy drink and cherry soda, resulting in a vibrant, moist treat with a tangy glaze.
I baked these bar cakes for a weekend party and everyone was amazed by the vibrant glaze and unique Monster Energy twist. Even those who don&t normally enjoy cherry desserts came back for seconds!
Ingredients
- Cake Base: 1 cup (240 ml) Monster Energy (original or cherry flavor), 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter (melted), 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup (120 ml) cherry soda, 1/2 cup (100 g) chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
- Cherry Soda Glaze: 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, 2, 3 tablespoons cherry soda, 1 tablespoon Monster Energy, 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice (optional for color)
Instructions
- Prepare Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add Monster Energy & Cherry Soda:
- Add Monster Energy and cherry soda, whisking gently to combine.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in Cherries:
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
- Bake:
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 28, 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool:
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Make Glaze:
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with cherry soda, Monster Energy, and cherry juice until smooth and pourable.
- Finish:
- Drizzle glaze over cooled cake. Allow to set, then cut into bars and serve.
Save to Pinterest My family loved how each square revealed little bursts of cherry, and now these bars are requested every time we celebrate a birthday or game night.
Required Tools
For success, have a 9 x 13-inch baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, parchment paper, and a wire rack ready before starting.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 220, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 38 g, Protein: 2 g
Additional Notes
Substitute cherry soda with lemon-lime soda for a citrus twist, or add chopped chocolate chips for more indulgence. Enjoy with vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
Save to Pinterest With its bold flavors and eye-catching glaze, these bar cakes are sure to spark conversation at any gathering. Make them ahead and enjoy a burst of energy in every bite!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different flavor of Monster Energy?
Yes, you can substitute original Monster Energy with cherry flavor or another preferred variant for subtle changes in flavor.
- → How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Check by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking for best texture.
- → Can I replace cherry soda with another soda?
Absolutely. Lemon-lime soda works well for a citrusy twist, or feel free to experiment with other fruit-flavored sodas.
- → Is it necessary to use maraschino cherries?
Maraschino cherries provide vibrant color and sweetness, but you can use fresh or frozen cherries, ensuring they are drained and patted dry.
- → What are good toppings or pairings for these bars?
Serve bars with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or drizzle with extra cherry glaze for a truly decadent dessert experience.
- → Are these bars suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the ingredients are vegetarian-friendly. Check labels on soda and Monster Energy for any hidden animal-derived components.
- → Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Yes, mix in dark or white chocolate chips for extra richness and flavor.