Save 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 first baked these for a game night and everyone wanted the recipe after just one bite. The monster-cherry combination surprised even hardcore dessert lovers.
Ingredients
- Monster Energy: 1 cup (240 ml), original or cherry flavor
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200 g)
- Unsalted butter: 3/4 cup (170 g), melted
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
- Baking powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Cherry soda: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Maraschino cherries: 1/2 cup (100 g), chopped, drained, patted dry
- Powdered sugar: 1 cup (120 g), for glaze
- Cherry soda: 2 to 3 tablespoons, for glaze
- Monster Energy: 1 tablespoon, for glaze
- Maraschino cherry juice: 1 tablespoon (optional for color)
Instructions
- Prep Your 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 Liquids:
- Add Monster Energy and cherry soda whisking gently to combine.
- Blend Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl sift together flour baking powder and salt. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Add Cherries:
- Gently fold in chopped maraschino cherries.
- Bake Bars:
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Cake:
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Make Glaze:
- Whisk powdered sugar with cherry soda Monster Energy and cherry juice until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze & Serve:
- Drizzle glaze over cooled cake. Allow to set then cut into bars and serve.
Save I love when my family comes together over these unique bar cakes especially since the kids are always fascinated by the cherry topping and the bold color.
Required Tools
You'll need a 9 x 13-inch baking pan mixing bowls whisk spatula parchment paper and a wire rack for cooling.
Nutritional Information
Each bar is about 220 calories with 7 g fat 38 g carbs and 2 g protein.
Notes
Swap cherry soda for lemon-lime for a twist add chocolate chips for indulgence or serve with ice cream for a sundae-style dessert.
Save This treat is sure to wow guests with its vibrant color and moist sweetness. Cut into bars and enjoy fresh or chilled!
Recipe Questions
- → How do I know when the bars are finished baking?
Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs from the center.
- → Can I substitute other sodas in the cake?
Yes, lemon-lime or cola can replace cherry soda for different flavor profiles.
- → Is it necessary to use original Monster Energy?
Either original or cherry-flavored Monster Energy works well; pick your preference for taste and color.
- → What can I add for extra texture?
Fold in dark or white chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for more variety.
- → How should I store leftover bars?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- → Are there any allergen concerns?
The bars contain eggs, dairy, and wheat. Check cherry and soda labels for possible added allergens.