Save A decadent, eye-catching bar cake made with Monster Energy drink and cherry soda. This vibrant, moist treat boasts a tangy glaze and is perfect for sharing at parties or with sweet tooth friends.
I first made these bar cakes for a game night, and they quickly became the star of the dessert table. The Monster Energy adds a surprising depth of flavor, and everyone was asking for the recipe by the end of the evening.
Ingredients
- Cake Base: 1 cup (240 ml) Monster Energy (original or cherry flavor)
- Cake Base: 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- Cake Base: 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, melted
- Cake Base: 2 large eggs
- Cake Base: 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Cake Base: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- Cake Base: 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Cake Base: 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Cake Base: 1/2 cup (120 ml) cherry soda
- Cake Base: 1/2 cup (100 g) chopped maraschino cherries (drained, patted dry)
- Cherry Soda Glaze: 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- Cherry Soda Glaze: 2, 3 tablespoons cherry soda
- Cherry Soda Glaze: 1 tablespoon Monster Energy
- Cherry Soda Glaze: 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 Liquids:
- Add Monster Energy and cherry soda, whisking gently to combine.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the 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.
- Glaze:
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with cherry soda, Monster Energy, and cherry juice until smooth and pourable.
- Finish and Serve:
- Drizzle glaze over cooled cake. Allow to set, then cut into bars and serve.
Save Making these cakes for my family always brings back fun memories of trying new, colorful treats together. The kids love helping with the glaze and decorating each bar before serving.
Required Tools
9 x 13-inch baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, parchment paper, wire rack
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 220 calories, 7 g total fat, 38 g carbohydrates, 2 g protein
Notes
Substitute cherry soda with lemon-lime soda for a citrus twist. Add 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate or white chocolate chips to the batter for extra indulgence. Pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Save With a brilliant pink glaze and soft crumb, these bars deliver a bold, fun dessert experience. Serve chilled for an extra refreshing bite.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use other flavors of Monster Energy?
Yes, original or cherry flavored Monster Energy both work well. Feel free to try other fruit blends for a different twist.
- → What can I substitute for cherry soda?
Lemon-lime soda is a great substitute, offering a citrusy kick. Any fruity soda can be experimented with here.
- → How should I store leftover bars?
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- → Can I add chocolate to the batter?
Absolutely! Mix in dark or white chocolate chips for a richer, indulgent flavor complementing the cherries.
- → What tools do I need for baking?
A 9 x 13-inch pan, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, parchment paper, and wire rack will set you up for success.
- → Are there any allergens to be aware of?
These bars contain eggs, dairy, and gluten. Check soda and energy drink labels for other possible allergens.