Cheerwine Soda Sheet Cake

Just in case you've never heard of this soda...it happens to be produced by the Carolina Beverage Company right in Salisbury, North Carolina.  It is the oldest soft drink company (since 1917) and still run by the same family.  This soda is cherry-flavored, burgundy colored, and has the highest carbonation ratio of any soft drink.  All I know is that it's a winner and I'm proud it comes from our state.

So, I decided to make a cake, based loosely on a coca cola cake that was made popular in 1997 by Cracker Barrel restaurants.  This version with Cheerwine is so moist, however, in spite of the ingredients, does not come off overly sweet, which is a good thing.  Even the icing, or topping, is quick and is better to go on the cake while still warm.  With all the picnics we do during the summer, this is sure to be a hit.

Cheerwine Soda Sheet Cake
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup Cheerwine (not diet!)
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups KAF all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup Dutch-processed cocoa

1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows

Icing:
1/2 cups (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup Cheerwine soda
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups confectioners' sugar (16 oz-1 box)

1 cup rough chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350F-degrees.  Spray a 9" x 13" sheet pan with baking spray and line with parchment paper.  I used my spring-form pan, but a regular sheet pan works great.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, using the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar together for 4-5 minutes.  Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.  Add the eggs, one at a time, incorporating well.  In a 2-cup glass measure, mix the Cheerwine, buttermilk and vanilla together.  Also, mix the dry ingredients together in a separate bowl.  Add the dry ingredients to the egg/sugar mixture while the mixer is on low speed alternately with the wet ingredients; starting and ending with the flour mixer. Mix on medium for 1 minute.

Use the rubber spatula to scrape down sides and make sure all ingredients are incorporated.  Spread the batter into the prepared pan.

Bake for 30-35 minutes (mine passed the wooden skewer test after 30 minutes).  Remove pan and add the marshmallows on top.  Return to the oven and cook 2 minutes more.  (*I actually cut regular marshmallow into quarters because I didn't have miniature...get miniature!)

Melt the butter in a small saucepan on low heat.  Add the Cheerwine and vanilla and whisk to combine.  Place the confectioners' sugar in a medium bowl and pour the warm mixture over it.  Whisk to combine, then, pour over the cake and use a rubber spatula to spread on top of the softened marshmallows.  Finally, top with the broken pecans.

Yes, it's that easy and delicious.  Fancy enough to serve at dinner or picnic.  I know it's one my mother would have done for our July 4th picnics if she knew about Cheerwine; you can of course, substitute coca cola, but  here in North Carolina we wouldn't think of it.  Enjoy!