If you’re looking for a showstopper of a dessert that’s astonishingly easy to whip up, look no further than this Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake. It’s a moist, fudgy, deeply chocolatey treat layered with sweet-tart cherries and finished with a silky frosting that’s poured directly onto the hot cake. The secret? A full can of Dr Pepper in the batter, which creates an unbelievably tender crumb and a subtle, mysterious depth. If you’re craving something comforting but crave-worthy, this is the cake to make for birthdays, potlucks, or just because you need a little chocolate cherry magic in your week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake is surprisingly short, but each item plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture. Every component, from the cake mix to the bubbly Dr Pepper, works in harmony to give you a dessert that tastes like it took all day—when it really comes together in minutes!
- Chocolate fudge cake mix: The rich, moist base for the cake, giving it deep cocoa flavor and a perfect crumb with minimal effort.
- Cherry pie filling: Adds pops of juicy cherries and a fruity sweetness that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
- Large eggs: Help bind everything together and give the cake a light, fluffy texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances both the chocolate and cherry flavors, bringing out the best in both.
- Dr Pepper: The effervescent secret ingredient that makes the cake extra moist and adds a subtle, unique depth.
- Unsalted butter: Forms the base of the glossy, pour-over frosting, adding richness and flavor.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the frosting its intense chocolate kick without making it too sweet.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to just the right consistency for pouring.
- Milk: Loosens up the frosting, making it silky smooth and easy to spread.
- Pinch of salt: Rounds out all the sweetness and heightens the chocolate flavor in the frosting.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your cake will release easily and have those lovely, straight sides we all admire in a sheet cake.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate fudge cake mix, cherry pie filling, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed and beat until everything is well incorporated—don’t worry if you see some cherry pieces, those will be delicious surprises in every slice!
Step 3: Add the Dr Pepper
Now for the magic: gently pour in the Dr Pepper and fold it into the batter. The soda will make the mixture slightly foamy and extra luscious. Mix just until the liquid is fully incorporated and the batter looks uniform.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, with maybe a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 5: Make the Frosting
While the cake bakes, melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder and milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Remove from the heat and quickly whisk in the powdered sugar and a pinch of salt until the frosting is glossy and smooth.
Step 6: Frost While Hot
When the cake comes out of the oven, don’t wait! Immediately pour the warm frosting over the hot cake, letting it seep into every nook and cranny. This step is the key to a moist, decadent Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake. Let the cake cool completely before slicing—if you can stand to wait!
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake
Garnishes
For extra flair, scatter a handful of mini chocolate chips, chopped toasted nuts, or even a few maraschino cherries right on top of the warm frosting. A dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream adds a touch of elegance and enhances the cake’s lushness.
Side Dishes
Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake is rich enough to stand on its own, but it’s also wonderful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of tangy Greek yogurt. If you’re serving it for a special occasion, a fresh fruit salad or a drizzle of cherry sauce on the side offers a bright, refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, try cutting the cake into small squares and serving them in cupcake liners for a party-ready treat. You can also layer cubes of the cake with whipped cream and extra cherries in glasses for an easy trifle. For a fun twist, bake the batter in cupcake tins and top each with a swirl of frosting for individual Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake cupcakes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (good luck!), simply cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay moist and delicious at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing
Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake freezes surprisingly well! Wrap individual slices or the whole cake (unfrosted or frosted) in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
To warm up a slice, pop it in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This brings back that just-baked softness and makes the frosting a little gooey—almost like a fresh batch all over again. If reheating a larger portion, you can use a low oven (300°F) for 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of soda instead of Dr Pepper?
Absolutely! While Dr Pepper adds its signature flavor, you can experiment with cherry cola, root beer, or even cherry Dr Pepper for an extra burst of cherry goodness. Each soda will bring its own unique spin to the cake.
Can I make Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake in advance?
Yes, this cake is fantastic for making ahead. Bake and frost it a day in advance, store covered, and the flavors will meld beautifully. In fact, many people think it tastes even better the next day!
Is there a way to make this cake dairy-free?
You can easily substitute the unsalted butter with a vegan butter and use a dairy-free milk for the frosting. Double-check your cake mix and pie filling for dairy ingredients, but most are naturally dairy-free.
Can I add extras to the batter?
If you love a bit of crunch, stir in some mini chocolate chips or chopped pecans into the batter before baking. You can even add a handful of shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to slice and serve this cake?
Let the cake cool completely so the frosting sets, then use a sharp knife for clean slices. For a party, cut the cake into small squares and serve on a platter with decorative toothpicks or cupcake liners for easy grabbing.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake enough—it’s the kind of dessert that turns any ordinary day into something special. Each bite is a celebration of chocolate, cherries, and that hint of soda magic. Give it a try and let it become a new favorite in your baking rotation!
Print
Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake is a luscious American dessert featuring a moist chocolate fudge cake infused with cherry pie filling and Dr Pepper soda for a unique, rich flavor. Topped with a decadent cocoa frosting poured warm over the hot cake, this easy sheet cake is perfect for any occasion and guarantees a delightful combination of cherry and chocolate with a fizzy twist.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate fudge cake mix
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (12 oz) Dr Pepper soda
Frosting Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate fudge cake mix, cherry pie filling, eggs, and vanilla extract. Using a mixer on medium speed, beat the ingredients until well blended for a smooth, even batter.
- Add Dr Pepper: Slowly pour in the can of Dr Pepper and gently stir the batter until fully incorporated without overmixing, which could affect the cake’s tenderness.
- Bake: Pour the prepared batter into your greased baking dish and smooth the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is cooked through.
- Make Frosting: While the cake bakes, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the cocoa powder and milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Remove the pan from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar along with a pinch of salt until you achieve a smooth, glossy frosting.
- Frost the Cake: As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, immediately pour the warm frosting over the hot cake to allow it to seep into the cake’s surface for rich flavor and moisture.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool completely before slicing into 12 servings. Serve and enjoy the moist, cherry-chocolate combination enhanced by the Dr Pepper infusion.
Notes
- Use cherry-flavored Dr Pepper instead of the regular soda to enhance the cherry notes in the cake for a richer flavor experience.
- Add mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter before baking to introduce additional texture and flavor.
- Ensure to pour the frosting while the cake is still hot to maximize absorption and moisture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
