If you love the playful fizz of soda combined with rich chocolate and a burst of cherry flavor, then this Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe will absolutely thrill your taste buds. This cake brings together the unique, nostalgic charm of the famous soft drink with a tender, moist chocolate base and a luscious frosting that perfectly complements every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something delightfully different, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that feels both familiar and excitingly new.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet thoughtful ingredients is the first step to achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture in this Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe. Each item plays an essential role—flour and sugar form the structure and sweetness, Dr. Pepper Cherry adds that signature cherry-cola zing, and cocoa powder brings deep, chocolatey richness. Let’s dive into what you’ll need.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cake providing structure and tenderness.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cake’s moist crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Ensures the cake rises beautifully and stays light.
- 1 cup butter (for cake): Delivers richness and a velvety texture when melted with cocoa and soda.
- 1 cup Dr. Pepper Cherry: The star of the recipe giving fruity soda flavor and moisture.
- 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (for cake): Provides a deep chocolate kick that balances the cherry notes.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Adds tanginess and enhances the cake’s tender crumb.
- 2 eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s airy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
- 1/2 cup butter (for frosting): Creates a creamy base for the luscious chocolate frosting.
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting): Packs rich chocolate flavor into the glaze.
- 6 tablespoons milk: Adds smoothness to the frosting to make it spreadable and glossy.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Enhances the chocolate and sweet flavors.
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
How to Make Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake will bake evenly right from the moment it goes in, setting you up for success. While the oven warms, you can prep your ingredients and pan for a smooth workflow.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Spray a 9×13-inch cake pan with nonstick spray. This little step guarantees your cake will come out cleanly without losing any edges, preserving its beautiful shape and texture.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking soda until well combined. This ensures your baking soda is evenly dispersed, promoting an even rise and light crumb.
Step 4: Heat the Wet Ingredients
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup butter, 5 tablespoons cocoa powder, and 1 cup Dr. Pepper Cherry. Heat this mixture until it boils, stirring constantly to prevent burning and achieve a smooth blend. This step infuses the soda into the chocolate mixture, setting the tone for your cake’s signature flavor.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Carefully pour the hot Dr. Pepper cherry mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until everything comes together into a smooth, rich batter. The heat from the liquid helps melt the sugar and cocoa, creating a decadent base.
Step 6: Add Remaining Wet Ingredients
Add the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the batter. Continue mixing until fully incorporated and smooth. This layer adds moisture, richness, and depth of flavor, giving your cake its tender crumb and aromatic lift.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared 9×13 cake pan. Place it in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it, as ovens vary, but this step gives you that perfect moist, fluffy cake.
Step 8: Prepare the Frosting
While the cake bakes, make the frosting by placing 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar in a bowl. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup butter, 4 tablespoons cocoa powder, and 6 tablespoons milk. Whisk and heat them together until it boils, stirring constantly for a smooth, rich glaze.
Step 9: Add Vanilla and Mix
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Pour this hot mixture over the confectioners’ sugar, whisking continuously until you achieve a smooth, shiny frosting that’s perfect for glazing.
Step 10: Frost the Cake
Once the cake comes out of the oven and is still warm, slowly pour the frosting evenly over the entire surface. Use a spatula to spread it gently, ensuring it covers all edges and seeps into little cracks for maximum flavor. Allow the cake to cool and set before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Add a playful touch by topping slices with fresh cherries or maraschino cherries to highlight the cherry soda flavor. A sprinkle of chocolate shavings or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate the cake’s appearance and add delicious texture contrasts.
Side Dishes
This cake shines beautifully alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple fresh fruit salad. The creaminess and brightness of these sides balance the rich, chocolatey sweetness and enhance every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive look, serve this cake on a vintage cake stand to emphasize its nostalgic roots. You can also cut it into fun shapes with cookie cutters or layer it with whipped frosting and fresh berries to transform it into an elegant dessert centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover Dr Pepper Cherry Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is fine but bring slices to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake for longer storage by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then allow it to come to room temperature before serving to preserve its moistness.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy a slightly warm slice, place it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This softens the frosting and enhances the aroma making each bite feel just baked fresh.
FAQs
Can I use regular Dr Pepper instead of Dr. Pepper Cherry?
Absolutely! Using regular Dr Pepper will still give your cake that classic soda flavor, but swapping to Dr. Pepper Cherry brings a special fruity twist that’s unique and irresistible in this recipe.
Is it necessary to boil the butter and soda mixture?
Yes, boiling the butter, cocoa, and Dr. Pepper Cherry mixture helps deeply infuse the flavors and melt the ingredients together smoothly, resulting in a richer batter and ultimately a moister cake.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
With the right gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, you can substitute the regular flour. Just make sure your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free, too. The texture may vary slightly but the flavor will still shine.
What frosting substitutions work well?
If you prefer, you can swap the glaze with a simple chocolate buttercream or cream cheese frosting. Both complement the Dr Pepper Cherry flavor, but the glaze keeps the cake light and shiny, perfect for this style of cake.
How should I cut this cake for serving at events?
Cut into squares or rectangles for easy serving at parties. You can also slice it into smaller bites for a tasting platter. Using a warm knife helps create clean cuts without cracking the frosting.
Final Thoughts
This Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe is a delightful way to bring a nostalgic soda flavor into your baking routine. It’s fun, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make, perfect for sharing with family and friends who appreciate a little sparkle in their dessert. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved classic in your dessert repertoire.
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Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Dr Pepper Cherry Cake is a moist, rich chocolate cake infused with the unique flavor of Dr. Pepper Cherry soda. Topped with a glossy and smooth chocolate frosting, this 12-serving dessert combines the fizz and fruitiness of the soda with cocoa for an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup Dr. Pepper Cherry soda
- 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the cake bakes evenly.
- Prepare the Pan: Spray a 9×13-inch cake pan with nonstick spray to prevent the cake from sticking and make removal easier.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and baking soda until well combined.
- Heat Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup butter, 5 tablespoons cocoa powder, and 1 cup Dr. Pepper Cherry soda. Heat the mixture over medium heat to a boil while stirring continuously to prevent burning and ensure a smooth blend.
- Combine Mixtures: Carefully pour the hot Dr. Pepper mixture over the flour mixture. Mix thoroughly until the batter becomes smooth and well combined.
- Add Remaining Wet Ingredients: Add the buttermilk, eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the batter. Mix until the batter is fully incorporated and smooth.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the greased 9×13 pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the cake bakes, place 4 cups confectioners’ sugar into a large mixing bowl. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup butter, 4 tablespoons cocoa powder, and 6 tablespoons milk. Whisk together and bring to a boil, stirring continuously.
- Add Vanilla and Mix: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Pour the hot mixture over the confectioners’ sugar and whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Frost the Cake: As soon as the cake is out of the oven and still warm, slowly pour the frosting evenly over the entire surface. Use a spatula to spread it to the edges. Allow the frosting to set before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the Dr. Pepper mixture is hot when combining with dry ingredients to activate the cocoa fully and create a moist texture.
- Do not overmix the batter once the wet ingredients are added to keep the cake tender.
- Frost the cake while it’s still warm for a smooth frosting finish that slightly soaks into the cake for extra moisture.
- You can substitute buttermilk with milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice if needed.
- Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
