If you’ve ever wondered how to bake a cake that’s both delightfully moist and bursting with a unique cherry-infused flavor, you’re in for a treat. This Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe is an absolute showstopper, combining the fizzy sweetness of Dr Pepper Cherry soda with rich cocoa and classic baking staples to create a dessert that’s irresistible. Every bite offers a perfect balance of cherry notes mingling with chocolate, resulting in a cake that’s soft, fluffy, and topped with a luscious frosting that you simply won’t want to share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are staples you might already have in your pantry, yet each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color to this cake.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and body of the cake, ensuring it’s tender yet holds together well.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a lovely crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: The leavening agent that makes your cake rise beautifully and become light.
- 1 cup butter: Adds richness and moisture, giving the cake its melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup Dr. Pepper Cherry: The star ingredient, infusing the cake with a subtle cherry soda flavor that’s both surprising and delightful.
- 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives depth to the chocolate flavor without overpowering the cherry notes.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Keeps the cake tender and adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
- 2 eggs: Bind everything together and help with the cake’s structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, comforting note.
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar: For a smooth, sweet frosting that pairs perfectly with the cake.
- 6 tablespoons milk: Helps create a creamy frosting texture that spreads easily.
How to Make Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key to ensuring your cake bakes evenly and rises just right. While the oven warms up, spray a 9×13-inch cake pan with nonstick spray—this little step makes all the difference when it comes to easy clean-up and cake removal!
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and baking soda. Mixing these dry ingredients well distributes everything evenly, so your cake texture remains consistent and delightful throughout.
Step 3: Create the Dr Pepper Cherry Cocoa Mixture
Next, in a small saucepan, combine the butter, cocoa powder, and Dr Pepper Cherry soda. Heat this mixture until it reaches a boil, stirring constantly to marry the flavors and prevent scorching. This hot mixture will not only add a rich chocolate base but also infuse the cake with that unforgettable cherry soda essence.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures
Carefully pour the hot Dr Pepper Cherry mixture over the dry ingredients. This warm mix helps dissolve the sugar and cocoa into the flour, giving you a smooth, luscious batter. Stir thoroughly so everything integrates perfectly.
Step 5: Add the Wet Ingredients for Tenderness
Now it’s time to add buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract to your batter. These ingredients bring moisture, richness, and aromatic depth to your cake. Mix until the batter is perfectly smooth, with no lumps in sight.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and slide it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma that fills your kitchen at this stage is simply irresistible.
Step 7: Make the Fudgy Cocoa Frosting
While your cake bakes, prepare the frosting by combining butter, cocoa powder, and milk in a small saucepan. Bring this to a boil while whisking continuously until it’s smooth and glossy. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, then pour the hot mixture over confectioners’ sugar in a large bowl. Whisk until creamy and spreadable.
Step 8: Frost the Warm Cake
Once your cake is out of the oven and still warm, pour the frosting evenly over the top. Spread gently with a spatula to cover every inch. The warmth of the cake helps the frosting melt slightly and set up with a shiny, irresistible finish.
How to Serve Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This charming cake pairs beautifully with fresh cherries or even a few maraschino cherries on top for added visual appeal and a burst of extra cherry flavor. A sprinkle of chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder also adds a beautiful finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Serve slices alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to complement the cake’s sweetness. For a refreshing contrast, fresh berries or a bright citrus salad work wonders.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the cake into generous squares and serve on decorative dessert plates for a charming gathering. For a fun twist, try layering smaller pieces in clear dessert jars with alternating layers of whipped cream and fresh cherries to make individual parfaits that celebrate the Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe in every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain its softness and flavor. Avoid refrigeration if you want to preserve that fresh-from-the-oven texture.
Freezing
To enjoy this Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe later, freeze it uncovered for a couple of hours until the frosting is hard, then wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Properly stored, the cake will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back that freshly baked feel. This slight heat also softens the frosting and awakens those cherry and cocoa flavors wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use regular Dr Pepper instead of Dr Pepper Cherry?
Absolutely! Using regular Dr Pepper will give the cake a slightly different flavor profile, more on the cola side without the cherry notes, but it will still be delicious. The cherry variety just adds a lovely fruity twist.
Is it necessary to use buttermilk in this recipe?
Buttermilk helps keep the cake moist and tender while adding a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with milk plus a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar, but the texture might shift slightly.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
With a suitable gluten-free flour blend that can substitute 1:1 for all-purpose flour, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Look for blends designed for baking to ensure you get a similar texture and rise.
How can I make the frosting less sweet?
To tone down the sweetness, reduce the amount of confectioners’ sugar slightly or add a small pinch of salt to the frosting. Just be cautious with adjustments to maintain the frosting’s consistency.
Is this cake suitable for a special occasion?
Definitely! Its unique flavor and elegant appearance make it a fantastic choice for birthdays, celebrations, or when you simply want to impress guests with something a little different and delicious. Plus, the nostalgic touch of Dr Pepper Cherry adds conversation-worthy charm.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a cake that surprises you with its flavors while feeling like a comforting classic, and this Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe nails that balance perfectly. It’s a dish I always love sharing with friends and family because it’s fun, scrumptious, and simply unforgettable. I hope you give it a try and experience that wonderful moment when the cherry soda and chocolate come together in perfect harmony.
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Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Dr Pepper Cherry Cake recipe is a delightful dessert featuring a moist chocolate cake infused with the unique flavor of Dr Pepper Cherry soda. It combines rich cocoa, buttermilk, and the soda to create a tender crumb, topped with a smooth chocolate frosting made from butter, cocoa powder, and confectioners’ sugar. Perfect for chocolate lovers looking for a fun twist with a hint of cherry soda sweetness.
Ingredients
Cake
- 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
- 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 even baking of the cake.
- Prepare the Pan: Spray a 9×13-inch cake pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and baking soda. Whisk them together until evenly distributed.
- Heat Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup butter, 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1 cup Dr. Pepper Cherry soda. Heat the mixture to boiling, stirring continuously to prevent burning and ensure it is fully blended.
- Combine Mixtures: Carefully pour the hot Dr. Pepper mixture over the flour mixture. Mix thoroughly until well combined and the batter is smooth.
- Add Remaining Wet Ingredients: Add the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Continue mixing until the batter is fully incorporated and smooth.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased 9×13 pan. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 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 in a 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 add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Pour this hot mixture over the confectioners’ sugar, then mix well with a whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Frost the Cake: While the cake is still warm, slowly pour the frosting over the entire surface. Use a spatula to spread the frosting evenly, making sure it reaches all the edges. Allow the cake to set before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh buttermilk for best texture and flavor.
- Ensure the Dr Pepper Cherry mixture is hot before combining with dry ingredients for better integration.
- Do not overbake the cake; check with a toothpick to keep the cake moist.
- Frost the cake while warm for easier spreading and a glossy finish.
- Leftover cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
