Dr. Pepper Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines the rich, chocolaty taste of a classic cake with the unique spiced flavor of Dr. Pepper soda. Topped with a luscious chocolate glaze or frosting, this cake is a crowd-pleasing treat perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or simply indulging your sweet tooth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The soda adds moisture and a hint of spiced flavor to the cake.
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and a can of Dr. Pepper.
- Perfect for chocolate lovers looking for a unique twist.
- Great for casual gatherings or as a fun dessert for Dr. Pepper fans.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and frostings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cake
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Dr. Pepper soda
- Vegetable oil
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Buttermilk
For the Chocolate Glaze
- Unsalted butter
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Powdered sugar
- Dr. Pepper soda
- Vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix Dr. Pepper soda, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until smooth.
- Make the Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until well combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in cocoa powder and Dr. Pepper soda until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until glossy.
- Glaze the Cake: Pour the warm glaze over the cooled cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Let the glaze set before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 12-16 slices
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake: Add a few tablespoons of maraschino cherry juice or mix in chopped cherries for a fruity twist.
- Spiced Dr. Pepper Cake: Enhance the cake’s flavor with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Layered Cake: Divide the batter between two round pans to create a layered Dr. Pepper cake.
- Cupcakes: Pour the batter into cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes.
- Frosting Swap: Replace the glaze with cream cheese frosting or chocolate buttercream for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
FAQs
Why use Dr. Pepper in a cake?
The soda adds moisture, helps leaven the cake, and imparts a subtle spiced flavor that complements the chocolate.
Can I use a different soda?
Yes, root beer or cola can be substituted, though the flavor will differ slightly.
Do I need to use buttermilk?
Buttermilk adds tanginess and moisture, but you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
What type of cocoa powder works best?
Unsweetened cocoa powder is ideal, but you can use Dutch-processed cocoa for a deeper chocolate flavor.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Use a plant-based milk alternative for the buttermilk and dairy-free butter for the glaze.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Grease the pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes, fold in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even toffee bits for added texture.
Does the alcohol in Dr. Pepper affect the cake?
Dr. Pepper contains no alcohol, making it suitable for all ages.
How do I make a thicker glaze?
Use less Dr. Pepper in the glaze or add more powdered sugar to achieve a thicker consistency.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake can be baked and glazed a day in advance. The flavor deepens over time.
Conclusion
Dr. Pepper Cake is a unique and delicious dessert that’s sure to impress at any gathering. The soda not only adds moisture and a hint of spice but also makes this cake incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Dr. Pepper or just looking for a fun twist on a classic chocolate cake, this recipe is a must-try! Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
PrintDr. Pepper Cake
This Dr. Pepper Cake is a moist, chocolatey dessert infused with the unique flavor of Dr. Pepper soda. Topped with a rich chocolate glaze or frosting, it’s a nostalgic treat that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or just because!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (40 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup (240 ml) Dr. Pepper soda (not diet)
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Frosting (Optional):
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) Dr. Pepper soda
- 1/4 cup (115 g) unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp (15 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, combine the Dr. Pepper, melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
4. Combine and Mix:
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Prepare the Frosting (Optional):
- In a small saucepan, combine the Dr. Pepper, butter, and cocoa powder. Heat over medium heat, stirring, until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
7. Frost the Cake:
- Pour the frosting over the cooled cake and spread it evenly. Let it set for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add 1/2 tsp cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the cake batter.
- Top the frosted cake with chopped pecans, shredded coconut, or mini chocolate chips for added texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.