Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Dr. Pepper Cake combines two irresistible elements: chocolate and the sweet, spicy flavors of Dr. Pepper. The cake itself is moist and rich, while the chocolate frosting is enhanced with a touch of Dr. Pepper, making each bite bursting with flavor. The recipe is easy to follow, and the end result is a show-stopping dessert that looks as good as it tastes. Whether you’re serving it at a party, family gathering, or just for a sweet treat, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Dr. Pepper Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon table salt
2 large eggs
½ cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup unsalted butter
½ cup dark cocoa powder
1 cup Dr Pepper®

For the Frosting:

½ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup dark cocoa powder
¼ cup Dr Pepper®
2 tablespoons milk
4 cups powdered sugar
Pinch of salt
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe

Directions

For the Cake:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well blended.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the butter, cocoa powder, and Dr Pepper. Stir until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.
Gradually pour the chocolate mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until combined.
Slowly whisk in the egg mixture, ensuring everything is well blended.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 33-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Let the cake cool on a wire rack while you prepare the frosting.

For the Frosting:

In a saucepan, melt the butter, cocoa powder, and Dr Pepper over low heat until smooth. Bring to a low boil and then remove from heat.
Whisk in the milk, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and fully combined.
Pour the warm frosting over the cooled cake and spread evenly. Let the frosting set as the cake cools completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 18 slices
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

Dr. Pepper Cake with Ice Cream: Top each slice with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Spiced Dr. Pepper Cake: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter for a hint of spice that complements the soda’s flavors.
Vegan Dr. Pepper Cake: Substitute the butter and eggs with vegan alternatives, such as plant-based butter and flax eggs, to make a vegan version of this cake.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To enjoy the cake warm, microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use Diet Dr. Pepper for this cake?

Yes, you can substitute Diet Dr. Pepper, but keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different due to the absence of sugar.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, this cake can be made up to a day in advance. Keep it covered and store at room temperature until you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze Dr. Pepper Cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of dark cocoa powder?

Yes, you can use regular cocoa powder if you don’t have dark cocoa powder, though the flavor might be a bit lighter.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs. If it’s wet with batter, it needs more time to bake.

Can I make this cake into cupcakes instead?

Yes, you can make this recipe into cupcakes. Fill each cupcake liner 2/3 full with batter and bake at 350°F for about 20-22 minutes.

Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Yes, you can stir in chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness in the cake. Add about ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter before pouring it into the pan.

Can I skip the frosting?

You can skip the frosting if you prefer a simpler cake. The cake is still delicious on its own without frosting.

Is this cake gluten-free?

This recipe contains all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.

Can I use a different soda for this cake?

Dr. Pepper’s unique flavor is key to this recipe, but you can experiment with other sodas, to create variations of the cake.

Conclusion

This Dr. Pepper Cake is a fun and delicious dessert that combines the unique taste of Dr. Pepper with rich chocolate for a truly one-of-a-kind treat. It’s easy to make, requires only a few simple ingredients, and delivers big on flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves the sweet, distinctive flavor of Dr. Pepper. Enjoy!

Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Dr. Pepper Cake combines the rich, chocolatey goodness of cake with the signature taste of Dr. Pepper. Infused with the soda’s 23 flavors, this cake is moist, flavorful, and topped with a decadent chocolate frosting made with Dr. Pepper. Perfect for any occasion, this unique treat is sure to impress anyone who loves the classic soda.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 18 slices
Category: Dessert, Cake, Chocolate Cake
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

For the Cake:

Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
Mix flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter, cocoa powder, and Dr. Pepper. Remove from heat.
Gradually pour the chocolate mixture into the dry ingredients and stir.
Add the egg mixture and mix until smooth.
Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 33-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
Cool on a wire rack while preparing the frosting.