If you’re a fan of Dr Pepper and chocolate cake, this Dr Pepper cake recipe is about to become your new favorite. Combining the unique flavor of Dr. Pepper with the rich taste of chocolate, this cake is moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a family gathering, or just because, this Dr Pepper Cake will impress everyone with its unexpected twist.
Why Dr Pepper?
Dr Pepper isn’t just for drinking, it’s also a fantastic ingredient in baking. The soda keeps the cake moist, giving it a wonderfully tender texture. Plus, the 23 flavors of Dr Pepper enhance the richness of the chocolate, giving the cake a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. Using Dr Pepper in both the cake and the frosting ties everything together, creating a cohesive, delightful dessert.
Dr Pepper Cake – The Perfect Fusion of Chocolate and Soda
Dr Pepper Cake is a delightful and unique dessert that brings together the rich flavors of chocolate with the distinct taste of Dr. Pepper soda. This cake is known for its moist, tender texture and is made even more special with a fizzy twist from the soda.
The carbonation in Dr. Pepper not only adds a subtle, sweet flavor but also helps create an incredibly light and fluffy cake. Often topped with a warm chocolate frosting that shatters beautifully with each forkful, this cake is a treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to potlucks.
While Dr Pepper is the star ingredient, the recipe is versatile enough to be adapted with other sodas like Coca-Cola or Root Beer, each bringing its own unique touch. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this dr pepper cake is simple to make and sure to impress, combining nostalgia with a modern twist.
Dr Pepper Cake Recipe Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 cup Dr Pepper: Regular, not diet. The sugar in regular Dr Pepper contributes to the cake’s texture and sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Butter adds richness and helps create a moist crumb.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Cocoa gives the cake its deep chocolate flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps the cake rise.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a hint of molasses flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The cake’s base gives it structure and stability.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the other flavors.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Adds tanginess and moisture.
- 2 large eggs: It binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Complements the chocolate flavor.
For the Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Creates a creamy base for the frosting.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a rich chocolate taste.
- 1/4 cup Dr Pepper: Enhances the chocolate flavor and ties in with the cake.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: It sweetens the frosting and provides structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: It adds depth to the frosting’s flavor.
How To Make Dr Pepper Cake Recipe
Preheat Your Oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Make the Cake Batter
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of Dr Pepper, 1/2 cup of butter, and 1/4 cup of cocoa powder. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter melts and everything is well combined. Once smooth, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Pour in the cooled Dr Pepper mixture and stir until just combined.
- Add 1/2 cup of buttermilk, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix until the batter is smooth and all ingredients are well combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the cake tough.
Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting
- While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder and 1/4 cup of Dr Pepper, stirring until smooth. Remove the mixture from heat.
- Gradually whisk in 3 cups of powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Lastly, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Frost the Cake
- Once the dr pepper cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
What makes this Dr. Pepper Cake special?
This Dr Pepper Cake stands out because it combines a classic technique with a unique twist. Using soda in cakes isn’t new, but Dr. Pepper adds a distinct flavor and ensures the cake is incredibly moist and tender. The recipe also includes milk, which enhances the chocolate flavor. Plus, you only need a small can of Dr. Pepper, so you can enjoy the rest of the soda while the cake bakes.
Tips for the Best Dr Pepper Chocolate Cake
- Use Regular Dr. Pepper: Avoid diet sodas as they lack the sugar needed for the right texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Use eggs and buttermilk at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
How to serve this Dr Pepper Dessert
This Dr Pepper Cake is delicious on its own, but if you want to take it up a notch, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cool, creamy additions complement the rich, chocolatey cake perfectly.
Storing and Freezing Chocolate Dr Pepper Cake
Storing
Once your cake is frosted, you can store it at room temperature for up to 3 days, covered in an airtight container. If your kitchen is particularly warm, it’s best to store the cake in the refrigerator to prevent the frosting from becoming too soft. If you opt for a whipped cream topping, always store the cake in the fridge.
Freezing
Dr Pepper Cake freezes well, making it a great make-ahead dessert. To freeze, wrap the cooled, unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, let the cake thaw at room temperature, then frost it as desired.
If you want to freeze the dr pepper cake with frosting, it’s best to flash freeze the cake first. Place the frosted cake in the freezer uncovered for about 1 hour, or until the frosting is firm. Then wrap it in plastic wrap and foil before returning it to the freezer. This method helps preserve the texture of the frosting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different soda instead of Dr Pepper?
Yes, you can experiment with other sodas like Coca-Cola or root beer for a different flavor profile. However, keep in mind that using a different soda will alter the taste of the cake.
Does Dr Pepper taste like coke?
Dr. Pepper and Coke have distinct flavors. Dr. Pepper has a unique blend of 23 flavors, including hints of cherry, vanilla, and spices, giving it a more complex and nuanced taste. Coke, on the other hand, has a more straightforward cola flavor with a focus on caramel and vanilla. While both are carbonated soft drinks, their flavor profiles are quite different.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No buttermilk? No problem. You can make a quick substitute by mixing of regular milk with vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before adding it to the batter.
How can I make the dr pepper cake more chocolatey?
If you’re a chocolate lover, you can intensify the chocolate flavor by adding mini chocolate chips to the batter. You could also mix some melted chocolate into the frosting or use a chocolate ganache instead.
Can I make this dr pepper cake gluten-free?
Yes, to make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that can be used cup-for-cup. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, like baking powder and cocoa, are also gluten-free.
Looking for more chocolate recipes? Here are a few that we enjoy:
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Easy Chocolate Dr Pepper Cake Recipe 2024
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup Dr Pepper regular, not diet
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup Dr Pepper
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Make the Cake Batter
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of Dr Pepper, 1/2 cup of butter, and 1/4 cup of cocoa powder. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter melts and everything is well combined. Once smooth, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Pour in the cooled Dr Pepper mixture and stir until just combined.
- Add 1/2 cup of buttermilk, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix until the batter is smooth and all ingredients are well combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the cake tough.
Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting
- While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder and 1/4 cup of Dr Pepper, stirring until smooth. Remove the mixture from heat.
- Gradually whisk in 3 cups of powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Lastly, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Frost the Cake
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Connect with us on “Crispy Cookies” by tagging us.
- Stay updated on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterestby following us.
- Spread the sweetness by sharing or pinning this recipe on Pinterest.
- Leave a comment down below!!
