Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe

Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe

13 servings
A delicious chocolate cake with warm frosting made with dark chocolate and Dr. Pepper.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cup Dr. Pepper soda
  • 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 1 stick salted butter

    8 tablespoons

  • 4 tablespoons cocoa powder

    again, I used Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa powder

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 stick salted butter

    8 tablespoons

  • 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 8 tablespoons milk
  • 4 cups confectioners sugar

    powdered sugar

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350-degrees F and grease or spray with cooking spray a 13x9x2-inch baking pan.

  2. 2

    Begin by combining the Dr. Pepper, oil, butter and cocoa powder in a saucepan over medium heat. When it comes to a simmer, mix well and turn stove off.

  3. 3

    Mix dry ingredients together (sugar, flour and baking soda), add to mixture in saucepan and mix well, by hand. Don’t over beat. DO NOT OVER BEAT.

  4. 4

    In a separate small bowl lightly beat the eggs and buttermilk together, then add them to the saucepan and combine batter well by hand, but again, do not over beat.

  5. 5

    Pour into a greased baking pan and bake at 350-degrees for approx. 23-28 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Be careful not to over bake.

  6. 6

    In a saucepan, combine butter, cocoa powder and milk together over medium heat, stirring occasionally until melted and smooth.

  7. 7

    Add in the powdered sugar a little at a time, combining after each addition until smooth.

  8. 8

    Pour over warm cake.

  9. 9

    Lock all the doors, draw the shades, don’t answer the phone and get the milk.

Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe

Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe

40 min13 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving a chocolate cake that's anything but ordinary? This Dr. Pepper Cake offers a uniquely moist and rich chocolate experience, elevated by a surprisingly familiar ingredient that home bakers will love.

Why This Dr. Pepper Cake Works

The magic truly begins with Dr. Pepper, infused into both the cake batter and the luscious, warm frosting. This unexpected addition creates a deep, complex flavor that perfectly complements the rich dark chocolate cocoa powder, resulting in an exceptionally tender crumb and an intensely satisfying taste. The warm frosting, a hallmark of this recipe, ensures every slice is a comforting indulgence.

What to Expect

Prepare for a truly decadent treat. Each bite of this Dr. Pepper cake delivers a wonderfully moist and tender crumb, bursting with deep chocolate flavor. The subtle notes from the soda add a unique depth, a gentle lift to the chocolate that you might not quite place, but absolutely crave. The warm, dark chocolate frosting, also enhanced by Dr. Pepper, cascades over the cake, melting slightly and adding another layer of rich sweetness and a uniquely comforting texture. It’s a wonderfully decadent dessert that's sure to impress with its rich flavor and delightful moistness.

Customization & Variations

While the combination of Dr. Pepper and dark chocolate is key, you can certainly experiment with your favorite high-quality cocoa powder to subtly alter the chocolate's depth—the recipe notes that Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa powder was used. For the fat, either vegetable or canola oil will work beautifully to keep the cake moist and tender. You could also try different salted butters in the frosting for nuanced flavor.

Serving & Context

Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply as a special weeknight dessert, this Dr. Pepper cake is best enjoyed slightly warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to complement its rich flavors. Its indulgent nature makes it a fantastic centerpiece for any celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions