Dr. Pepper Cake is a rich, moist chocolate cake infused with the unique caramel-cherry flavor of Dr. Pepper soda. This old-fashioned dessert is topped with a smooth, fudgy frosting that makes it absolutely irresistible. The carbonation in the soda helps create a tender crumb, while the deep flavor adds a fun twist to classic chocolate cake. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving a nostalgic treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super moist texture – Thanks to the Dr. Pepper, this cake stays soft and tender.
Unique flavor – The soda adds hints of caramel, cherry, and spice to the chocolate.
Easy to make – Simple ingredients and minimal effort for a delicious homemade cake.
Perfect for any occasion – Great for birthdays, holidays, or a fun weekend bake.

Ingredients

Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe 10 Dr. Pepper Cake is a rich, moist chocolate cake infused with the unique caramel-cherry flavor of Dr. Pepper soda. This old-fashioned dessert is topped with a smooth, fudgy frosting that makes it absolutely irresistible. The carbonation in the soda helps create a tender crumb, while the deep flavor adds a fun twist to classic chocolate cake. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or whenever you're craving a nostalgic treat!

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

For the Cake:

Dr. Pepper soda
Unsalted butter
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Buttermilk

For the Frosting:

Butter
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Dr. Pepper soda
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Chopped pecans (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Heat the soda mixture – In a saucepan, melt butter with cocoa powder and Dr. Pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat.
Mix dry ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
Combine wet ingredients – Stir in the Dr. Pepper mixture, followed by eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk. Mix until smooth.
Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Make the frosting – In a saucepan, melt butter with cocoa powder and Dr. Pepper. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
Frost the cake – Pour the warm frosting over the cake while it’s still slightly warm. Sprinkle with chopped pecans if desired.
Cool & serve – Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes about 12 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake – Use Cherry Dr. Pepper for an extra fruity twist.
Nut-Free – Skip the pecans in the frosting for a nut-free version.
Spiced Version – Add a dash of cinnamon for warmth.
Cupcake Version – Pour batter into cupcake liners and adjust baking time to 18–20 minutes.
Lighter Option – Use half the butter and swap some sugar for applesauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Microwave a slice for 10–15 seconds to soften before serving.

FAQs

Does Dr. Pepper really add flavor to the cake?

Yes! It enhances the chocolate flavor with subtle caramel and cherry notes.

Can I use diet Dr. Pepper?

Diet soda can be used, but the cake may be slightly less sweet and moist.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

Mix ½ cup milk with 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.

Can I use a different soda?

Yes! Cola or root beer can work, but the flavor will be different.

Why is my cake dry?

Be sure not to overbake. Check for doneness around the 30-minute mark.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips for extra richness.

How do I make this a layer cake?

Divide the batter between two 9-inch round pans and reduce baking time slightly.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cake a day in advance and frost before serving.

Is this cake kid-friendly?

Yes! The Dr. Pepper flavor is subtle, and there’s no caffeine effect after baking.

Can I use a different frosting?

Sure! Cream cheese frosting or whipped chocolate ganache would be delicious.

Conclusion

Dr. Pepper Cake is a fun and flavorful twist on classic chocolate cake. With its ultra-moist texture, rich taste, and easy preparation, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a fan of the soda or just love trying new desserts, this cake is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy a slice of this nostalgic treat!

Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe