This incredibly moist and flavorful Dr Pepper Cake recipe will become your new favorite dessert. Infused with the unique taste of Dr Pepper, this chocolate cake is surprisingly easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Rich and Moist Dr Pepper Chocolate Cake
Are you ready for a cake that’s a little bit different and a whole lot delicious? If you’re a Dr Pepper enthusiast or simply looking for a unique chocolate cake recipe, you’ve come to the right place. This Dr Pepper Cake is incredibly moist, boasts a rich chocolate flavor enhanced by the signature soda, and is so simple to prepare. Forget complicated recipes; this one comes together quickly and easily in just one saucepan!
My family, especially my daughter who is a huge Dr Pepper fan, absolutely adores this cake. I was inspired by similar soda cake recipes using Coke and decided to experiment with Dr Pepper. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth chocolate cake that’s truly irresistible. It’s rich, it’s moist, and it’s dangerously good – perfect for sharing… or maybe not!
What makes this cake so special is its simplicity. All the cake batter ingredients are combined in a single saucepan, making cleanup a breeze. It bakes in under 30 minutes, and the aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water. For both the cake and frosting, I highly recommend using Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa powder for an extra depth of chocolate flavor. Let’s dive into the ingredients and how to bring this delightful cake to life.
The baking process is straightforward. You begin by melting butter, cocoa powder, and combining oil and Dr Pepper in a saucepan. Once simmering, you incorporate the dry ingredients – sugar, flour, and baking soda. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and buttermilk and then add them to the saucepan mixture. Pour the batter into a greased pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake to maintain its perfect moist texture.
Delicious Homemade Dr Pepper Cake
The frosting is just as easy as the cake itself. Melt butter with cocoa powder and milk in a saucepan, then gradually whisk in powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Pour this luscious frosting over the warm cake, and you’re in for a treat.
While the frosting elevates the cake to another level of indulgence, it’s also delicious with just a simple dusting of powdered sugar. Or try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. So, are you ready to bake? Grab a Dr Pepper, gather your ingredients, and let’s get started! You’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious this Dr Pepper Cake is.
Close-up of Dr Pepper Cake Slice
Dr Pepper Cake Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing Dr Pepper Cake and its rich chocolate frosting. Note that while this recipe uses regular Dr Pepper for its classic flavor, we will discuss ingredient considerations further below.
Cake Ingredients:
- Dr Pepper soda: 1 1/2 cups. The star ingredient! Its unique blend of flavors enhances the chocolate and adds moisture.
- Vegetable or canola oil: 1/2 cup. Adds moisture and tenderness to the cake.
- Salted butter: 1 stick (8 tablespoons). Contributes to flavor and richness.
- Cocoa powder: 4 tablespoons (Hershey’s Special Dark recommended). For a deep, rich chocolate flavor.
- Granulated sugar: 2 cups. Sweetens the cake and adds moisture.
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups. The base of the cake structure.
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon. Leavening agent for a light and airy texture.
- Eggs: 2 large. Binds ingredients and adds richness.
- Buttermilk: 1/2 cup. Adds tanginess and moisture, contributing to a tender crumb.
Frosting Ingredients:
- Salted butter: 1 stick (8 tablespoons). For a rich and smooth frosting.
- Cocoa powder: 4 tablespoons. Enhances the chocolate flavor of the frosting.
- Milk: 8 tablespoons. Creates the right consistency for the frosting.
- Confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar): 4 cups. Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
Baking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to bake your own delicious Dr Pepper Cake.
Cake Instructions:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 13x9x2-inch baking pan, or spray with cooking spray.
- Combine wet ingredients in saucepan: In a saucepan, combine the Dr Pepper, oil, butter, and cocoa powder. Heat over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture comes to a simmer. Stir well to combine and turn off the heat.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, and baking soda. Add the dry ingredients to the saucepan mixture and mix by hand until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Add eggs and buttermilk: In a small bowl, lightly beat the eggs and buttermilk together. Add this mixture to the saucepan and combine everything well by hand until the batter is smooth. Again, avoid overmixing.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for approximately 23-28 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Be careful not to overbake.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before frosting.
Frosting Instructions:
- Melt frosting ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the butter, cocoa powder, and milk over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar to the saucepan, mixing well after each addition until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Frost the cake: Pour the warm frosting evenly over the slightly cooled cake.
- Serve and enjoy: Let the frosting set slightly before slicing and serving. Pair with milk, ice cream, or enjoy as is!
Ingredient Notes and Variations
While this recipe calls for regular Dr Pepper for its signature flavor, you might be curious about ingredient substitutions or dietary considerations.
- Dr Pepper Alternatives: While the unique flavor of Dr Pepper is key to this recipe, you could experiment with other sodas like Coca-Cola or Pepsi for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Cocoa Powder: Using Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa powder enhances the richness of the chocolate flavor. However, regular unsweetened cocoa powder will also work well.
- Diet Dr Pepper?: While untested for this specific recipe, theoretically, Diet Dr Pepper could be used. However, be aware that artificial sweeteners can sometimes affect baking texture and flavor. If you experiment with Diet Dr Pepper, you may need to adjust baking time or other ingredients. Further research and testing would be needed to ensure optimal results when using Diet Dr Pepper ingredients in baking.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Enjoy this decadent and easy Dr Pepper Cake! Let me know in the comments how yours turns out!
More Chocolate Dessert Recipes To Explore:
Carrot Cake Recipe
Strawberry Upside Down Cake Recipe
Peach Slab Pie Recipe
