Get ready to discover your new favorite dessert: the Cherry Dr Pepper Cake! This recipe is unbelievably easy to make, using a simple cake mix hack to create the most tender, moist, and flavorful cake you’ve ever had. Infused with the iconic, bold flavors of cherry and Dr Pepper and topped with a sweet, sticky glaze, this cake is an absolute showstopper for potlucks, parties, or a simple weeknight treat. It’s a nostalgic flavor combination that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Dr Pepper Cake
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both unique and incredibly simple, this is it. The soda not only adds a subtle spiced cherry flavor but also works with the carbonation to create a wonderfully light and fluffy crumb. It’s a one-bowl wonder that comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy bakers who don’t want to compromise on taste.
The Magic of Soda in a Cake
What does Dr Pepper do to a cake? It’s a secret weapon for home bakers! The carbonation in the soda helps to leaven the cake, making it incredibly light and airy. The dark, rich syrup of the Dr Pepper adds moisture and a complex, spiced flavor that perfectly complements the chocolate and cherry notes, resulting in a uniquely delicious dessert that stands out from the crowd.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create a truly spectacular cake. The star players are a box of chocolate cake mix and a can of Dr Pepper, which come together for a foolproof dessert.
For the Cake
- 1 box (15.25 oz) devil’s food or dark chocolate cake mix
- 1 can (12 oz) Cherry Dr Pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and roughly chopped
For the Cherry Dr Pepper Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons Cherry Dr Pepper
- 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice (from the jar)
How to Make Cherry Dr Pepper Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this cake couldn’t be simpler. Just follow these steps for a perfect result every time.
- Preheat and Prepare: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or a 10-cup bundt pan thoroughly.
- Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, Cherry Dr Pepper, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer on low speed, beat until the ingredients are just combined. Increase the speed to medium and beat for about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add Cherries: Gently fold the chopped maraschino cherries into the cake batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes for a 9×13 pan, or 40-45 minutes for a bundt pan. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. If you used a 9×13 pan, you can let it cool directly in the pan.
- Make the Glaze: While the cake is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, Cherry Dr Pepper, and maraschino cherry juice in a small bowl until smooth.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let the glaze set for about 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for the Perfect Soda Cake
Want to ensure your Cherry Dr Pepper Cake is flawless? Here are a few expert tips.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined and then beat for the recommended two minutes. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Proper Pan Prep: For bundt cakes, in particular, be sure to grease and flour every nook and cranny of the pan to prevent sticking.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary. Start checking your cake for doneness at the lower end of the recommended bake time to avoid overbaking. If you love rich, decadent cakes, you might also enjoy this amazing Turtle Poke Cake.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully versatile. Feel free to switch it up with different cake mixes like cherry chip or yellow cake for a different flavor profile. You can also experiment with other dark sodas like Root Beer or classic Coca-Cola. For a different but equally delicious cherry-filled treat, give these fudgy cherry brownies a try!
Storing Your Cake
Store your Cherry Dr Pepper Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store it longer, it will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. If you’re looking for another easy dessert, this no-bake Grinch pie is always a hit during the holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this recipe is very versatile. You can bake it in a 9×13 inch pan, a 10 or 12-cup bundt pan, or even as cupcakes. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly. Start checking for doneness about 5-10 minutes earlier than the recipe suggests.
Absolutely! While Cherry Dr Pepper is recommended, you can easily substitute it with regular Dr Pepper, Cherry Coke, or even Root Beer for a different flavor twist.
You won’t taste a strong, overpowering soda flavor. Instead, the Dr Pepper enhances the chocolate and cherry notes, adding a subtle, complex sweetness and depth that makes the cake unique.
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Dr Pepper adds moisture, a unique spiced-cherry flavor, and its carbonation helps to leaven the cake, making the crumb incredibly light, tender, and airy.
The Ultimate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake Recipe
Cherry Dr Pepper Cake (The Easiest, Moistest Recipe!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan or a 10-cup bundt pan thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, Cherry Dr Pepper, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer on low speed, beat until the ingredients are just combined. Increase the speed to medium and beat for about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Gently fold the chopped maraschino cherries into the cake batter.
- Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes for a 9x13 pan, or 40-45 minutes for a bundt pan. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. If you used a 9x13 pan, you can let it cool directly in the pan.
- While the cake is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, Cherry Dr Pepper, and maraschino cherry juice in a small bowl until smooth.
- Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let the glaze set for about 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Tip 2: Make sure the cake is completely cool before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting and sliding off.
Share Your Creation!
We are so excited for you to try this amazing Cherry Dr Pepper Cake! It’s a truly special recipe that’s guaranteed to be a hit. If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know what you think. Don’t forget to share your beautiful creations on Pinterest!
