Sweet Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake Recipe: A Dreamy Delight

A decadent chocolate cherry dr pepper cake promises an unexpected flavor adventure that will surprise you.

Sweet cherries mingle with rich cocoa in this unique dessert creation.

Deep, complex notes from the dr pepper add surprising depth to every bite.

Dark chocolate layers complement the fruity undertones, creating a sophisticated treat.

Each slice reveals a harmonious blend of classic and innovative ingredients.

Bold bakers who love experimental desserts will adore this playful recipe.

Prepare to experience a delightful twist on traditional chocolate cake that challenges every expectation.

Twists That Transform Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake

• Vegan Chocolate Cherry Soda Cake: Replace eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based sour cream, swap butter for coconut oil, and choose vegan Dr Pepper alternative.
• Gluten-Free Cherry Chocolate Dream: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring same texture and rich flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Chocolate Sensation: Use sugar substitute like stevia, reduce overall sugar content, and incorporate sugar-free Dr Pepper for lighter version.
• Coffee Lover's Chocolate Cherry Blast: Increase instant coffee powder, add espresso powder, and use dark roast cola for enhanced coffee undertones.

What Goes Great With Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold, full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the cake's deep chocolate flavor and cuts through its rich sweetness.
• Create Cherry Cocktail Companion: Mix a Dr Pepper-based cocktail using dark rum or bourbon to echo the cake's signature soda ingredient, enhancing the dessert's complex flavor profile.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop creamy, cold vanilla ice cream alongside the warm cake to balance the intense chocolate notes and provide a refreshing temperature contrast.
• Recommend Espresso Pairing: Brew a strong, dark espresso to highlight the cake's coffee undertones and cleanse the palate between decadent bites of the chocolate cherry dessert.

How To Store Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake The Right Way

• Store cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days, covering tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Wrap entire unfrosted cake securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, storing in freezer for maximum 3 months; thaw overnight in refrigerator before frosting and serving.
• Cut cake into individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag; thaw individual slices at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed cake slices briefly in microwave for 15-20 seconds, or restore moisture by placing in 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes until slightly warm.

All Your Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake Questions Answered

• What makes Dr Pepper unique in this cake recipe?

Dr Pepper adds a distinctive sweet and slightly spicy flavor to the cake, enhancing the chocolate’s richness and creating a more complex taste profile.

• Can I substitute Dr Pepper with another soda?

While Dr Pepper is recommended, you can use cola or root beer as alternative carbonated beverages that will provide similar moisture and subtle flavor to the cake.

• How do I prevent the cake from becoming too dense?

Avoid overmixing the batter and fold ingredients gently, just until combined. This technique helps maintain a light, tender cake texture by preventing excessive gluten development.

• Is instant coffee powder necessary for the recipe?

The instant coffee powder intensifies the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee. If you don’t have it, you can omit it, but the cake might have a slightly less deep chocolate taste.

Why Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake Is Pure Fun

• Bake with Bold Flavor: Infuse unexpected depth with Dr Pepper, creating a unique chocolate cake that surprises and delights taste buds.
• Simplify Baking Complexity: Master this recipe with straightforward steps that transform basic ingredients into an extraordinary dessert without requiring advanced culinary skills.
• Customize with Creativity: Add personal touches like extra maraschino cherries or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings to make the cake distinctly your own.
• Perfect for Party Pleasers: Impress guests with a show-stopping dessert that combines classic chocolate charm with a modern twist of soda-infused moisture.

What You’ll Need For Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides structure and texture to the chocolate cake.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep, rich chocolate flavor and dark color to the dessert.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's richness.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and softness in the cake's crumb.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps create a tender, moist cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic flavor that complements the chocolate.

• Dr Pepper, Instant Coffee Powder: Add depth and complexity to the chocolate flavor.
• Maraschino Cherries: Introduce a sweet, fruity element to the cake.

• Butter: Creates a creamy, smooth base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the right frosting consistency.
• Cocoa Powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor of the frosting.

Steps To Make Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake With Ease

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven and Prep the Pan

Set the oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with a generous layer of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Instant coffee powder

Sift everything together to create a smooth, clump-free mixture.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Vegetable oil
• Sour cream
• Vanilla extract
• Dr Pepper

Blend the ingredients until they are completely integrated and well-combined.

Step 4: Create the Cake Batter

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender and light.

Step 5: Add Cherry Surprise

Chop maraschino cherries and fold half of them into the batter, distributing evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 6: Pour and Spread

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it uniformly, ensuring an even surface.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with minimal crumbs.

Step 8: Cool Down

Let the cake cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour at room temperature.

Step 9: Prepare Creamy Frosting

• Powdered sugar
• Cocoa powder

Step 10: Finish the Frosting

Slowly incorporate Dr Pepper into the frosting mixture until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Step 11: Decorate the Cake

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Sprinkle the remaining chopped maraschino cherries on top for a decorative touch.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake and savor the rich, decadent chocolate and cherry-infused dessert.

Tips That Make Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake Shine

• Boost Moisture Magic: Add sour cream to keep the cake incredibly soft and prevent dryness during baking.
• Prevent Batter Lumps: Sift dry ingredients thoroughly to eliminate cocoa powder and flour clumps for a smoother texture.
• Cherry Distribution Technique: Gently fold chopped cherries to prevent sinking and ensure even flavor throughout the cake.
• Frosting Consistency Control: Add Dr Pepper gradually to create the perfect spreadable frosting without becoming too runny.
• Temperature Precision: Use room temperature ingredients to help ingredients blend more smoothly and create a more uniform cake batter.

Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 60 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Chocolate cherry Dr Pepper cake delivers a nostalgic Southern dessert with rich layers of flavor and unexpected soda-infused moisture. Deep chocolate notes and sweet cherry accents create an irresistible celebration of classic American baking you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup Dr Pepper
• 1 cup maraschino cherries

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Leavening and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp instant coffee powder (optional)

Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2–3 tbsp Dr Pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and instant coffee powder in a large mixing bowl, ensuring a smooth, lump-free dry mixture.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until slightly frothy, then incorporate vegetable oil, sour cream, vanilla extract, and Dr Pepper, blending until completely integrated.
4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until just combined, avoiding overmixing to maintain a tender cake texture.
5. Carefully chop maraschino cherries and fold half into the batter, distributing evenly throughout the mixture.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it uniformly with a spatula and ensuring an even surface.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean with minimal crumbs.
8. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour at room temperature.
9. For the frosting, cream softened butter until light and fluffy, then gradually incorporate powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
10. Slowly add Dr Pepper to achieve desired frosting consistency, mixing until smooth and spreadable.
11. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake, then garnish with remaining chopped maraschino cherries.
12. Slice and serve, enjoying the rich, decadent chocolate and cherry-infused dessert.

Notes

• Swap Dr Pepper with cola or root beer for different flavor profiles if unavailable.
• Ensure all ingredients are room temperature to guarantee smooth batter integration.
• Drain maraschino cherries completely to prevent excess moisture affecting cake texture.
• Use Dutch-processed cocoa for deeper, richer chocolate flavor and smoother consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg