If you’re searching for a showstopping dessert that’s both nostalgic and a little bit quirky, this Cherry Dr Pepper Cake is the answer to your cravings. It’s a crowd-pleasing, super-moist chocolate cake with a playful twist: the unmistakable flavor of Dr Pepper and juicy cherries in every bite. Easy enough for a weeknight treat but special enough for a celebration, this cake is a conversation starter and a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cherry Dr Pepper Cake is all about big flavor with minimal fuss. Every ingredient plays a role in creating its tender crumb, rich chocolate taste, and pops of cherry sweetness. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Chocolate cake mix: The backbone of this recipe, it keeps things simple while delivering decadent chocolate flavor and a fluffy texture.
- Dr Pepper (regular, not diet): The star of the show adds a unique, slightly spiced depth and helps make the cake ultra-moist.
- Vegetable oil: Ensures the cake stays soft and tender, even days after baking.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and richness, making the cake rise beautifully.
- Cherry pie filling: Delivers juicy bursts of cherry in every bite and infuses the cake with gorgeous color.
- Powdered sugar (for the glaze): Creates a sweet, glossy finish that ties the dessert together.
- Melted butter (for the glaze): Adds richness and helps the glaze set perfectly on top.
- Dr Pepper (for the glaze): Echoes the flavor in the cake and makes the glaze irresistibly unique.
- Vanilla extract (for the glaze): Brings all the flavors together with a warm, aromatic finish.
How to Make Cherry Dr Pepper Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Get things started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously—this ensures the Cherry Dr Pepper Cake releases easily and slices beautifully. A little prep here means perfect cake later!
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, a full can of Dr Pepper, vegetable oil, and eggs. Use a hand mixer or sturdy whisk to mix until everything is smooth and fully combined. The soda helps the batter become extra fluffy and light.
Step 3: Add the Cherry Pie Filling
Gently fold in the cherry pie filling using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix—leaving some cherries whole means you’ll get juicy bites of fruit throughout your Cherry Dr Pepper Cake.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen, building anticipation for the first slice!
Step 5: Let It Cool Slightly
Once baked, take the cake out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This helps the cake set up, making it easier to glaze and slice without falling apart.
Step 6: Prepare the Dr Pepper Glaze
While the cake is still a little warm, make the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, melted butter, Dr Pepper, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. The result is a luscious, pourable glaze with a hint of cherry-cola flavor.
Step 7: Glaze and Finish
Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm cake. Give it a few minutes to set so it forms a pretty, slightly crackly top. Now you’re ready to slice and serve your Cherry Dr Pepper Cake.
How to Serve Cherry Dr Pepper Cake
Garnishes
A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes this cake over the top. Try a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or a few fresh cherries for a pop of color and a fun nod to the cake’s star flavors.
Side Dishes
Since Cherry Dr Pepper Cake is rich and sweet, pair it with something refreshing. A simple fruit salad, lightly sweetened Greek yogurt, or even a cup of hot coffee or milk balances the flavors and makes dessert feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into small squares for a party platter or serve in mason jars layered with whipped cream for a cute, portable treat. For birthdays or holidays, add festive sprinkles or colored sugar to the glaze before it sets.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover leftover Cherry Dr Pepper Cake with plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, pop it in the refrigerator, where it will stay moist and delicious for up to five days.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place them in an airtight container. The cake can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Reheating
For that just-baked taste, warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. If you prefer the glaze a little gooey, this quick reheat is a game changer!
FAQs
Can I use diet Dr Pepper in this cake?
It’s best to stick with regular Dr Pepper, as the full-sugar version helps with the cake’s texture and taste. Diet sodas can sometimes change the way the cake rises and may alter the flavor.
Can I substitute the cherry pie filling?
If you’re not a fan of cherries, try blueberry or strawberry pie filling for a different twist. Just make sure to use the same amount so the texture stays perfect.
Is it okay to use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While chocolate pairs amazingly with the Dr Pepper and cherries, you can use a vanilla or even a red velvet cake mix for a new spin on the classic Cherry Dr Pepper Cake.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Check by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter), your cake is ready to come out of the oven.
Can I make this Cherry Dr Pepper Cake in advance?
Yes! This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just cover tightly and let it sit at room temperature or refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
If you love a little adventure in your baking and want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, you owe it to yourself to try this Cherry Dr Pepper Cake. It’s as fun to make as it is to eat, and it just might become your new signature dessert. Happy baking!
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Cherry Dr Pepper Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cherry Dr Pepper Cake is a moist, chocolatey sheet cake made with Dr Pepper soda and cherry pie filling, creating a unique, flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion. Topped with a sweet Dr Pepper glaze, it combines the rich taste of chocolate with the fruity tang of cherries for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- 1 (12-ounce) can Dr Pepper (regular, not diet)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons Dr Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, Dr Pepper, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
- Add Cherry Pie Filling: Gently fold the cherry pie filling into the batter, careful not to overmix, so some cherry pieces remain intact for added texture.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and spread it out. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the glaze.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, Dr Pepper, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and well combined.
- Glaze the Cake: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm cake and let it set before slicing and serving for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
- This cake stays moist and can be made a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
