If you’re after a show-stopper dessert that’s surprisingly easy to whip up and guaranteed to make everyone smile, let me introduce you to the magic that is Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake. Every bite of this classic soda cake bursts with rich chocolate, sweet-tart cherries, and a fun, fizzy twist thanks to the Dr Pepper—plus a dreamy cocoa frosting that perfectly ties it all together. It’s as much a conversation starter as it is a crowd-pleaser, shining at potlucks, parties, and anytime you want a little retro dessert fun with a little something extra.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This simple-to-make Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake comes together with pantry staples and a handful of star ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in building the moist crumb, rich flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth texture that make this cake truly memorable.
- Chocolate cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The foundation of the cake, yielding a super-moist, deeply chocolatey base without the fuss of measuring dry ingredients.
- Dr Pepper (1 can, 12 oz): Adds unique flavor and irresistible moisture; use regular or cherry for a flavor boost.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake extra soft, tender, and prevents it from drying out.
- Large eggs (3): Provide essential structure, helping the cake hold together while staying fluffy.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Deepens the flavors and brings a warm, aromatic background note.
- Cherry pie filling (1 can, 21 oz): Delivers juicy cherries that create pockets of sweetness in every bite and add an eye-catching color.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Melted for a rich and creamy base in the quick chocolate frosting.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Packs bold chocolate flavor into the luscious frosting.
- Dr Pepper (1/4 cup, for frosting): Echoes the cake with a subtle fizz and soft cherry-spice undertones in the icing.
- Powdered sugar (3 cups): Thickens and sweetens the frosting to glossy perfection.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a gentle, nutty note that amplifies the cherry flavor beautifully.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are. Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a generous coating of nonstick spray or butter—this simple step ensures that your Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake pops out perfectly every time, crumb and all.
Step 2: Mix Up the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, Dr Pepper, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together on medium speed for two full minutes; that’s the sweet spot for activating the leaveners and achieving a smooth, silky batter. The soda gives this cake its magical lift and signature moistness!
Step 3: Add the Cherry Pie Filling
Next, very gently fold in the cherry pie filling. This step is pure joy—each spoonful transforms your batter, adding juicy chunks of cherry and giving the cake its gorgeous pops of color and bright flavor. Be careful not to overmix, so you keep the cherries mostly intact.
Step 4: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when your kitchen smells heavenly and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are perfect!). Let the cake cool completely in the pan—this ensures it stays moist and makes frosting a breeze.
Step 5: Make the Frosting
While the cake cools, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder and Dr Pepper until smooth and glossy. Remove the pan from heat, then slowly whisk in the powdered sugar and almond extract (if using) until you have a thick, pourable, chocolatey cloud of frosting. It’s rich, dreamy, and sweet—just right for this soda cake.
Step 6: Frost, Set, and Slice
Once the cake has fully cooled, pour that warm frosting evenly over the top, letting it ooze into every nook and cranny. Give it a few minutes to set at room temperature, then slice into generous squares. Each piece is an irresistible combination of chocolate, cherry, and nostalgia!
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake
Garnishes
Garnishing your Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake is such a fun final step. Top each piece with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a few extra maraschino cherries, or a dusting of chocolate shavings for a bakery-worthy finish. If you’ve got it, a sprinkle of chopped toasted almonds can add a lovely crunch and visually tie in that optional almond flavor.
Side Dishes
Because this is a rich, decadent dessert, you might want to balance each serving with a light side. A scoop of vanilla ice cream, a small bowl of fresh berries, or even a cold glass of milk makes this cake sing. For coffee lovers, don’t be shy—serve with a piping hot espresso or a tall cold brew for the ultimate treat.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to take your Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake presentation to the next level, try cutting the cake into bite-sized cubes for a party tray, layering slices in parfait glasses with whipped cream, or using a round biscuit cutter to create individual mini cakes. You can even serve it slightly warm with a drizzle of chocolate syrup or cherry sauce for a dessert people will talk about long after the last bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake leftover, simply cover the baking pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer individual slices to an airtight container. It will stay moist and delicious at room temperature for up to 3 days—perfect for sneaking an extra slice with your coffee!
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Once completely cooled and frosted, slice it into portions and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge again.
Reheating
While Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake is delightful at room temperature, you can gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to restore that fresh-from-the-oven softness and make the frosting just a little gooey again. If you prefer, let it sit out at room temp for 20–30 minutes after chilling or freezing before serving.
FAQs
Can I use diet or zero-sugar Dr Pepper?
You sure can! The texture will remain nearly identical; just keep in mind that the flavor may be a bit milder and the cake won’t be quite as sweet, but it’s still delicious if you want to cut down on sugar.
Can I make this cake as cupcakes instead of a sheet cake?
Absolutely! Divide the batter between lined muffin tins—fill each about 2/3 full—and bake for about 18–22 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick. The frosting works perfectly spooned over cupcakes, too.
What if I can’t find cherry pie filling?
If cherry pie filling isn’t available, you can substitute the same amount of homemade cherry compote or even drained canned tart cherries tossed with a spoonful of sugar and cornstarch, though the result will be a bit less sweet and saucy.
Does the cake need to be refrigerated?
Nope! The Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake keeps best at room temperature, covered, for a few days. If your kitchen is extra warm, you can refrigerate it but let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Can I add extra chocolate chips or nuts?
Go for it! A handful of chocolate chips mixed into the batter or a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the finished cake will add some extra flair and crunch without altering the main flavors.
Final Thoughts
I can’t help but smile every time I bake this Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake, and I truly hope it brings the same retro joy and chocolatey comfort to your table, too. Give it a try, share a slice (or two) with your favorite people, and watch it quickly become a new go-to dessert. Happy baking!
Print
Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the unique and delightful flavors of this Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake. Moist chocolate cake infused with cherry pie filling and a hint of Dr Pepper, topped with a decadent Dr Pepper cocoa frosting.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 can (12 oz) Dr Pepper (regular or cherry flavor)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup Dr Pepper
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix the cake: Combine cake mix, Dr Pepper, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth. Fold in cherry pie filling. Pour into pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.
- Make the frosting: Melt butter, add cocoa, Dr Pepper, powdered sugar, and almond extract. Spread over cooled cake.
Notes
- For a more intense cherry flavor, use Cherry Dr Pepper and add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract to the batter.
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
