If you are looking for a dessert that feels like a celebration in every bite, the Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake Recipe is your new best friend. This cake is a delightful fusion of rich chocolate goodness, fruity cherry flair, and a surprising pop of Dr Pepper soda that makes the texture irresistibly moist. It’s a perfect crowd-pleaser that balances deep flavors with an easy, straightforward baking process. Whether for a family gathering or a simple weeknight treat, this cake has a way of turning any moment into something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun, and for this cake, simplicity meets flavor in the best way. Each component plays a vital role: from the fizzy Dr Pepper adding lightness, to the cherry pie filling delivering sweet bursts of fruitiness, and of course, the chocolate cake mix providing that classic, rich base.
- Chocolate fudge cake mix: The foundation of your cake, providing deep chocolate flavor with convenience.
- Dr Pepper soda (12 oz can): Adds moisture and a unique hint of spice that elevates the chocolate notes.
- Cherry pie filling (21 oz can): Offers juicy cherry sweetness with a lovely texture contrast.
- Large eggs (2): Essential for binding and giving structure to the cake.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor profile and enhances sweetness.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup, optional): Adds bursts of melty chocolate for extra indulgence.
- Powdered sugar or chocolate glaze (optional): Perfect for dusting or drizzling to add a pretty finishing touch.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by setting your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. This simple prep ensures your cake won’t stick and bakes evenly, which is key for a flawless final texture.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate fudge cake mix, the full can of Dr Pepper, cherry pie filling, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is fully incorporated and smooth, which usually takes about two minutes. This step blends the fizzy soda and fruity cherries right into the cake base, promising every slice is moist and flavorful.
Step 3: Fold in Chocolate Chips
If you’re using chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter now. This adds delightful pockets of melty chocolate that complement the cherry and soda elements beautifully.
Step 4: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling that perfect moist crumb that everyone loves.
Step 5: Cool and Add Toppings
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan—this is important to help it set and maintain its wonderful texture. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate glaze for an added touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this surprisingly rich cake even more. A sprinkle of powdered sugar mimics a light snowfall and adds a sweet crackle, while a drizzle of chocolate glaze amps up the chocolate intensity and brings a glossy finish. Fresh cherries on top add a burst of color and freshness if you want to get fancy.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with creamy vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, balancing the rich flavors with cool, fluffy textures. For a grown-up twist, serve slices alongside a robust cup of coffee or even a splash of cherry liqueur for matching flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve individual slices in clear glass dessert dishes layered with additional cherry pie filling or whipped cream between cake layers for a trifle effect. You can also cut the cake into bite-sized squares for a party platter, placing toothpicks with maraschino cherries on top for a charming finger food dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, the cake can be tightly wrapped and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it fresh longer, place it in an airtight container in the fridge where it will stay moist and rich for up to 5 days.
Freezing
The Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake Recipe freezes beautifully—wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture before serving.
Reheating
Warm leftover slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven wrapped in foil. This refreshes the cake’s moistness and revives the melty chocolate chips.
FAQs
Can I use a different soda instead of Dr Pepper?
Absolutely! While Dr Pepper gives a unique flavor, cola or cherry-flavored soda can be interesting substitutes though the taste will vary slightly.
Is it necessary to use cherry pie filling or can I use fresh cherries?
Cherry pie filling adds sweetness and a syrupy texture perfect for this cake. Fresh cherries won’t deliver the same moisture but can be used if cooked down with sugar to mimic pie filling.
Do I have to add chocolate chips?
Nope! Chocolate chips are optional but highly recommended for extra melty chocolate bites, making the cake even more decadent.
Can this cake be made in a bundt pan?
Yes, just adjust the baking time to 40 to 45 minutes. A bundt pan creates a beautiful shape that’s perfect for sharing at parties.
Is this cake gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses regular cake mix, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, try using a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure all other ingredients comply.
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably joyful about the Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake Recipe that invites you to bake it again and again. Its moist texture, rich chocolate flavor, and sweet cherry accents make it a true crowd-pleaser. So go ahead and give it a try—you might just discover a new favorite dessert to share with those you love.
Print
Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake is a moist, rich, and easy-to-make dessert combining chocolate fudge cake mix with the unique flavor of Dr Pepper soda and sweet cherry pie filling. Enhanced with optional chocolate chips and topped with powdered sugar or chocolate glaze, it offers a delightful twist on a classic chocolate cake, perfect for any special occasion or casual treat.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate fudge cake mix
- 1 can (12 oz) Dr Pepper soda
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Additions
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar or chocolate glaze for topping
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate fudge cake mix, Dr Pepper soda, cherry pie filling, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until the batter is fully combined and smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Add Chocolate Chips: If using, gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cooling: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan to set the texture and flavors.
- Optional Topping: Before serving, dust the cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate glaze for an attractive finish and added sweetness.
Notes
- The cake is very moist and rich, so frosting is optional.
- You can bake the cake in a bundt pan as an alternative; increase baking time to 40–45 minutes.
