Name: Dr Pepper Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box chocolate fudge cake mix; 3.9 ounce small box instant chocolate pudding; 3 large eggs; ⅓ cup oil; 1 cup Dr Pepper soda; 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter; 3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 4-6 Tablespoons heavy cream (or milk); 2 cups powdered sugar (also called confectioners sugar); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 42 reviews

There is something truly magical about the Dr Pepper Cake Recipe that makes it a standout dessert for any occasion. This cake brings together the rich fudgy chocolate flavor with a surprising twist from the fizzy Dr Pepper soda, creating a moist, tender crumb that melts in your mouth. The luscious cocoa frosting with a hint of creaminess and optional crunchy nuts on top add the perfect finishing touch. If you love chocolate with a fun, unexpected soda kick, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to bake and share.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A collection of baking ingredients is neatly arranged on a wooden surface; the items include a box of chocolate pudding mix with dark brown and red colors, a light beige stick of salted butter, a small white bowl holding three white eggs, a box of yellow and white powdered sugar, a can of red Dr. Pepper soda, a large clear plastic bottle filled with yellow vegetable oil and a blue label, a red carton of heavy whipping cream, a brown package of cocoa powder, a red bottle of vanilla extract, and a green bag of chopped pecans showing brown nuts through a clear window. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the list intimidate you—these ingredients are straightforward and well balanced, each playing a crucial role in making your Dr Pepper Cake Recipe irresistibly moist and flavorful. From the chocolate fudge cake mix providing the base, to the Dr Pepper soda adding subtle fruity undertones, every component is essential.

Chocolate fudge cake mix: The foundation of the cake, delivering that deep chocolate richness with ease.
Instant chocolate pudding mix (3.9 oz): Adds extra moisture and a velvety texture to the batter.
Eggs (3 large): Bind the ingredients and help the cake rise beautifully.
Oil (⅓ cup): Keeps the crumb tender and moist.
Dr Pepper soda (1 cup): The star ingredient that introduces a subtle fruity fizz enhancing the cake’s depth.
Salted butter (1 stick or ½ cup): Forms the rich base for the chocolate frosting.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (3 tbsp): Intensifies the chocolate flavor for the frosting.
Heavy cream (4-6 tbsp): Adds creaminess and controls the frosting’s texture, but you can substitute milk if desired.
Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the frosting flawlessly while helping it set.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Lifts the flavors and adds warmth to the frosting.
Chopped pecans or walnuts (½ cup) – optional: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty contrast on top.

How to Make Dr Pepper Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Mix the Cake Batter

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick. Combine the chocolate fudge cake mix, instant pudding, eggs, oil, and the secret ingredient, Dr Pepper soda, in a large bowl. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, mix everything for about two minutes until fully blended and smooth. The soda adds fizz and a touch of fruitiness that transforms this batter from ordinary to extraordinary.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake following the cake mix package instructions—typically around 30 to 35 minutes. Don’t be alarmed when the cake dips slightly in the center; this is completely normal and just adds character. Use the toothpick test to make sure it’s done—when it comes out clean, your cake is ready for frosting.

Step 3: Make the Decadent Cocoa Frosting

While the cake cools a bit, melt the salted butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in the cocoa powder along with 4 tablespoons of heavy cream, nourishing the frosting with silky richness. Whisk in the powdered sugar briskly to remove lumps, then add vanilla extract off the heat to retain its aromatic charm. If the frosting needs to be thinner, mix in a tablespoon or two more of cream until you reach that perfect spreadable consistency.

Step 4: Frost and Garnish Your Cake

Pour the luscious frosting over your warm cake and spread evenly, letting it cascade lightly down the edges. If you’re a fan of texture contrasts, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top while the frosting is still soft. As the cake cools further, the frosting sets into a rich, luscious layer that makes each forkful heavenly.

How to Serve Dr Pepper Cake Recipe

A clear rectangular glass dish filled with one thick, smooth layer of rich brown chocolate pudding, topped with a generous scattering of medium-sized, light reddish-brown pecan halves. The dish sits on a wooden surface with a red and white striped cloth partially visible on the left side and a red soda can blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of cocoa powder or a few extra chopped nuts sprinkled over the frosting adds a polished look and extra flavor. For a bit of flair, try adding fresh raspberries or a dollop of whipped cream alongside each slice—this elevates the experience with bright, creamy contrasts against the deep chocolate.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with classic sides like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even a small bowl of fresh berries. A hot cup of coffee or tea also complements the sweetness and rich chocolate. If you’re serving at a gathering, consider offering cream cheese or mascarpone spreads for guests to try.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, turn your Dr Pepper Cake Recipe into individual servings by baking it in cupcake liners or small ramekins and frosting each one neatly. Alternatively, layer slices between soft whipped cream and berries for a decadent trifle. Presentation is key, and with this cake, you have plenty of options to wow your friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy this delicious Dr Pepper Cake Recipe a few days at a time without any loss of flavor or moisture.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen cake remains in prime condition for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

For a freshly baked taste, warm your cake slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or until just warm. This softens the frosting and recreates that irresistibly gooey texture that makes the Dr Pepper Cake Recipe such a comforting treat.

FAQs

Can I use diet or caffeine-free Dr Pepper in the recipe?

While diet or caffeine-free versions can be used, the original flavor and sweetness of regular Dr Pepper really enhance the cake’s flavor and moisture, so the cake might taste slightly different with substitutions.

Is it necessary to use the instant chocolate pudding mix?

Yes, the pudding mix adds important moisture and tenderness to the cake, giving it that rich, velvety crumb that sets it apart from regular boxed cakes.

Can I substitute nuts in the frosting? What about leaving them out?

You can replace pecans or walnuts with any nut you like, such as almonds or hazelnuts. If you’re not a fan of nuts or have allergies, the cake is delicious without them, too.

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

To make a gluten-free version, choose a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and pudding mix. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free, so it’s easy to adapt.

How do I prevent the cake from sinking in the middle?

A slight dip is normal with this recipe due to the soda in the batter. To minimize sinking, avoid opening the oven door frequently during baking and be sure your baking powder is fresh if using a mix.

Final Thoughts

There’s a joyful surprise in every bite of this Dr Pepper Cake Recipe that makes baking it feel like a celebration. The unique twist with soda, the luscious frosting, and the satisfying texture come together perfectly, reminding us how creative desserts can be with just a few simple ingredients. I encourage you to give this recipe a try soon—whether for a family dinner, special occasion, or just because you deserve something sweet and memorable. You’ll be amazed at how this cake becomes an instant favorite at your table!

Dr Pepper Cake Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need