If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s both easy and impressive, the Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake is here to delight you. Picture this: a beautifully moist chocolate cake, bursting with cherries and enhanced with the subtle zing of Dr Pepper, all cloaked in a dreamy glaze. This playful bake is a feast for the senses, combining rich flavors and a celebratory spirit—making it an irresistible treat for gatherings, birthdays, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up. Trust me, this Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake will quickly become a favorite at your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this cake so magical is how a handful of familiar ingredients come together with wonderfully unexpected results. Each one plays a key role: from the fudgy cake mix to the fizzy Dr Pepper, every flavor shines while also creating an ultra-soft, irresistible crumb.
- Chocolate fudge cake mix: The foundation for our cake, delivering rich chocolate flavor and a perfectly moist texture every time.
- Dr Pepper soda (12 ounces): Adds signature flavor and extra moisture, making the cake tender and deliciously unique.
- Cherry pie filling (21 ounces): Bursts with juicy cherries, adding sweetness, color, and pockets of fruit in every bite.
- Large eggs (3): Bind everything together, creating structure and lift for a soft but sliceable cake.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the chocolate and cherry notes for beautiful depth of flavor.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): A little goes a long way; especially lovely if you adore cherry-almond desserts.
- Powdered sugar (1 1/2 cups): The base for an irresistibly silky, sweet glaze.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (3 tablespoons): Intensifies chocolate flavor in the decadent glaze on top.
- Dr Pepper soda (3–4 tablespoons): Used again in the glaze, it keeps the topping light with a hint of nostalgic fizz.
- Chopped maraschino cherries (1/2 cup, optional garnish): For bright pops of color and fun, candy-sweet finish.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C), giving it time to come up to temperature while you assemble the batter. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan—nonstick spray or a thin layer of butter both work perfectly. This extra step ensures your Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake comes out like a dream, with every slice releasing easily.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, add the chocolate fudge cake mix, can of Dr Pepper, cherry pie filling, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it. Grab your electric mixer and beat everything together on medium speed. You want a smooth, cohesive batter—don’t worry if you spot some cherry pieces, those are little gems of flavor throughout your Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the luscious chocolate batter into your prepared pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Slide it into the hot oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Test with a toothpick: it should come out mostly clean, with just a few sticky crumbs. The cake’s scent will fill the kitchen, hinting at the treat that’s about to emerge.
Step 4: Cool Slightly Before Glazing
Let the cake cool in the pan for a bit—not too long, as you want it to still be warm when it meets the glaze! This helps every drizzle of the glaze soak in and meld. The warmth also makes it easier to spread the glaze for that iconic, shiny finish on your Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake.
Step 5: Make and Add the Chocolate Dr Pepper Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and 3–4 tablespoons of Dr Pepper. You want a pourable, smooth glaze—it should ribbon from your whisk. Drizzle or spoon this over the warm cake, creating gorgeous swirls. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped maraschino cherries for extra color and that classic bakery look.
Step 6: Let Cool and Serve
Allow your cake to cool completely before slicing, which makes for neater pieces and helps all those flavors set. Once cool, slice, serve, and soak up the compliments—your Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake is ready for its moment in the spotlight!
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake
Garnishes
For a bit of extra dazzle, scatter chopped maraschino cherries over the glossy glaze. Dusting with a little extra powdered sugar or adding some chocolate shavings never hurts, either. Not only does this make your Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake look even more festive, it adds texture and bright pops of fruity flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair every generous slice with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream—both add a cool, creamy contrast to the cake’s rich, dense crumb. A handful of fresh cherries onsite is a lovely summertime touch, while a hot cup of coffee or creamy milk can round out the experience for chocolate lovers.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting a party? Cut the cake into bite-size squares, skewer with toothpicks, and top each with a cherry for adorable dessert bites. For a playful twist, layer slices with whipped cream in parfait glasses and sprinkle crushed chocolate cookies on top. The Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake is incredibly versatile—let your creativity shine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake covered right in the pan at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen runs warm or you want to extend freshness, pop it in the fridge. Either way, this cake stays moist and decadent!
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze slices of this cake! For best results, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container or freezer bag. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator, and you’ll be ready for a sweet treat anytime the craving strikes.
Reheating
To enjoy that just-baked warmth, microwave individual slices for about 15-20 seconds. If reheating from frozen, let the cake thaw first, then warm briefly in the microwave or in a 300°F oven until just heated through. Be careful not to overheat, so the glaze stays smooth and the cake super moist.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! Cherry cola or classic cola offer similar fizzy fun and complement the cherries beautifully. While Dr Pepper adds that signature note, experiment to discover your personal twist on this cake.
Do I need to use the almond extract?
Nope! Almond extract is optional. It adds a lovely nutty-cherry flavor, but if you’re not a fan or don’t have any, simply leave it out. The cake will still be delicious, thanks to the vanilla and cherries.
What if I only have a different size cake pan?
No worries! You can bake the Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake in two 8-inch square pans, or as cupcakes (just decrease the bake time to about 20–25 minutes). Adjust the baking time as needed and keep an eye for doneness.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips or chopped walnuts into the batter before baking for extra texture and a little “surprise” in every bite. Just avoid overloading, so the cake stays beautifully moist.
How do I keep the cake extra moist?
Thanks to the soda and pie filling, this cake already delivers major moisture, but storing it well-sealed will lock in freshness. Avoid overbaking, and if you want to go the extra mile, brush slices with a touch of Dr Pepper before serving!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, look no further than the Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake. It’s delightfully moist, packed with fruity chocolate flavor, and always a crowd pleaser. I hope this cake brings plenty of smiles and a touch of retro charm to your table—give it a try and let yourself fall in love!
Print
Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake. The combination of chocolate cake mix, cherry pie filling, and a hint of Dr Pepper creates a moist and delicious dessert that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box chocolate fudge cake mix
- 1 can (12 ounces) Dr Pepper soda
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3–4 tablespoons Dr Pepper soda
Garnish:
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix the batter: In a large bowl, combine cake mix, Dr Pepper, cherry pie filling, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until smooth.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Make the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and Dr Pepper. Drizzle over the warm cake.
- Garnish and serve: Top with chopped cherries. Let the cake cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This cake stays moist thanks to the soda and pie filling.
- Substitute cherry cola for a different flavor twist.
- Store covered at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 36 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 59 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
