The Best Dr Pepper Cake Recipe

What is a Dr Pepper Cake?

This Dr Pepper Cake is a unique and irresistible chocolate sheet cake made with a Dr Pepper soft drink, a purchased boxed cake mix, and a few other ingredients.

The Dr Pepper soda adds a subtle twist to a classic chocolate cake, giving it a delicious and unexpected flavor, and the carbonation in the soda aerates the cake batter, which gives it an incredibly fluffy and moist texture.

Why I love this recipe, and you will too!

1. It’s quick and easy to make and not at all fussy. You dump the ingredients in a bowl, stir to combine everything, pour the batter into your baking dish, and bake it. You don’t even need an electric mixer.
2. Did I mention it’s a moist, flavorful chocolate sheet cake topped with rich, creamy chocolate frosting? Enough said!
3. Like my Southern Pecan Praline Cake and Banana Pudding Poke Cake, Dr Pepper cake is perfect for serving at a party, a special occasion, or as a midnight snack.

Ingredient notes

• Chocolate cake mix – use your favorite brand of boxed chocolate cake mix. You can also substitute devil’s food cake mix.
• Dr Pepper – whether you are a fan of Dr Pepper or not, you will love the flavor it gives this cake and the chocolate icing.
• Vegetable oil and eggs – ensure that the cake is moist and fluffy while providing structure and texture.
• Cocoa powder – make the icing rich and chocolatey.
• Powdered sugar and butter – together with the cocoa powder, create a rich, sweet, smooth chocolate icing.
• Chocolate sprinkles – (not pictured) although optional, they are a fun treat and provide a tiny bit more sweetness.

Complete measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

How to make a Dr Pepper Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray or grease with butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, Dr Pepper, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined—but be careful not to overmix.

3. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.

4. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean when tested.

5. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before frosting.
6. While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan, melt the softened butter over low heat. Whisk in the cocoa powder and Dr Pepper and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
7. Gradually add the powdered sugar, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. It will be thin.

8. Pour the warm frosting over the slightly cooled cake, allowing it to spread evenly.

9. If desired, top with chocolate sprinkles and let the cake cool for about one hour in the fridge to allow the frosting time to set before cutting it into slices.

Serving suggestions

• Serve the cake warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• For a decadent touch, drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce over each slice before serving.
• The cake also makes a great base for a dessert bar—offer different toppings and let guests customize their slices.
• Serve as a sheet cake at parties and potlucks for easy cutting and serving.

Recipe variations and substitutions

• If you are looking for a gluten-free option, check out this recipe for almond flour chocolate cake.
• Try using a different flavor of cake mix, such as vanilla or yellow, for a new flavor experience.
• Substitute another soda, such as Coca-Cola or root beer, for the Dr Pepper for a different twist on the recipe.
• Add chopped roasted pecans or coconut to the batter for texture and flavor.

Storing and freezing the cake

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days to keep it fresh.
• To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge before serving.

Recipe FAQs

Insider tips for the best results

Use a high-quality cake mix and Dr Pepper for the best possible flavor.

After combining the cake mix with the Dr Pepper and other ingredients, stir just until everything is well incorporated. Overmixing can cause the cake to be dense instead of light and fluffy.

Only open the oven toward the end of the suggested baking time. You can check if the cake is done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Opening the oven too early can cause the cake to deflate.

After frosting, give the cake time to cool completely before slicing. This helps the frosting set and makes the cake easier to cut into neat slices.

More easy cake recipes

For more menu ideas, here is a link to all of mydessert recipes.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ If you make this dish, please leave a comment and give this recipe a star rating. I would love to know how you liked it!

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