Introduction

This Dr. Pepper Cake is a delightful twist on classic chocolate cakes, infused with the unique flavors of Dr. Pepper soda and warm spices. Moist, rich, and full of depth, this cake is sure to impress both family and friends with its lively taste and tender crumb.

A slice of two-layer brown cake with a smooth light brown frosting covers the outside and fills the middle layer, sitting on a clear textured glass plate. The cake shows a soft, moist crumb texture, while the frosting is creamy and thick. Behind, the rest of the cake on a wooden cake stand is fully frosted with the same light brown cream. The background is a soft blend of warm brown colors, and the surface below the plate is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup prunes, roughly chopped
½ cup dried cherries, roughly chopped
1 cup Dr. Pepper soda
1 cup (2 sticks, 226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
¼ cup (30g) cocoa powder
½ cup (118g) boiling water
½ cup (120g) buttermilk
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon baking soda
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups (256g) all-purpose flour
1⅓ cups (267g) granulated sugar
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon ginger
½ teaspoon allspice
4 cups Dr. Pepper soda (for frosting)
1½ cups (3 sticks, 339g) butter (for frosting)
1 teaspoon ground ginger (for frosting)
2½ cups (312g) confectioners’ sugar (for frosting)
1 teaspoon vanilla (for frosting)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by greasing them and lightly dusting with flour or using pan release spray.
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped prunes, dried cherries, and 1 cup of Dr. Pepper. Bring to a slow boil over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for about 20 minutes.
Step 3: In a microwave-safe dish, melt 1 cup of butter. Stir in cocoa powder, then carefully add the boiling water and whisk until smooth. Set this cocoa mixture aside.
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 5: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine flour, granulated sugar, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice.
Step 6: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the cocoa mixture to the dry ingredients. Then pour in the buttermilk-egg mixture followed by the cooled Dr. Pepper fruit mixture. Mix until fully combined.
Step 7: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans (about 2½ cups per pan).
Step 8: Bake for 30 to 34 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake edges start to pull away from the pan.
Step 9: While the cakes bake, make the frosting. Boil 4 cups of Dr. Pepper in a saucepan over medium heat and reduce it to about ½ cup. This can take 20 to 25 minutes; set aside to cool completely.
Step 10: In a mixing bowl, beat 1½ cups of butter until creamy. Add ground ginger, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract and mix on medium-high speed for 3 to 5 minutes, scraping down the bowl as needed.
Step 11: With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the cooled Dr. Pepper reduction and blend until fully incorporated, creating a smooth frosting.
Step 12: Once the cakes have cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the layers and assemble the cake.

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture, soak the prunes and dried cherries overnight in Dr. Pepper before cooking.
Use room temperature ingredients to help the batter mix evenly for a tender crumb.
Try substituting buttermilk with a mixture of milk and 1 tablespoon vinegar if you don’t have buttermilk on hand.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the frosting for a subtle spicy kick that complements the soda’s complex flavors.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. You can also freeze the unfrosted cake layers tightly wrapped for up to 3 months; thaw completely before frosting.

How to Serve

A two-layer chocolate cake slice with light brown frosting between the layers and covering the outside, placed on a clear textured glass plate with a wooden utensil beside it. The cake is moist with a crumbly texture, and the frosting is smooth and creamy. In the background, the full frosted cake sits on a dark wooden cake stand, with another slice covered in light brown frosting partially visible. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different soda instead of Dr. Pepper?

Yes, other dark sodas like root beer or cola can be used, but the unique flavor of Dr. Pepper gives this cake its distinctive taste.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The edges may also pull away slightly from the pan when the cake is finished.