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Dr. Pepper Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 87 reviews

This Old Fashioned Dr. Pepper Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring a rich chocolate base infused with Dr. Pepper soda, dried fruit, and warm spices. The cake is topped with a smooth, spiced Dr. Pepper reduction frosting that adds a unique and delightful twist, making it a memorable treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake 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 all spice

Frosting Ingredients

  • 4 cups Dr. Pepper soda
  • 1½ cups (3 sticks or 339g) unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2½ cups (312g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cake Pans and Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or use pan release spray to prepare them.
  2. Cook Dried Fruit in Dr. Pepper: In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped prunes and dried cherries. Pour in 1 cup of Dr. Pepper soda and bring to a slow boil over medium heat. Let it cook for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool for about 20 minutes.
  3. Make Cocoa Mixture: Boil ½ cup water. In a microwave-safe dish or small saucepan, melt 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter. Stir in the cocoa powder and then add the boiling water. Whisk the mixture until smooth and set aside.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  5. Mix Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, nutmeg, ground ginger, and allspice.
  6. Add Cocoa Mixture: With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour in the cocoa and butter mixture, mixing until combined.
  7. Add Wet Ingredients and Dr. Pepper Fruit Mixture: Pour in the buttermilk, eggs, and baking soda mixture and blend until incorporated. Then slowly add the cooled prunes, dried cherries, and Dr. Pepper mixture, mixing until fully combined.
  8. Divide Batter and Bake: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared 8-inch pans (about 2½ cups batter in each). Bake for 30 to 34 minutes or until the cakes start pulling away from the edges and the top is slightly cracked. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center, which should come out clean.
  9. Prepare Dr. Pepper Reduction for Frosting: While the cakes bake, pour 4 cups of Dr. Pepper soda into a small saucepan. Boil over medium heat and reduce the soda to about ½ cup, which will take approximately 20 to 25 minutes. (If boiling on medium-high, it may take around 1 hour.) Let it cool completely.
  10. Make Frosting: In a mixing bowl, add the remaining 1½ cups (3 sticks) of butter. Add ground ginger, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix on medium-high speed for 3 to 5 minutes, scraping the bowl as needed until fluffy.
  11. Incorporate Dr. Pepper Reduction into Frosting: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the cooled Dr. Pepper reduction and blend until fully combined and smooth.
  12. Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes have cooled, spread the Dr. Pepper ginger frosting evenly over the top of one layer. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides as desired.

Notes

  • Ensure all ingredients like eggs and butter are at room temperature for better blending and texture.
  • Be patient while reducing the Dr. Pepper for the frosting; this step develops the flavor intensity.
  • If you do not have buttermilk, you can substitute with milk plus 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar per ½ cup.
  • The spices (nutmeg, ginger, allspice) add warm complexity; adjust them to taste if desired.
  • Use unsalted butter to control the salt content in the cake and frosting.
  • This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea or can be served as a special occasion dessert.

Keywords: Dr. Pepper cake, chocolate cake, soda cake, spiced cake, unique frosting, holiday dessert, old fashioned cake

Find it online: https://victoriablair.com/dr-pepper-cake-recipe/