This Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe is truly a showstopper: moist chocolate cake swirled with luscious cherry pie filling, made effortlessly with a sweet boost of iconic Dr Pepper Cherry soda, and topped with a glossy, fudgy frosting. Every bite is a decadent celebration of chocolate and cherries with a fizzy twist, making this cake irresistible for birthdays, potlucks, or just because you want to treat yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how this Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe comes together with just a handful of accessible, unfussy ingredients. Each one plays a starring role in giving the cake its tender crumb, shock of fruity flavor, and that glossy, dreamy finish.
- Chocolate cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The star base for a rich, moist cake that keeps prep super simple.
- Dr Pepper Cherry soda (1 can, 12 oz): Adds a signature cherry-cola twist and ensures a delightfully airy crumb.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Makes the cake super moist and tender from edge to center.
- Large eggs (3): Help bind everything together, giving the cake a lovely lift and structure.
- Cherry pie filling (1 can, 21 oz): Delivers pockets of juicy cherries and amps up the sweet fruit flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, for frosting): Creates a rich, creamy base for the fudge frosting.
- Cocoa powder (1/4 cup, for frosting): Deepens the chocolate flavor and brings a bold, dark color.
- Dr Pepper Cherry soda (1/4 cup, for frosting): Carries that distinctive cherry cola flair straight to the topping.
- Powdered sugar (3 cups, for frosting): Gives the frosting its classic sweetness and silky-smooth texture.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon, for frosting): Adds warmth and enhances every other flavor in the frosting.
How to Make Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe comes out of the pan in one gorgeous piece, with nothing stuck behind. Take a moment to line up all your ingredients so the rest is smooth sailing.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, one whole can of Dr Pepper Cherry soda, vegetable oil, and eggs. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk to blend everything until the batter is thick, smooth, and irresistibly chocolatey. The soda works its magic here, making the batter plush and full of tiny bubbles.
Step 3: Fold in Cherry Pie Filling
Gently fold the cherry pie filling into your cake batter. Take your time and use a spatula so you don’t crush the cherries into oblivion. You want those juicy pieces to stay mostly whole, creating sweet surprises in every slice.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Slide it into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. As the cake bakes, your kitchen will fill with the dreamy scent of chocolate and cherries mingling together.
Step 5: Make the Dreamy Frosting
While the cake cools slightly, get cracking on the frosting. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the cocoa powder and Dr Pepper Cherry soda, letting the mixture come up to a boil. Take it off the heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the frosting is completely smooth, glossy, and deliciously pourable.
Step 6: Frost and Finish
Pour the warm frosting over the barely-cooled cake, smoothing it out with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. The frosting will seep into the little cracks and set up into a fudgy layer that’s out-of-this-world good. Let the cake cool completely so the frosting sets before slicing—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
How to Serve Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Give your Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe even more pizzazz with some playful garnishes. I love scattering chopped maraschino cherries and a handful of mini chocolate chips on top for a party-worthy look and extra bursts of cherry-chocolate flavor. You could also dust it with a bit of powdered sugar for a simple, elegant touch.
Side Dishes
When serving this cake, keep things light on the side! A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream is truly all you need. If it’s a special celebration, pair it with a refreshing glass of cold milk or even a fizzy cherry soda on the side to carry the theme through.
Creative Ways to Present
This Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe is made for sharing, so why not cut it into small squares for a dessert tray at your next potluck or birthday bash? For a cute twist, serve individual slices in mason jars layered with a bit of extra cherry pie filling or whipped cream. Or, if you’re feeling extra, top each slice with a whole maraschino cherry skewered on a cocktail stick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil. The cake keeps beautifully at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, move it to the fridge where it’ll stay moist for up to 5 days, without ever losing its flavor punch.
Freezing
This Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe freezes like a dream! Just cut the cooled cake (frosted and all) into squares, then wrap each piece in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Pop them into a freezer bag, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw slices overnight in the fridge whenever that chocolate-cherry craving strikes.
Reheating
To enjoy your cake warm again, just microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds. The frosting softens just enough, giving you a gooey, just-baked experience. If you’re serving a crowd, reheat the whole pan (covered with foil) in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different soda if I don’t have Dr Pepper Cherry?
Absolutely! While the classic Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe gets its unforgettable twist from cherry-flavored Dr Pepper, you can substitute regular Dr Pepper or even cherry cola if needed, though the flavor will vary slightly.
Can I make this cake in advance for a party?
Yes, this recipe is a great make-ahead dessert. Bake and frost your Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe the day before your event, then keep it covered at room temperature or in the fridge until you’re ready to serve—flavors meld and improve overnight!
What kind of chocolate cake mix works best?
Any standard chocolate cake mix will work perfectly, but if you spot one labeled as chocolate cherry or chocolate fudge, those versions will add even more depth to your Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe.
How do I keep my cake extra-moist?
The soda and oil in this recipe do most of the heavy lifting for moisture, but make sure not to overbake your cake. Remove it from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean for the fluffiest crumb.
Can I make cupcakes instead of a sheet cake?
Yes! Divide the batter among cupcake liners and bake at 350°F for about 20–22 minutes. Frost them just as you would the full cake, and you have cherry-chocolate cupcakes to share.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe enough—it’s easy, super-festive, and always a crowd favorite. Whether you need a guaranteed hit for your next gathering or just want a little everyday indulgence, this cake is pure joy on a plate. Go ahead and give it a try—I promise, everyone will ask for seconds!
Print
Dr Pepper Cherry Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, decadent flavors of this Dr Pepper Cherry Cake. A moist chocolate cake infused with the unique taste of Dr Pepper Cherry soda and studded with sweet cherry pie filling, topped with a luscious Dr Pepper Cherry frosting.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 can (12 oz) Dr Pepper Cherry soda
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup Dr Pepper Cherry soda
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the cake batter: In a large bowl, mix chocolate cake mix, Dr Pepper Cherry soda, oil, and eggs. Fold in cherry pie filling. Pour into pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.
- Make the frosting: Melt butter, add cocoa powder and soda. Boil, then whisk in sugar and vanilla. Pour over cake.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool before slicing.
Notes
- You can use cherry chocolate chip cake mix for added flavor.
- Garnish with maraschino cherries or mini chocolate chips.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature or in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
