Get ready to bake the most incredibly moist and flavorful Dr Pepper Cake, a treat that perfectly balances classic baking warmth with a surprising soda-infused twist. This recipe is your shortcut to a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly simple to whip up, making it ideal for any occasion, from a casual weeknight indulgence to a festive celebration.
Key Ingredients for Dr Pepper Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Dr Pepper soda
- ½ cup buttermilk (or 1 tablespoon white vinegar mixed with ½ cup milk, let stand 5 minutes)
- For the Dr Pepper Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 4-6 tablespoons Dr Pepper soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Dr Pepper Cake
This Dr Pepper Cake is a revelation of moistness and sweet, caramelized notes, all thanks to the magic of Dr Pepper. It’s incredibly straightforward, requiring just a few common pantry staples and that iconic fizzy beverage. The resulting cake boasts a tender crumb and a delightful, subtle sweetness that’s both comforting and irresistibly unique. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a bake time of around 30-35 minutes, you can enjoy this delicious dessert without a fuss.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven and prepare your baking pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or two 8 or 9-inch round cake pans. For added ease, you can also line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. This ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This process incorporates air, which contributes to a lighter cake texture.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine wet ingredients for the batter: In a separate small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the Dr Pepper soda and buttermilk. This combination will add moisture and a slight tang to the cake.
- Alternate adding dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the Dr Pepper and buttermilk mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.
- Pour batter into prepared pans: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan(s). Spread the batter with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
- Bake the cake: Bake for 30-35 minutes for a 9×13 inch pan, or 25-30 minutes for round pans, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time can vary depending on your oven.
- Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan(s) for about 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing it to cool slightly in the pan helps prevent it from breaking.
- Prepare the Dr Pepper Glaze: While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, 4 tablespoons of Dr Pepper soda, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and pourable. If the glaze is too thick, add more Dr Pepper one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Glaze the cooled cake: Once the cake is completely cool, pour or drizzle the Dr Pepper glaze evenly over the top. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving.
Why You’ll Love This Dr Pepper Cake
You’ll fall head over heels for this Dr Pepper Cake, primarily for its unbelievably moist and tender crumb, a testament to the unique way the Dr Pepper soda tenderizes the cake. Making this delightful dessert at home is incredibly budget-friendly, using common ingredients you likely already have, saving you money compared to store-bought cakes. The subtle caramel notes from the Dr Pepper, combined with the sweet, tangy glaze, create a flavor profile akin to a classic cola cake but with an extra layer of depth and authenticity you can’t get anywhere else.
This impressive, yet surprisingly easy to make Dr Pepper Cake is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special without breaking the bank. Its unique flavor infusion and simple preparation make it a go-to recipe for any dessert lover. Don’t wait to experience the magic of this soda-infused delight; bake this Dr Pepper Cake today and discover your new favorite sweet treat!
Storing and Reheating Tips
For optimal freshness, store your Dr Pepper Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If it’s been glazed, it’s best to store it at room temperature to prevent the glaze from becoming sticky. If you need to store it for longer, you can refrigerate the cake. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
To reheat individual slices, you can gently warm them in the microwave for 10-20 seconds, just until slightly warm and the glaze is softened. Freezing is also an excellent option for future enjoyment. Wrap the unfrosted or fully glazed cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before bringing to room temperature for serving.
Final Thoughts
This Dr Pepper Cake is a delightfully unexpected and incredibly delicious dessert that’s sure to become a favorite. Its moist texture and unique flavor profile make it a standout, and we wholeheartedly encourage you to give this easy recipe a try at home!
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- Our Pinterest
Dr Pepper Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or two 8 or 9-inch round cake pans. For added ease, you can also line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. This ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning.2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This process incorporates air, which contributes to a lighter cake texture.1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, 2 cups granulated sugar
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Stir in the vanilla extract.4 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- In a separate small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the Dr Pepper soda and buttermilk. This combination will add moisture and a slight tang to the cake.1 cup Dr Pepper soda, ½ cup buttermilk
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the Dr Pepper and buttermilk mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 cup Dr Pepper soda, ½ cup buttermilk
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan(s). Spread the batter with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes for a 9×13 inch pan, or 25-30 minutes for round pans, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time can vary depending on your oven.
- Let the cake cool in the pan(s) for about 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing it to cool slightly in the pan helps prevent it from breaking.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, 4 tablespoons of Dr Pepper soda, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and pourable. If the glaze is too thick, add more Dr Pepper one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.2 cups powdered sugar, sifted, 4-6 tablespoons Dr Pepper soda, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, Pinch of salt
- Once the cake is completely cool, pour or drizzle the Dr Pepper glaze evenly over the top. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving.