Easy Dr Pepper Cake Recipe (Cherry Chocolate Sheet Cake with Cake Mix & Fudge Frost)

Why This Easy Dr Pepper Cake Is a Must-Try

Ever stumble on a cake that makes you pause mid-bite and go, “Wait… what is this magic?” That’s the vibe of this Dr Pepper cake. It’s got the soft soul of a classic chocolate cake, but with a fizzy whisper of your favorite soda — and somehow, that strange combo works like a dream.

This isn’t just another cake recipe. It’s a nostalgic throwback, a party trick, and a flavor bomb all rolled into one fluffy sheet cake. What makes it even better? You don’t need to start from scratch. We lean into the shortcut and fully embrace the cake mix life here. It’s an easy dr pepper cake, no apologies.

What you’ll get is a super moist cake with deep chocolate flavor, mellow pepper chocolate notes, and a rich, glossy frost that pools on top like a shiny chocolate pond. Whether you’re team “bake for the kids” or team “I just needed an excuse to try a cherry Dr Pepper cake,” this one earns its spot on your “make again” list.

Oh — and fair warning: if you bring this to a potluck, someone will ask for the dr pepper cake recipe. Possibly more than one someone.

Recipe Card: Classic Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Sheet Cake

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 18 slices
• Calories: ~302 per serving

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This Easy Cake Recipe Includes:

• Rich chocolate cake mix with fizzy Dr Pepper soda for that iconic lift
• Mini chocolate chips for added depth and melt-in-your-mouth moments
• Buttery frost made with powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and chopped pecans
• Fast prep using one bowl and one baking pan
• Total beginner-friendly — no baking degrees required

Whether you’re baking your first ever cake or just craving something nostalgic, this cake with Dr Pepper checks every box for a reliable, crowd-pleasing dessert.

Ingredients for Cherry Dr Pepper Chocolate Cake

This easy cake recipe starts with the essentials: a boxed chocolate cake mix, fizzy Dr Pepper soda, and a few flavor-enhancing add-ins. What makes this more than just a shortcut is the frost—a glossy, stovetop fudge drizzle that soaks right into the warm cake.

For the Cake

• 1 box (13.25–15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix (German chocolate or classic chocolate both work great)
• 3 large eggs
• 1¼ cups Dr Pepper soda (not diet soda — the sugar and fizz matter)
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional, but gives the cake batter that extra boost)

For the Frost (Fudge Icing)

• ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter
• ⅓ cup whole milk
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 2½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup chopped pecans (or walnuts if preferred)

What You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Saucepan (medium-sized)
• 9×13-inch baking pan

This isn’t just any pepper cake recipe — it’s soft, rich, and totally elevated by the thick, chocolatey frost.

How to Make Dr Pepper Cake with Cake Mix

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Cake Moist and Fluffy

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, combine the dry chocolate cake mix, eggs, Dr Pepper soda, and oil. Use an electric mixer to beat everything together until smooth—about 1 minute, scraping down the sides as needed. The cake batter should be silky and slightly airy from the soda.

• Gently stir in the mini chocolate chips. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out with a spatula.
• Bake for 26–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The edges will slightly pull away and the center should spring back when lightly touched.

• Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes. This allows the surface to set just enough before you make the frosting.

Tips to Frost and Set This Easy Cake Recipe

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Don’t let it brown—just melt it fully.
• Remove from heat, and immediately whisk in the milk, followed by the cocoa powder. Whisk until completely smooth and glossy.

• Gradually add in the powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time. Whisk or stir well between additions to avoid clumps. Mix in the vanilla.
• If the mixture thickens too fast, reheat it gently over medium heat until pourable. Once ready, pour the frosting over the still-warm cake.
• Quickly sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top before the frost sets. The warmth helps everything fuse into a gooey, glossy topping.

The key is timing—make the frosting while the cake is still warm, and you’ll get that signature fudge layer that soaks into the sponge perfectly.

Secrets for a Moist Cake and Perfect Frost

Here’s the truth: even the easiest cake mix can fail you if you rush it. We’ve all had a dry chocolate cake that looked gorgeous but felt like chewing a sponge. The fix? It starts with balance — and ends with timing.

The Secret Sauce (Literally): Fudge Frosting

The frost is not just topping — it’s the heart of this dr pepper cake. When you pour warm fudge over an equally warm cake, something magical happens: it seeps in, marrying that rich chocolate flavor with a sticky, glossy sheen that’s peak comfort food.

• Don’t skimp on the butter and cocoa powder — that’s where your classic chocolate depth comes from.
• Always whisk your powdered sugar in gradually to avoid clumps and keep the frosting smooth.

Baking Tips for a Truly Moist Cake

• Use Dr Pepper soda, not diet soda. The sugar and carbonation are essential. Dr Pepper adds moisture and that distinct pepper chocolate note.
• Keep an eye on your cake batter—overmixing kills the fluff.
• A pinch of baking soda (if you tweak the recipe from scratch) gives it extra lift.
• Don’t wait too long to pour the frosting—a slightly warm cake is key to proper absorption.

Want a moist cake every single time? Remember: timing, temperature, and trusting the process matter more than perfection.

Creative Variations on This Dr Pepper Cake Recipe

You’ve got the base cake down, but what if you want to play with flavor or ingredients? This is where the dr pepper cake becomes a choose-your-own-adventure sheet cake. Whether you’re trying to make this cake pop for a birthday or adapt to what’s in your pantry, here are a few flavor-forward twists.

Cherry Dr Pepper Cake: The Sweetheart Remix

If you love cherry notes in your pepper flavor, lean into it:

• Add halved maraschino cherries to the cake batter just before baking.
• Drizzle cherry syrup over the cooled cake for extra stickiness.
• Swap vanilla in the frost for almond extract for a nutty backdrop.

From-Scratch Option (If You’re Feeling Ambitious)

Want to try a dr pepper cake recipe from scratch? Skip the cake mix and combine:

• 2 cups flour, 1¾ cups sugar
• ¼ cup cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt
• 3 eggs, 1¼ cups Dr Pepper soda, ½ cup oil
• Then continue with the same bake and fudge frost process.

Two-Ingredient Hack (No Judgment Zone)

Yep, the viral 2 ingredient Dr Pepper cake is real. Just mix:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 1 cup of Dr Pepper

That’s it. Bake, cool, and top with store-bought frosting if you’re in a pinch for time.

The easy cake magic here is flexibility — you can go full DIY or keep it lazy and still end up with a wildly good pepper cake recipe.

How to Freeze This Cake or Store It for Later

One of the best things about this dr pepper cake? It keeps like a champ. Whether you’re prepping ahead for a party or just didn’t manage to finish it in one sitting (rare, but hey), here’s how to stash your cake the right way.

Short-Term Storage

• Keep your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If your kitchen runs warm, refrigerate it — just bring it back to room temperature before serving so the frost softens.

Freezing Tips

Want to freeze this cake for a later craving?

• First, make sure the frost has fully set and the warm cake has cooled completely.
• Wrap the whole baking pan tightly with plastic wrap, then cover again in foil.
• For easier grab-and-go, cut into individual slices and wrap each one in plastic wrap before placing in a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container.

Thaw slices at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave if impatience wins.

Pro tip: While the texture of the fudge frosting may shift slightly after freezing, the cake itself stays soft and indulgent — like day one.

Dr Pepper Cake Recipe FAQs

Can you put Dr Pepper in cake mix?

Absolutely. The carbonation and sweetness in Dr Pepper soda add volume and subtle dr pepper flavor to the cake batter. It enhances texture and gives your cake a soft, fluffy lift without extra work.

Do cake mix and soda really work?

Yes — it’s one of the oldest easy recipe hacks. The soda replaces eggs and oil in a pinch, reacting with leaveners in the cake mix (like baking soda) to create a tender, spongy texture.

What is the cream inside of a Ding Dong?

That’s a whipped vanilla cream filling. While our dr pepper cake doesn’t include it, you could totally stuff the cake with a similar marshmallow or buttercream center for fun.

How to make a cake with just soda?

It’s as simple as it sounds: mix one box of chocolate cake mix with one cup of Dr Pepper, stir, bake, done. That’s the famous 2 ingredient Dr Pepper cake shortcut.

What can I add to instant cake mix?

For this pepper cake recipe, mini chocolate chips, cherry syrup, or even pudding mix can add texture. You can also tweak moisture with sour cream or mayonnaise (yes, really).

Can soda replace eggs in cake mix?

In many cases, yes. Soda adds lift, especially in vegan bakes. But for full structure, eggs still help. In this dr pepper cake, the soda adds to the rise and moist crumb.

How do you make a box cake mix moist?

Use ingredients like oil, real eggs, and yes — Dr Pepper soda. Avoid overmixing the cake batter and monitor bake time carefully. Pull it as soon as the center springs back or a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Can I use soda instead of baking powder in cake?

It’s possible, but limited. Soda can mimic baking soda or powder in small roles, thanks to its acidity and bubbles. But for structured bakes, it’s not a perfect replacement.

Still curious? Don’t overthink it. If you want a rich, moist cake, trust the fizz — and make dr pepper cake once. You’ll get it.

Dr Pepper Cake Recipe (From Scratch)

Easy Dr Pepper Cake (Chocolate Cherry Sheet Cake)

Yield: 18 slices

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

This moist chocolate cherry Dr Pepper cake is a nostalgic dessert made with cake mix and soda. Topped with a rich fudge frosting and chopped pecans, it's a crowd-pleasing sheet cake perfect for potlucks and parties.

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Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box (13.25–15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 1¼ cups Dr Pepper (not diet)
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter
• ⅓ cup whole milk
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 2½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, mix cake mix, eggs, Dr Pepper, and oil. Beat until smooth.

Stir in mini chocolate chips and pour batter into prepared pan.

Bake for 26–32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let cake rest 10–15 minutes while preparing frosting.

In a saucepan, melt butter. Remove from heat and stir in milk and cocoa until smooth.

Gradually whisk in powdered sugar, then vanilla.

Pour warm frosting over the warm cake.

Sprinkle chopped pecans on top before frosting sets.

Notes

Use regular Dr Pepper, not diet — sugar and carbonation are key.

You can swap pecans for walnuts or omit for a nut-free version.

Want to simplify? Use just cake mix and soda for a 2-ingredient version.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 18 Serving Size: 1 Slice
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 302Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 46mgSodium: 234mgCarbohydrates: 39gNet Carbohydrates: 38gFiber: 1gSugar: 30gSugar Alcohols: 0gProtein: 4g

Nutrition information is estimated based on standard ingredients and serving size. For the most accurate data, consult your nutrition app or tools.

Nutrition Facts for This Easy Dr Pepper Cake

Here’s the quick breakdown per slice of this easy dr pepper cake, assuming 18 slices from a 9×13-inch sheet cake:

• Calories: ~302
• Total Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 46mg
• Sodium: 234mg
• Carbohydrates: 39g
  • Sugars: 30g
• Protein: 4g
• Calcium: 54mg
• Iron: 2mg
• Potassium: 135mg
• Vitamin A: 222 IU

Keep in mind, the frost — made with butter, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar — adds both richness and sweetness. If you’re watching sugar intake, consider halving the frosting on top or slicing the cake smaller.

Despite the indulgence, this chocolate cake leans toward balance when enjoyed in moderation — especially with that deep moist texture and unforgettable dr pepper cake flavor twist.

Final Thoughts on This Easy Cake Recipe

There’s something wildly satisfying about a cake that looks like a crowd-pleaser and tastes like a nostalgic memory. This dr pepper cake pulls it off effortlessly — thanks to a fizzy soda shortcut, a rich fudge frost, and the deep, cozy soul of a chocolate cake.

Whether you followed the full recipe or pulled off a lightning-fast 2 ingredient Dr Pepper cake, this is one of those desserts that sticks with you. Not just for the chocolate flavor, but for how easy it is to pull together. One baking pan, one bowl, one bold result.

So if you’ve been wondering whether to make this cake… do it. For the potluck. For the weekend. For your soda-loving inner child. It’s a moist cake, a glossy sheet cake, a “wait, is this really made with Dr Pepper soda?” kind of magic.

And hey — once that frost sets and you cut that first slice of cherry dr pepper cake, don’t be surprised if someone asks for your dr pepper cake recipe before dessert is even over.

Because honestly? There are good cakes. And then there’s this one.

More Cake Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t miss some of our other favorite cake creations! Whether you’re in the mood for a rich chocolate treat or something light and fruity, there’s something here for every kind of cake lover:

• Try the ultra-moist Berry Chantilly Cake with whipped cream frosting
• Make a batch of Mini Bundt Cakes in lemon, chocolate, or vanilla
• Bake a gluten-free Fluffy Cloud Cake that’s soft as air
• Or go bite-sized with our Easy Cake Pops made from homemade chocolate cake

Explore more sweet ideas and let your next cake adventure begin!