If you love a dessert that surprises your taste buds with every bite, the Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake Recipe is absolutely your next favorite treat. Combining the rich decadence of chocolate with the sweet tang of cherries and the unique fizz of Dr Pepper soda, this cake delivers moisture and flavor that feels like a celebration in your mouth. Its effortless preparation and delightful balance make it perfect for weekend baking adventures or impressing friends at your next get-together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together to create a cake bursting with flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role in building that moist crumb and luscious cherry-chocolate harmony you’ll crave.
- Chocolate fudge cake mix: The foundation for a rich, chocolatey base that’s easy to work with.
- Dr Pepper soda (12 oz can): Adds unexpected fruity undertones and keeps the cake incredibly moist.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Ensures a tender crumb and smooth texture.
- Large eggs (3): Bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s airy rise.
- Cherry pie filling (1 can, 21 oz): Infuses each bite with sweet, juicy bursts of cherry goodness.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors, adding warmth and depth.
- Almond extract (1/2 tsp, optional): Boosts the cherry notes with a subtle, nutty aroma.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): A melty, chocolatey topping that adds gooey texture and extra indulgence.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Get your oven warmed to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your cake won’t stick and bakes evenly, so you get that perfect crust and moist center every time.
Step 2: Mix the Wet and Dry
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate fudge cake mix, 12 oz of Dr Pepper soda, vegetable oil, and eggs. Using a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat everything until it’s smooth and beautifully blended without a trace of dry mix. This step is crucial for a tender crumb and well-distributed flavors.
Step 3: Fold in the Cherry Pie Filling and Extracts
Gently fold in the full can of cherry pie filling along with the vanilla extract and almond extract if you’re using it. Be careful not to overmix here—the goal is to retain those lovely cherry chunks evenly through the batter.
Step 4: Pour and Top
Pour the luscious batter into your prepared baking dish, smooth the top with a spatula, and generously sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the surface. These chips melt into little pockets of chocolate surprise as the cake bakes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake rest and cool before slicing so it settles perfectly and slices without crumbling.
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cool creamy contrast to the warm, chocolate cherry richness. A sprinkle of toasted almonds or chocolate shavings adds a beautiful finishing touch that matches the almond extract hint.
Side Dishes
This cake shines brilliantly as a standalone dessert, but pairing it with a simple cup of coffee or a rich hot chocolate turns your dessert into a cozy moment worth savoring. For potlucks, fresh berries on the side complement the fruity cherry notes wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, serve the cake in individual ramekins topped with cherry pie filling and drizzle with chocolate sauce. Layer slices with mascarpone or cream cheese frosting for an elegant dessert trifle that impresses visually and flavor-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping it sealed preserves its moist texture and fresh flavors perfectly.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Cut into portions, wrap individually with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving; the cherries and chocolate maintain their wonderful texture even after freezing.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds to revive the cake’s moistness and melty chocolate. Serve immediately with your favorite garnish for that just-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use a different soda instead of Dr Pepper?
Absolutely! While Dr Pepper adds a distinct fruity and spicy note, cola or cherry-flavored sodas also work well and will yield a moist, flavorful cake.
Is the almond extract necessary?
No, the almond extract is optional. It enhances the cherry flavor but if you don’t have it on hand or prefer to avoid it, your cake will still taste fantastic with just vanilla extract.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the chocolate fudge cake mix with a gluten-free mix of equal measure, and double-check all other ingredients for gluten-free certification.
How long does the cake stay fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, it stays moist and delicious for up to three days. Refrigeration can extend its life but might dry it slightly.
What’s the best way to serve this cake?
This cake is fantastic on its own, but pairing it with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a scoop of mascarpone really takes it to the next level of indulgence.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try the Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s not only a breeze to make but also a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. So go ahead, grab those ingredients, and treat yourself to a slice (or two) of this wildly delicious dessert.
Print
Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This decadent Chocolate Cherry Dr Pepper Cake combines rich chocolate fudge cake with the unique fizz and flavor of Dr Pepper soda and sweet cherry pie filling for a moist, flavorful dessert. Finished with semi-sweet chocolate chips and optional almond extract to enhance the cherry notes, this cake is perfect for potlucks, holidays, or an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate fudge cake mix
- 1 can (12 oz) Dr Pepper soda
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
Additional Ingredients
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate fudge cake mix, Dr Pepper soda, vegetable oil, and eggs. Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat the mixture until smooth and thoroughly blended to form a consistent batter.
- Incorporate Cherry Filling and Extracts: Gently fold in the cherry pie filling, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, ensuring an even distribution without overmixing to preserve the texture of the cherries.
- Pour and Top Batter: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased baking dish. Smooth the surface with a spatula. Evenly sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the top for added chocolate flavor and texture.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing. Serve as is or topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.
Notes
- For an extra indulgent treat, serve the cake topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Almond extract brings out the cherry flavor but is optional and can be omitted if preferred.
- This cake stays moist for several days when stored properly, making it ideal for potlucks or holiday gatherings.
