Dr. Pepper Sheet Cake made with butter, sugar, eggs & flavored with Dr. Pepper & cocoa powder for a rich, chocolaty cake with fabulous Dr. Pepper flavor!
This homemade cake recipe is a fun twist on a Texas sheet cake- with the addition of Dr. Pepper of course! The soda adds a fun depth of flavor that’s just delicious. Feel free to use whatever type of Dr. Pepper you’d like; my favorite is the Coconut Cream!
Ingredients for Dr. Pepper Cake
Flour: You need 2 cups of flour for the structural base of this cake recipe.
Sugar: Adding granulated sugar gives the cake a sweet taste and soft texture.
Baking soda: Help the cake rise with 1 tsp of baking soda in the batter.
Soda: 2 cups of Dr. Pepper soda gives the cake a subtle cherry flavor just like the drink!
Butter: Use 1 cup of butter, sliced, for a rich tasting treat.
Baking cocoa: Make it a decadent treat by adding baking cocoa.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients by using 2 eggs in the cake batter.
Icing
Butter: For a nice shine and rich flavor, use ½ cup of butter, cubed.
Soda: Add more Dr. Pepper soda into the icing for incredible flavor.
Cocoa powder: You’ll need ¼ cup of cocoa powder to give the icing a nice chocolatey taste.
Powder sugar: Sweeten the topping with some powdered sugar.
Vanilla extract: Enhance the flavors by adding 1 tsp of vanilla extract.
Pecans: If desired, sprinkle some chopped pecans, toasted (optional), on top of the cake for garnish.
Tips for making Dr. Pepper Sheet Cake
The full recipe instructions are below, but here are a few pointers:
- The recipe comes together pretty quickly, so it’s best to have all the ingredients out, along with measuring cups and spoons beforehand.
- The cake doesn’t have to cool 100% prior to topping with the frosting. It shouldn’t be just barely out of the oven, but letting it cool 10-15 minutes is perfect.
- We love it with toasted pecans on top, but you’re welcome to top with your own additions if you’d like! If you use Coconut Dr. Pepper I think topping it with a blend of toasted coconut and pecans sounds amazing!
How long is this Dr. Pepper cake good for?
Store leftover cake for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, in an airtight container. Be sure to keep it chilled and covered to prevent it from drying out.
For longer storage, leftover cake can be frozen up to 3 months. Ensure the cake is completely cool before freezing to prevent condensation, which can lead to a soggy cake upon thawing.
Dr. Pepper Sheet Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 cups Dr Pepper
- 1 cup butter sliced
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 2 eggs
Icing
- ½ cup butter cubed
- ⅓ cup Dr. Pepper
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 3 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans toasted (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 15x10x1 inch baking pan and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, and baking soda. Set this bowl aside.
- Then in a small saucepan, over medium high-heat, melt the butter, then whisk in the Dr. Pepper, and cocoa powder. Bring the mixture to just a boil.
- Pour the chocolate mixture into the flour mixture and whisk until just combined. Add the eggs, stirring them in quickly. Transfer batter to the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake 18-20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and let cool10-15 minutes.
- For the icing, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the Dr. Pepper, cocoa, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Once it starts to bubble, remove from heat & let it cool slightly before pouring over the cake. Sprinkle with toasted pecans (if desired). Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Can I use a different flavor of soda?
Yes, other sodas like Root Beer or cream soda can be used instead of Dr. Pepper. This will change the flavor profile but still add moisture and sweetness to the cake.
What are some alternate toppings for Dr. Pepper cake?
Whipped cream mixed with a splash of Dr. Pepper or vanilla extract works well. Adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or maraschino cherries can also enhance texture and taste.
How can you tell when this chocolate soda cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter. The edges of the cake will start to pull away slightly from the sides of the pan as well.
Try more of our favorite sheet cake recipes here:
- Our traditional Vanilla Sheet Cake is topped with a variety of colorful buttercream rosettes that are perfect for any celebration. We even made a Halloween Sheet Cake and a Christmas Sheet Cake that match!
- Every summer when my garden is overflowing with zucchini…I make this Spiced Zucchini Sheet Cake. It’s topped with a heavenly browned butter icing that my family goes crazy over!
- Give this Almond Raspberry Sheet Cake a try, it’s a perfect sweet treat! Made completely from scratch, it’s topped with raspberry filling and an almond glaze.
- Go with a simply, yet satisfying dessert with our White Texas Sheet Cake recipe. A moist, nutty cake topped with a buttery almond icing and toasted walnuts!
- Having a tropical themed party this summer? Serve up this delicious Pineapple Sheet Cake that’s bursting with tropical flavor!
Dr. Pepper Sheet Cake is made from scratch using basic ingredients that you most likely already have in your kitchen! This homemade cake recipe is a decadent dessert loaded with fabulous Dr. Pepper flavor!
Tracy Landis says
How WOULD YOU USE THE SAME RECIPE WITH A CAKE MIX?
Jessica says
I’m not sure because I didn’t develop this recipe using a cake mix. You can try swapping liquid out for Dr. Pepper and using my recipe for the icing??