Go Back

Cherry Dr Pepper Cake

A nostalgic and indulgent cake that combines the fizzy sweetness of Dr Pepper with rich chocolate and bold cherry flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1 box 15.25 oz chocolate cake mix Use a quality mix for deeper chocolate flavor.
  • 1 cup Dr Pepper, at room temperature Do not use diet for best texture.
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cherry Syrup and Filling
  • 1 can 21 oz cherry pie filling, divided Reserve about 1 cup for topping.
  • 1/2 cup Dr Pepper, warmed slightly
For the Topping
  • 8 oz whipped topping (Cool Whip) or 1 cup whipped cream, thawed or freshly whipped
  • 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries (optional) Drain well.
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar (optional) For extra sweetness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line with parchment for easier removal.
Mix the Cake Batter
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the chocolate cake mix, 1 cup Dr Pepper, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. The batter should be glossy and pourable with small air bubbles from the soda.
Bake
  1. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
Cool Slightly and Poke Holes
  1. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Use a wooden spoon handle or skewer to poke holes all over the warm cake, about 1 inch apart.
Make the Cherry Drizzle and Add Filling
  1. Warm 1/2 cup Dr Pepper and stir in 1 cup of the cherry pie filling until slightly loose and syrupy.
  2. Spoon the cherry mixture over the warm cake, letting it seep into the holes.
Chill and Top
  1. Chill the cake until fully cool and the flavors meld, about 1 hour.
  2. Spread whipped topping over the chilled cake. Dollop remaining cherry pie filling or arrange chopped cherries on top.
Serve
  1. Cut into squares and serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use a certified gluten-free cake mix. Pair slices with vanilla ice cream or cherry sorbet.