Dr Pepper Cake recipe is made with bubbly soda for a unique flavor combination! Topped with delicious icing and candied pecans, this is the perfect way to upgrade classic chocolate cake into a fun new dessert.

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Looking for a fun new dessert? This Dr. Pepper cake takes simple ingredients and turns them into a decadent and comforting dessert loaded with chocolate flavor.
Why this Recipe Works
Great for special occasions, family gatherings, or whenever you need something sweet and delicious, this recipe turns your favorite soda into a gourmet treat. It’s not difficult to make and will turn out even better than a boxed cake mix!
Can’t get enough delicious cake recipes? Try my White Texas Sheet Cake or this Oreo Poke Cake!
Ingredients Needed
- Dr. Pepper: This will be used in the cake batter and for the pecans.
- Butter: Unsalted or salted will work here.
- Eggs:Â Room temperature is always recommended.
- Vanilla Extract: For a sweet and warm flavor.
- Pecans: Add a fun crunch and some nutty flavor that balances out the chocolate.
- Sugar
- Cinnamon, Ground Cloves and salt
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: You’ll want a nice dark cocoa powder, but not a Dutch process cocoa powder.
- All Purpose Flour
- Baking Soda
- Whole Milk: 2% can also be used.
- Confectioner’s Sugar: Also called powdered sugar, this is different than granulated sugar and will be used for the icing.
How to Make this Dr Pepper Cake
- Step 1: Start by making the pecans. Bring Dr Pepper to a rolling boil over medium heat in a small saucepan and reduce the heat by about half, then cook 5 to 7 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the butter and whisk until combined with the soda.
- Step 3: Pour in vanilla and pecans and mix until they’re well coated in the mixture. Stir in sugar, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and pour the pecans out onto a parchment paper lined sheet to come up to room temperature.
- Step 5: In a large saucepan, melt butter.
- Step 6: Whisk in soda and cocoa powder until combined. Remove from heat and cool slightly, stirring often.
- Step 7: In a large bowl, combine flour and granulated sugar.
- Step 8: Pour the cooled soda mixture into the dry ingredients.
- Step 9: Add eggs, milk, vanilla, baking soda, cinnamon and salt, then mix well.
- Step 10: Pour batter into a prepared pan and bake.
- Step 11: Let the cake cool, and meanwhile, melt butter and whisk in cocoa powder.
- Step 12: Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, stirring well until you’re happy with the texture of the frosting. Add vanilla with the final cup of sugar and mix until smooth.
- Step 13: Add cinnamon and whisk, then remove from heat and fold in a cup of the pecans. Allow the frosting to sit for 15 to 20 minutes to set up slightly.
- Step 14: Pour homemade frosting over the warm cake and spread evenly. Top with the remaining pecans, then set at room temperature or in the fridge until the frosting sets.
Recipe Tips
- The icing may settle in the corners a bit, but this is normal! The icing is thinner than a typical whipped frosting so it’s normal to settle strangely. Even after you’ve let it cool, it will still be somewhat thin and pourable.
- Make this a super special treat after family dinners, and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Skip the candied pecans and just add regular pecans or walnuts.
- Cherry twist – since Dr Pepper has cherry notes, garnish with maraschino cherries.
- Simmering the Dr Pepper down help’s it become more concentrated for a deeper flavor.
