Sometimes, an unusual baking ingredient becomes the star of the recipe. That’s the case with our Dr Pepper cake. This scrumptious cake includes a German chocolate cake mix, chocolate pudding mix and Dr Pepper for added spicy notes and moisture. If you’re looking for a cake that everyone will want to try, this is it!
Ingredients for Dr Pepper Cake 
- German chocolate cake mix: A cake mix saves time in this recipe.
- Chocolate pudding mix: The cook-and-serve pudding mix makes the cake extra moist and flavorful.
- Eggs: Room-temperature eggs are required for this recipe.
- Dr Pepper: A standard 12-ounce can is all that’s needed to flavor the cake.
- Vanilla extract: This adds a hint of vanilla fragrance and flavor.
- Frosting: Whipped cream cheese, softened butter, baking cocoa, confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract create a delicious chocolate cream-cheese frosting.
Directions 
Step 1: Prepare the pans
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line the bottoms of three greased 9-inch round baking pans with parchment; grease the paper as well.
Step 2: Prepare the batter
In a large bowl, combine the cake and pudding mixes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in the Dr Pepper and vanilla.
Step 3: Bake the cakes
Transfer the batter to the prepared pans. Bake until the top of each cake springs back when lightly touched, for about 20 to 25 minutes. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before removing them and placing them on wire racks; remove the parchment paper. Cool the cakes completely.
Step 4: Make the frosting
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until the mixture is smooth. Beat in the cocoa. Add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla; beat until the frosting is creamy.
Step 5: Assemble and frost the cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread with 1/2 cup frosting. Place another cake layer on top and frost it as well. Top it with the remaining cake layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
Recipe Variations
- Add chopped nuts: Add about 1 cup chopped walnuts to bring extra crunch and texture to the cake.
- Add mini chocolate chips: Add 1 cup miniature chocolate chips to the batter for an extra chocolatey treat.
- Use cherry cola: Swap the Dr Pepper for a cherry flavored cola for a similar treat that’s just as tasty. Try it with the cherry and marshmallow creme frosting from this cherry cola cake recipe.
How to Store Dr Pepper Cake
Store Dr Pepper cake in an airtight container or a cake keeper. It’s best to refrigerate whatever isn’t eaten the day you make it since this has cream cheese in the frosting. It’ll keep for up to five days in the fridge.
Can you freeze Dr Pepper cake?
Yes! Place the cake on a baking sheet and put it in the freezer for one hour to let the frosting solidify. Then, wrap the cake in two layers of plastic and then a layer of foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for at least 3o days. Wrapping up individual portions of cake is another option; this way you won’t have to thaw the entire cake when you wish to enjoy a slice. Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter until they reach the desired temperature.
Dr Pepper Cake Recipe Tips
Can I use different cake pans?
Absolutely! 11×9-inch and 13×9-inch pans are comparable; here’s how to adapt pan sizes.
Could I use a regular chocolate cake mix instead?
Yes, feel free to substitute chocolate cake mix for the German chocolate one. Be sure to note that the flavors aren’t quite the same. Standard chocolate cake mixes tend to create a slightly darker cake with a richer chocolate flavor; German chocolate cake is lighter in flavor and color.
What other recipes could I make with soda or pop?
We’re glad you asked! Try this chocolatey cola cake with strawberries and cream or this 7UP pound cake which has lemon and lime flavors in both the cake and the icing.
