Decadent Cherry Dr. Pepper Fudge Cake Recipe

Heavenly Cherry Dr. Pepper Fudge Cake Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Sweet, rich chocolate meets a fizzy twist in this decadent cherry Dr.

Pepper fudge cake that promises pure indulgence.

Soft, moist layers infused with the unique soda’s deep flavor create a dessert unlike any ordinary chocolate cake.

The unexpected combination of cherry and dr.

Pepper adds a surprising depth to every single bite.

Bubbling carbonation works magic in the batter, ensuring an incredibly tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

Dark chocolate and subtle cherry notes dance together, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike will adore this simple yet impressive dessert that turns heads at every gathering.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and watch as your guests marvel at your baking prowess.

How to Serve Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake

  • Cool Cake Companion: Serve this delightful cherry Dr. Pepper fudge cake alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a creamy, refreshing contrast.
  • Beverage Brilliance: Pair the cake with a cold glass of cherry-infused sparkling water or a light red wine to complement the rich, fruity flavors.
  • Brunch Showstopper: Slice into elegant portions for a weekend brunch spread, adding a playful twist to your morning dessert selection.
  • Picnic Perfect: Pack individual slices in portable containers for outdoor gatherings, creating a crowd-pleasing sweet treat that travels well.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cherry Dr. Pepper Fudge Cake

For the Cake Base:
  • Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix: Provides the rich, decadent foundation with deep chocolate flavor and ensures easy preparation.
  • Dr. Pepper Cherry: Adds moisture, enhances chocolate intensity, and introduces a subtle fruity carbonated twist to the cake.
  • Maraschino Cherries: Delivers vibrant color, sweet-tart flavor, and gorgeous decorative elements for the final presentation.
For the Creamy Frosting:
  • Salted Butter: Creates smooth, luxurious texture and balances the sweetness with a subtle savory undertone.
  • Powdered Sugar: Generates silky, spreadable consistency and provides the classic buttercream sweetness.
  • Maraschino Cherry Juice: Infuses the frosting with bright cherry essence and creates a delightful pink hue.

Baking Tools for Dr. Pepper Cake

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining cake ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending cake mix and Dr. Pepper Cherry without lumps.
  • 9x13x2 Baking Pan: Ideal size for even baking and classic rectangular cake shape.
  • Cooking Spray: Helps prevent cake from sticking to the pan.
  • Toothpick: Crucial for checking cake doneness by testing center.
  • Electric Mixer: Helps beat butter and create fluffy, light frosting.
  • Knife: Useful for quartering cherries for batter and garnish.
  • Spatula: Helps fold cherries into batter and spread frosting evenly.

Instructions for Cherry Fudge Cake

  • Cherry Dr. Pepper Awakening

A delightful fusion of classic soda and decadent dessert that transforms ordinary baking into a playful culinary adventure.

  • Mixing Magic

Combine cake mix with fizzy Dr. Pepper, creating a smooth batter that promises rich, unexpected flavor and irresistible texture.

  • Cherry Celebration

Lovingly chop cherries, gently folding them into the batter to distribute fruity bursts throughout the cake’s landscape.

  • Oven Symphony

Bake until the cake rises with golden edges, testing doneness with a simple toothpick that emerges clean and promising.

  • Frosting Fantasy

Whip butter into a cloud-like consistency, gradually incorporating powdered sugar and cherry juice to create a silky, blush-colored topping.

  • Decorative Finale

Once cooled, spread the luscious frosting across the cake’s surface, crowning it with reserved whole cherries for a stunning presentation.

Tips & Tweaks for Fudge Cake Flavor

  • Cherry Splash Swaps: Replace Dr. Pepper Cherry with regular cherry soda or even cream soda for a different flavor twist. Experiment with various carbonated drinks to create unique cake experiences.
  • Texture Tricks: Fold in mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate into the batter for extra richness and surprising bursts of flavor. These little additions create delightful chocolate pockets throughout the cake.
  • Decorative Delights: Instead of whole cherries, consider creating a cherry compote drizzle or using maraschino cherry halves for a more elegant presentation. Sprinkle some chocolate shavings or edible glitter for extra pizzazz.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: This cake stores beautifully in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving to maintain maximum moisture and flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Dream: Swap butter with vegan margarine and use dairy-free powdered sugar to create a delicious plant-based version of this indulgent dessert. Ensure all ingredients are compatible with dietary restrictions.

Make-Ahead Notes for Dr. Pepper Fudge Cake

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store the cake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum moisture and flavor retention.
  • Quick Freezing Technique: Slice the cake into individual portions, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for convenient 3-month frozen storage.
  • Room Temperature Tips: Keep the frosted cake at cool room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon, covering loosely with a clean kitchen towel to prevent drying.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake base a day before serving, storing it unfrosted in the refrigerator to enhance moisture and allow for convenient last-minute decorating.
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Decadent Cherry Dr. Pepper Fudge Cake Recipe

Decadent Cherry Dr. Pepper Fudge Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Rich chocolate cake featuring dr. pepper creates a surprising flavor sensation from Texas. Moist layers combine classic soda with deep cocoa notes, offering chocolate lovers a unique dessert experience you’ll savor completely.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (15.25 oz / 432 g) super moist chocolate fudge cake mix
  • 18 oz (510 g) maraschino cherries
  • 1 cup (226 g) salted butter
  • 7 cups (840 g) powdered sugar
  • 24 fl oz (710 ml) Dr. Pepper Cherry, room temperature
  • 12 tbsps (180 ml) maraschino cherry juice

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a 9x13x2 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage.
  2. Batter Creation: Whisk cake mix and Dr. Pepper Cherry in a large mixing bowl until smooth and lump-free, creating a silky uniform mixture.
  3. Cherry Integration: Reserve 24 whole cherries for decoration, then slice remaining cherries into quarter-sized pieces and gently fold into the batter, distributing evenly.
  4. Baking Process: Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading smoothly with a spatula, and bake for 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  5. Frosting Development: While cake cools completely, whip butter until light and fluffy, then gradually blend in powdered sugar and cherry juice until achieving a smooth, spreadable consistency.
  6. Final Assembly: Once cake reaches room temperature, generously spread frosting across the entire surface and artfully arrange reserved whole cherries on top for an elegant presentation.

Notes

  • Bake with Precision: Use a toothpick test to ensure the cake is perfectly cooked by inserting it into the center – a clean toothpick means the cake is done.
  • Cherry Distribution Tip: Quarter the cherries carefully and fold gently into the batter to prevent sinking and ensure even flavor throughout the cake.
  • Frosting Consistency Trick: Add cherry juice gradually to the butter and powdered sugar mixture, creating a smooth spreadable texture that enhances the cake’s flavor.
  • Decorative Final Touch: Reserve whole cherries before baking to create an elegant and appetizing presentation on top of the frosted cake.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 58 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 72 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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