This Dr Pepper Cherry Chocolate Cake is rich, moist, and packed with deep chocolate flavor layered with nostalgic cherry cola notes. Made with Dr Pepper Cherry soda, Dutch-process cocoa, espresso, and a silky cherry cola buttercream frosting, this bakery-style layer cake delivers the perfect balance of dark chocolate richness and sweet cherry flavor in every bite.
If you love unique chocolate desserts, this cherry cola cake is a must-try recipe. The soda adds subtle caramelized flavor and helps create an ultra soft crumb, while the cherry chocolate frosting makes the cake taste like a decadent chocolate-covered cherry cola float. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, parties, or whenever you want an unforgettable homemade chocolate cake.
🍒 Why You’ll Love This Dr Pepper Cherry Chocolate Cake
Rich Chocolate Flavor
This Dr Pepper Cherry Chocolate Cake is made with Dutch-process cocoa, hot coffee, and espresso powder for a deep chocolate flavor that tastes rich, smooth, and bakery-style.
Unique Cherry Cola Twist
Dr Pepper Cherry soda adds subtle cherry, vanilla, caramel, and cola notes that make this cake feel nostalgic, fun, and different from a classic chocolate layer cake.
Ultra Moist Texture
Buttermilk, sour cream, oil, and soda work together to create a soft, tender crumb that stays moist even after the cake has chilled or rested overnight.
Silky Cherry Chocolate Frosting
The frosting is made with reduced Dr Pepper Cherry syrup, cocoa powder, butter, and cream cheese for a smooth chocolate cherry cola buttercream that spreads beautifully.
Perfect for Celebrations
This chocolate cherry cola cake is a fun dessert for birthdays, holidays, potlucks, parties, and anyone who loves creative chocolate cake recipes with bold flavor.
🍒 Ingredients Notes for Dr Pepper Cherry Chocolate Cake
All-Purpose Flour
All-purpose flour gives this Dr Pepper Cherry Chocolate Cake enough structure to hold the moist chocolate crumb and rich cherry cola frosting. For best results, spoon and level the flour instead of packing it into the measuring cup.
Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder
Dutch-process cocoa powder creates a deep, smooth chocolate flavor and a darker bakery-style color. It gives the cake a richer taste than regular cocoa powder.
Dr Pepper Cherry Soda
Dr Pepper Cherry soda adds subtle cherry cola flavor, caramel notes, and moisture to the chocolate cake. Use regular full-sugar soda for the best texture and flavor.
Hot Coffee and Espresso Powder
Hot coffee and espresso powder help intensify the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee. They make the cocoa taste deeper, darker, and more balanced.
Buttermilk and Sour Cream
Buttermilk and sour cream keep the cake soft, tender, and moist. They also help balance the sweetness and give the chocolate cake a plush bakery-style crumb.
Cherry Extract and Maraschino Cherry Juice
A small amount of cherry extract and maraschino cherry juice helps the cherry flavor stay noticeable after baking. Do not add too much cherry extract, or the flavor can become artificial.
Butter and Cream Cheese
Butter creates a creamy frosting base, while cream cheese helps balance the sweetness and gives the cherry cola chocolate frosting a smooth, silky texture.
Reduced Dr Pepper Cherry Syrup
Reducing Dr Pepper Cherry soda into a syrup concentrates the cherry cola flavor for the frosting. This step is important because plain soda would make the frosting too thin and less flavorful.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream loosens the frosting and makes it easier to spread. Add it slowly until the chocolate cherry cola frosting is smooth, fluffy, and spreadable.
🍫 How to Make Dr Pepper Cherry Chocolate Cake
Prepare the Cake Pans
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper so the chocolate cake layers release cleanly after baking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, Dutch-process cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking soda, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Whisk well to break up any cocoa or brown sugar lumps.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolk, buttermilk, sour cream, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, cherry extract, and maraschino cherry juice until smooth and fully combined.
Make the Chocolate Cherry Cola Batter
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Slowly pour in the Dr Pepper Cherry soda and hot brewed coffee, then mix gently until the batter is smooth and silky. Do not overmix, or the cake may become dense.
Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 31 to 34 minutes, or until the centers spring back lightly and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Cool the Cakes
Let the cake layers cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack. Cool completely before frosting so the cherry cola chocolate buttercream does not melt.
Make the Dr Pepper Cherry Reduction
Add Dr Pepper Cherry soda to a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until it reduces into a thick syrup. Let the syrup cool completely before adding it to the frosting for concentrated cherry cola flavor.
Make the Cherry Cola Chocolate Frosting
Beat the softened butter and cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, then add the reduced Dr Pepper Cherry syrup, maraschino cherry juice, vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream until smooth and spreadable.
Assemble the Cake
Place one cooled chocolate cake layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread frosting over the top, add the second cake layer, then frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cherry cola chocolate frosting.
Decorate and Serve
Top the Dr Pepper Cherry Chocolate Cake with chocolate curls, dark chocolate shavings, Luxardo cherries, or chocolate-covered cherries. Chill briefly before slicing for cleaner, bakery-style pieces.
🍒 Pro Tips for the Best Dr Pepper Cherry Chocolate Cake
Use Freshly Opened Soda
Fresh Dr Pepper Cherry soda gives the cake better flavor and carbonation. Flat soda can reduce the light, tender texture of the chocolate cake layers.
Do Not Overmix the Batter
Mix the cake batter only until smooth and combined after adding the soda and coffee. Overmixing can create a dense or tough chocolate cake texture.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Room temperature eggs, buttermilk, sour cream, butter, and cream cheese blend more evenly and create a smoother cake batter and frosting.
Cool the Cake Completely Before Frosting
Warm cake layers can melt the cherry cola chocolate frosting and make decorating difficult. Let the cake cool fully before assembling.
Reduce the Soda Properly
Simmer the Dr Pepper Cherry soda until it becomes thick and syrupy. This concentrated reduction gives the frosting a stronger cherry cola flavor without making it runny.
Use Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder
Dutch-process cocoa creates a darker color and richer chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with the cherry cola notes in this cake recipe.
Chill the Cake Layers for Easier Assembly
Cold cake layers are easier to stack and frost neatly. Refrigerating the layers for 20 to 30 minutes can help create cleaner bakery-style edges.
Measure Flour Carefully
Too much flour can make the cake dry or heavy. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off instead of scooping directly from the bag.
Let the Cake Rest Before Serving
This Dr Pepper Cherry Chocolate Cake tastes even better after several hours because the chocolate, cherry, and cola flavors deepen and blend together beautifully.
Add Garnishes Right Before Serving
Chocolate curls, cherries, and chocolate shavings look freshest when added shortly before serving the cake.
🍒 Dr Pepper Cherry Chocolate Cake Variations
Black Forest Dr Pepper Cake
Add a layer of cherry pie filling between the chocolate cake layers before frosting. This gives the Dr Pepper Cherry Chocolate Cake a rich Black Forest-inspired flavor with extra cherry sweetness.
Chocolate Cherry Cola Cupcakes
Turn this recipe into Dr Pepper Cherry chocolate cupcakes by dividing the batter into lined cupcake pans. Bake until the cupcakes spring back lightly, then top each one with cherry cola chocolate frosting.
Extra Fudgy Chocolate Cherry Cake
Fold mini chocolate chips into the cake batter for a richer, fudgier texture. This variation is perfect for chocolate lovers who want an extra decadent cherry chocolate cake.
Cherry Cola Sheet Cake
Bake the batter in a 9×13-inch pan for an easier party-style dessert. Spread the cherry cola chocolate frosting over the cooled cake and garnish with cherries and chocolate shavings.
Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake
Add chopped chocolate-covered cherries between the layers or around the top of the cake. This creates a sweeter, candy-inspired version of the chocolate cherry cola cake.
Dr Pepper Cherry Bundt Cake
Bake the batter in a greased Bundt pan and drizzle the cooled cake with a thinner cherry cola chocolate glaze. This variation makes a beautiful dessert for holidays, birthdays, and potlucks.
Dark Chocolate Cherry Cola Cake
Use dark Dutch-process cocoa powder and garnish with dark chocolate curls for a deeper, less sweet flavor. This version tastes rich, elegant, and slightly more grown-up.
Cherry Vanilla Dr Pepper Cake
Add a little extra vanilla extract and top the cake with vanilla-cherry buttercream instead of chocolate frosting. This variation highlights the sweet cherry vanilla notes in Dr Pepper Cherry soda.
🍒 Dr Pepper Cherry Chocolate Cake FAQ
Can I taste the Dr Pepper Cherry in the cake?
Yes, but the flavor is subtle and balanced. The Dr Pepper Cherry adds cherry cola, caramel, vanilla, and spice notes that blend into the rich chocolate cake instead of overpowering it.
Why do I need to reduce the Dr Pepper Cherry soda?
Reducing the soda concentrates the cherry cola flavor for the frosting. If you add plain soda directly to the buttercream, the flavor will be weaker and the frosting may become too loose.
Can I use regular Dr Pepper instead?
Yes, regular Dr Pepper can be used, but the cake will have less cherry flavor. For the best chocolate cherry cola cake flavor, Dr Pepper Cherry is recommended.
Can I make this cake without coffee?
Yes. You can replace the hot coffee with hot water, but the chocolate flavor will be slightly less rich. Coffee helps deepen the cocoa flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
Can I make this Dr Pepper Cherry Chocolate Cake ahead of time?
Yes. This cake is a great make-ahead dessert because the chocolate, cherry, and cola flavors deepen as it rests. Bake the layers one day ahead, then frost before serving.
How should I store Dr Pepper Cherry Chocolate Cake?
Store the frosted cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the best flavor and texture, let slices sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.
Can I freeze this chocolate cherry cola cake?
Yes. Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
Can I make this recipe as cupcakes?
Yes. Divide the batter into lined cupcake pans and bake until the centers spring back lightly. Frost each cupcake with cherry cola chocolate frosting once completely cooled.
Why is my cake batter thin?
This chocolate cake batter is meant to be thin because it includes soda, coffee, buttermilk, oil, and sour cream. The liquid batter helps create a moist, soft, bakery-style crumb.
Can I use natural cocoa powder instead of Dutch-process cocoa?
You can use natural cocoa powder, but Dutch-process cocoa gives this Dr Pepper Cherry Chocolate Cake a smoother, darker, and richer chocolate flavor.
Dr Pepper Cherry Chocolate Cake
Equipment
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowls
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- saucepan
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula or butter knife
- Cake stand or serving plate
- Wire sieve (optional, for sifted cocoa powder)
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake
- 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2/3 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
- 1 3/4 teaspoons baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk room temperature
- 2/3 cup buttermilk room temperature
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cherry extract
- 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
- 1 cup Dr Pepper Cherry soda
- 3/4 cup hot brewed coffee
Cherry Cola Chocolate Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup reduced Dr Pepper Cherry syrup
- 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of fine sea salt
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
Optional Garnishes
- Luxardo cherries
- Chocolate curls
- Dark chocolate shavings
- Chocolate-covered cherries
Instructions
Make the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and parchment-line two 9-inch cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until fully combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolk, buttermilk, sour cream, oil, vanilla extract, cherry extract, and maraschino cherry juice until smooth.
- Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
- Slowly pour in the Dr Pepper Cherry soda and hot coffee while mixing gently until smooth and silky. Do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 31–34 minutes or until the centers spring back lightly and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Dr Pepper Cherry Reduction
- Add 1 cup Dr Pepper Cherry soda to a saucepan.
- Simmer over medium heat for 12–15 minutes until reduced to 1/4 cup syrup.
- Cool completely before using.
Make the Frosting
- Beat butter and cream cheese together for 3–4 minutes until fluffy and pale.
- Gradually mix in powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
- Add the Dr Pepper reduction, maraschino cherry juice, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Add heavy cream as needed until smooth and spreadable.
- Beat an additional 2 minutes until light and airy.
Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a cake stand or serving plate.
- Spread frosting evenly over the first layer.
- Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides.
- Garnish with cherries, chocolate curls, or chocolate shavings if desired.
- Chill for 20 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Notes
🍰 More Decadent Cake Recipes to Try
If you love rich and creative cake recipes like this Dr Pepper Cherry Chocolate Cake, here are a few more bakery-style desserts from Sugar Cloud Baking that are packed with unique flavors and beautiful layers.
- Cannoli Cake – A creamy Italian-inspired cake layered with sweet ricotta filling, chocolate chips, and classic cannoli flavor.
- Fruity Pebbles Tres Leches Cake – A colorful and nostalgic cereal milk cake soaked with sweet tres leches mixture and topped with Fruity Pebbles.
- Blackberry Lemonade Cake – A bright and fruity layered cake with fresh blackberry flavor and tangy lemonade frosting.
- Mango Passionfruit Chantilly Cake – A tropical vanilla sponge cake layered with whipped Chantilly cream, mango, and passionfruit.
- Pumpkin Praline Pound Cake – A buttery pumpkin pound cake topped with crunchy praline glaze and warm fall spices.
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