The Party Starts With Dr. Pepper Poke Cake Now
Make this Dr. Pepper poke cake your new favorite! Moist chocolate cake filled with fudge & Dr. Pepper, topped with cherry icing and a sweet drizzle. This post may contain affiliate links.
If you're looking for a dessert that's anything but ordinary, you're in for a treat with this Dr. Pepper Poke Cake. Imagine the bold, fizzy flavor of Dr. Pepper infused into a rich, chocolate cake, creating an unbeatable combination. It's topped with a cherry icing that takes things to the next level of indulgence. Whether you're a longtime fan of the soda or just want to surprise your family with something fun and unique, this recipe is sure to win you over.
Why You'll Love Dr. Pepper Poke Cake
Dr. Pepper Poke Cake is not just a dessert, It's an experience. If you're tired of the same old cakes and craving something with a little pizzazz, this cake checks all the boxes. Its rich and moist texture paired with the unmistakable flavor of Dr. Pepper makes it both fun and indulgent.
It's Packed with Flavor
This cake is a flavor explosion. The bold, sweet taste of Dr. Pepper is baked directly into the cake for a surprisingly delicious twist. The hot fudge sauce adds a warm, decadent layer, while the cherry frosting adds a playful pop of brightness.
Super Easy to Make
Got 10 minutes to spare? That’s all the time you need to get this cake prepped and into the oven. Using a boxed cake mix saves you the hassle of starting from scratch, while the additional ingredients take things to gourmet levels.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you're hosting a family get-together, attending a potluck, or just want to treat yourself, this cake fits the bill. It’s unique enough to stand out on a dessert table, yet comforting enough to enjoy with a cup of coffee for a casual treat.
A Dessert That Excites Everyone
Who wouldn't be intrigued by cake infused with soda? Dr. Pepper fans will love the nostalgic nod to their favorite drink, while adventurous eaters won’t be able to resist trying something this out-of-the-box. Plus, with its moist texture and luscious toppings, everyone will be asking you for the recipe.
Ingredients
- Chocolate Cake Mix
- Dr. Pepper
- Hot Fudge
- Unsalted Butter
- Powdered Sugar
- Vanilla Extract
- Maraschino Cherries
HOW TO MAKE A DR. PEPPER POKE CAKE
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix and Dr. Pepper until smooth.
Pour the batter into the prepared dish.
Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
While the cake cools, heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Mix the hot fudge and ½ cup of Dr. Pepper. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often.
Take it off the heat and set it aside.
Once the cake has cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top.
Pour most of the hot fudge mixture into the holes, saving a little for drizzling later.
In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and Maraschino cherry juice until creamy.
Spread the frosting over the cake. Top with Maraschino cherries, and finish with a drizzle of the remaining hot fudge.
Tips for Best Results
- Cool the Cake Completely: Warm cake and syrup don’t mix well. Let your cake cool all the way before poking and filling the holes.
- Don’t Overfill the Holes: Too much syrup can create a soggy cake. Pour slowly and evenly to avoid overdoing it.
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients for Frosting: Softened butter blends better with powdered sugar, giving you a smoother and creamier frosting.
- Spread Frosting Evenly: Use a spatula or cake scraper to spread the frosting in a single, smooth layer. Aim for a polished look—it’s well worth the extra effort.
- Refrigerate Before Serving: Chill the finished cake for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and makes slicing easier.
For another easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s loaded with flavor, don’t miss this Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe. You’ll find it just as irresistible!
Variations and Substitutions
Using Other Sodas
You don’t have to stick to Dr. Pepper to make this cake a hit! If you want to try something different, here are some great soda options:
- Cherry Cola: Adds a deeper cherry flavor and pairs beautifully with the chocolate cake.
- Root Beer: Gives the cake a smooth, creamy twist, reminiscent of a root beer float.
- Orange Soda: For a citrusy tang that will surprise your taste buds and brighten up the cake.
Just keep in mind, the flavor profile of the cake will shift depending on which soda you choose. For example, root beer has that creamy vanilla edge, and orange soda will bring more zing—but that’s part of the fun!
Top It Your Way
When it comes to toppings, the sky’s the limit. You can truly make this Dr. Pepper Poke Cake your own by playing with different textures and flavors. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Crushed Candy: Think crushed Oreo cookies, peanut butter cups, or candy canes for a seasonal flare.
- Sprinkles: Add a pop of color with fun sprinkles—it’s especially great for birthdays or festive occasions.
- Fresh Fruits: Sliced strawberries, raspberries, or even citrus zest can add a fresh element to balance the sweetness.
- Extra Drizzle: Chocolate sauce, caramel, or even a little extra cherry syrup can add more depth.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dr. Pepper Poke Cake
What is a poke cake?
A poke cake is exactly what it sounds like—you poke holes into the baked cake and fill these with syrup, custard, or other delicious toppings. This method allows the filling to soak into the cake, making each bite more flavorful and moist. For this recipe, we’re using a rich combination of hot fudge and Dr. Pepper syrup.
Can I use Diet Dr. Pepper for this recipe?
It’s best to stick with the original Dr. Pepper for the punch of flavor it brings. Diet or zero-sugar sodas can alter the taste and texture of your cake. The recipe has been tested with regular Dr. Pepper to guarantee the perfect outcome.
How do I store the Dr. Pepper Poke Cake?
This cake should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days. If you’re planning to serve it later, wait to garnish with cherries to keep everything looking pristine.
More Cake Recipes
Dr. Pepper Poke Cake
Make this Dr. Pepper poke cake your new favorite! Moist chocolate cake filled with fudge & Dr. Pepper, topped with cherry icing and a sweet drizzle.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 12 ounce can Dr. Pepper
- 1 11-12 ounce jar hot fudge
- ½ cup Dr. Pepper
For the Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice (from the jar)
- Maraschino cherries, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix the cake mix and Dr. Pepper until fully combined.
- Pour the batter into the pan.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cake cools, heat a small saucepan over medium heat and combine the hot fudge with ½ cup of Dr. Pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- Use the opposite end of a wooden spoon to poke holes into the cooled cake.
- Pour most of the hot fudge mixture into the holes, reserve a small amount of the hot fudge mixture for drizzling.
- With an electric mixer, combine the butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and Maraschino juice in a mixing bowl until well blended.
- Spread frosting over the cooled cake, then top with Maraschino cherries and drizzle with hot fudge.
Nutrition Information
Yield 8 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 2133Total Fat 67gSaturated Fat 34gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 28gCholesterol 66mgSodium 1678mgCarbohydrates 368gFiber 26gSugar 203gProtein 27g
This nutritional information is for reference only. We are not responsible for these calculations.
