Pioneer Woman Dr Pepper Cake Recipe

This Pioneer Woman Dr Pepper Cake is a moist and decadent recipe, which is made with Dr Pepper and cocoa powder. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Pioneer Woman Dr Pepper Cake Ingredients

A unique combination for a rich, Southern-style sheet cake.

For the Cake:

• 2 sticks salted butter (1 cup), plus more for the pan
• 4 Tbsp. (heaping) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup Dr Pepper
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp. (heaping) pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. almond extract
• 1 tsp. baking soda

For the Caramel Icing:

• 1 cup Dr Pepper
• 3/4 cup salted butter, cubed (1½ sticks)
• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 Tbsp. light corn syrup
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp. almond extract
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp. (heaping) pumpkin pie spice

How To Make Pioneer Woman Dr Pepper Cake

A step-by-step guide to this unique and delicious chocolate sheet cake.

1. Prep Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 18-by-13-inch sheet cake pan with butter.
2. Make the Chocolate Base: In a saucepan, melt the butter, then stir in the cocoa. Heat the Dr Pepper in the microwave for about 1 minute until bubbling, then whisk it into the butter mixture. Bring to a boil for 30 seconds, then remove from the heat.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate measuring cup, whisk the buttermilk, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, and baking soda.
5. Combine and Bake: Pour the warm cocoa mixture over the dry ingredients and stir lightly. Add the buttermilk mixture and fold until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan, for at least 1 hour.
6. Reduce the Dr Pepper for Icing: While the cake cools, bring 1 cup of Dr Pepper to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce the heat and simmer briskly until the soda has reduced to about 1/4 cup, which takes 10 to 12 minutes.
7. Make the Caramel Icing: To the reduced Dr Pepper, whisk in the butter and brown sugar and cook until melted. Remove from the heat and whisk in the buttermilk, corn syrup, vanilla, and almond extract.
8. Finish the Icing and Frost: In a large bowl, sift together the powdered sugar and pumpkin pie spice. Gradually whisk in the warm Dr Pepper mixture until the icing is smooth. Pour the icing over the completely cooled cake and spread it evenly. Allow the icing to set for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.

Recipe Tips

For a perfect, moist Dr Pepper cake every time.

• Why does the cake need to be completely cool before frosting? This is crucial. If you pour the warm caramel icing onto a warm cake, the cake will absorb too much of it, making it overly dense and preventing the icing from setting into a distinct layer. Patience is key!
• Can I use a different soda? While Dr Pepper gives this cake its signature unique flavor, you can experiment with other dark sodas like Coca-Cola or Root Beer. The taste will be different but still delicious.
• How do I know when the Dr Pepper is reduced enough? The goal is to concentrate the flavor. Simmering 1 cup of soda until it reduces to 1/4 cup will create a thicker, more flavorful syrup. Keep a close eye on it to prevent it from reducing too much or burning.
• Can I make this in a different pan? Yes, you can bake this in a 9×13-inch pan, but the baking time will be longer, likely around 30-35 minutes. Start checking for doneness with a toothpick around the 30-minute mark.

What To Serve With Dr Pepper Cake

Simple additions to complement this rich sheet cake.

This cake is incredibly rich and flavorful on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:

• A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
• A dollop of unsweetened whipped cream to cut the sweetness
• A tall glass of cold milk
• A sprinkle of toasted pecans on top of the icing

How To Store Dr Pepper Cake

Keeping your cake fresh for days.

• Room Temperature: This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The icing will keep the cake moist.
• Refrigerate: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Pioneer Woman Dr Pepper Cake Nutrition Facts

An estimated guide per serving.

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Fat: 18 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipe