Dive into the rich, moist, and uniquely flavored Dr. Pepper Texas Sheet Cake. This recipe combines the classic American soda, Dr. Pepper, with cocoa and pecans to create a decadent and expansive cake that’s perfect for large gatherings or family dinners. It’s a delightful twist on the traditional chocolate sheet cake, offering a pop of soda flavor that enhances the chocolate and adds a special touch to the texture.
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup Dr. Pepper soda
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 tablespoons Dr. Pepper soda
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15×10-inch baking sheet.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Prepare Dr. Pepper Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in Dr. Pepper and cocoa powder until smooth. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the Dr. Pepper mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until blended.
- Add Eggs and Buttermilk: In a small bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla. Add to the batter and mix until smooth.
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Frosting: Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in cocoa powder and Dr. Pepper. Remove from heat and gradually stir in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Stir in pecans if using.
- Frost the Cake: Spread frosting over the warm cake. Allow to cool before serving.
Prep Time
- 20 minutes
Cooking Time
- 25 minutes
Total Time
- 45 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Kcal: 580 kcal
- Servings: 24 servings
Notes
- The use of Dr. Pepper in the cake and frosting not only adds a unique flavor but also contributes to a moist texture.
- For those who prefer less sweetness, consider reducing the powdered sugar in the frosting or omitting the pecans.
FAQs
Can I use a different soda instead of Dr. Pepper? Yes, you can use other sodas like Coca-Cola or root beer for a similar effect, though Dr. Pepper’s unique blend of 23 flavors gives this cake its distinctive taste.
Can this cake be made in advance? Absolutely. You can bake the cake a day ahead and add the frosting on the day of serving to keep it fresh.
Conclusion
This Dr. Pepper Texas Sheet Cake is a celebration of flavors, perfect for anyone looking to bring something unique and delightful to the dessert table. Its combination of rich cocoa and the intriguing taste of Dr. Pepper, punctuated with the crunch of pecans, makes it a must-try for cake lovers. Enjoy this easy-to-make, satisfying treat that’s guaranteed to be a hit at any social gathering or family meal.