Indulge in the rich, chocolatey goodness of a classic Texas sheet cake with a unique twist—Dr. Pepper! This moist and flavorful cake is perfect for any gathering, combining the deep flavors of cocoa with the subtle sweetness of Dr. Pepper. Topped with a creamy frosting and optional pecans for a delightful crunch, this cake will become a favorite among your family and friends.
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.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- 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.
- Pour the Dr. Pepper mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until blended.
- In a small bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla. Add to the batter and mix until smooth.
- Pour batter into the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- For the 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.
- Spread frosting over the warm cake. Allow to cool before serving.
Notes:
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Variations: For a different flavor, try using cherry Dr. Pepper or adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter.
- Serving Suggestions: This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
FAQs:
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and frost it the day you plan to serve it. This will give the flavors time to meld together.
Can I use a different soda? While Dr. Pepper adds a unique flavor, you can experiment with other sodas like Coca-Cola or root beer for a different twist.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk? If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Conclusion:
This Dr. Pepper Texas Sheet Cake is a delightful treat that combines the best of traditional baking with a modern twist. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a special dessert at home, this cake is sure to impress with its unique flavor and moist texture. Give it a try and enjoy a slice of Texas sweetness with a hint of Dr. Pepper!
