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Dr. Pepper Cake with Reduced Soda Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 787 reviews

A rich and moist Pepper Cake featuring a unique blend of spices and Dr. Pepper soda, with dried fruits added for texture and flavor, topped with a spiced Dr. Pepper reduction frosting. This cake combines classic flavors like cocoa, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice to create a distinctive dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • ½ cup prunes, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup dried cherries, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup Dr. Pepper soda
  • 1 cup (2 sticks, 226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ¼ cup (30g) cocoa powder
  • ½ cup (118g) boiling water
  • ½ cup (120g) buttermilk
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (256g) all-purpose flour
  • 1⅓ cups (267g) granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ginger
  • ½ teaspoon allspice

Frosting

  • 4 cups Dr. Pepper soda
  • 1½ cups (3 sticks or 339g) unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2½ cups (312g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pans: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by greasing them with pan release or butter, then lightly dusting with flour.
  2. Cook dried fruits with Dr. Pepper: In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped prunes and dried cherries with 1 cup of Dr. Pepper. Bring to a slow boil over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for about 20 minutes.
  3. Prepare cocoa mixture: Boil ½ cup water. In a microwave-safe dish, melt 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter. Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the melted butter, then whisk in the boiling water until smooth. Set aside.
  4. Mix wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla extract until combined.
  5. Combine dry ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add the flour, granulated sugar, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. Mix briefly to combine.
  6. Add cocoa mixture to dry ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, gradually pour in the cocoa and butter mixture and mix until incorporated.
  7. Add wet mixture: Pour the buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla mixture into the batter, mixing on low speed until just combined.
  8. Add Dr. Pepper fruit mixture: Slowly pour in the cooled Dr. Pepper fruit mixture (prunes and cherries) and mix until fully incorporated.
  9. Divide and bake: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared 8-inch pans (approximately 2½ cups each). Bake at 350°F for 30-34 minutes until the cake pulls away slightly from the edges and the top cracks slightly.
  10. Prepare Dr. Pepper reduction: While the cake is baking, pour 4 cups of Dr. Pepper into a small saucepan and boil over medium heat. Reduce the liquid until it measures about ½ cup, which takes approximately 20-25 minutes. Cool completely before use.
  11. Make frosting: In a mixing bowl, add 1½ cups (3 sticks) of unsalted butter, ground ginger, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy, scraping the bowl as needed.
  12. Incorporate Dr. Pepper reduction: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the cooled Dr. Pepper reduction to the frosting and mix until fully combined.
  13. Frost the cake: Once the cakes have cooled completely, spread the Dr. Pepper ginger frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

  • The Dr. Pepper reduction intensifies the soda’s flavor and adds a rich sweetness to the frosting.
  • Use room temperature eggs and butter for a smoother batter and better texture.
  • If you prefer, substitute dried prunes and cherries with other dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries.
  • Ensure the cake is completely cool before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
  • This cake pairs well with whipped cream or a simple vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Keywords: Pepper Cake, Dr. Pepper Cake, Spiced Cake, Chocolate Cake with Soda, Festive Cake, Spiced Frosting, Dried Fruits Cake

Find it online: https://ricoloranz.com/dr-pepper-cake-with-reduced-soda-frosting-recipe/