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Irresistible Dr. Pepper Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

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This incredibly moist Dr. Pepper layer cake features a tender crumb with subtle cherry-vanilla notes, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s a crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for celebrations or any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup Dr. Pepper, at room temperature (not diet)
  • ½ cup buttermilk, at room temperature
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (full-fat block)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
  5. With mixer on low, add one-third of the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Add half of the Dr. Pepper and half of the buttermilk, mixing again. Repeat with another third of flour, remaining Dr. Pepper and buttermilk, then final third of flour. Do not overmix.
  6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto a cooling rack. Remove parchment paper and cool completely.
  8. For frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add vanilla and salt. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low. Once all sugar is incorporated, beat on medium-high for 2 minutes until fluffy.
  9. Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread about ¾ cup frosting on top. Place second layer on top. Frost top and sides with remaining frosting.

Notes

Room temperature ingredients are crucial for best results. Do not use diet Dr. Pepper. The cake tastes even better the next day. For a 9×13 pan, bake 25-30 minutes. For cupcakes, bake 18-20 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: Dr. Pepper cake, cream cheese frosting, layer cake, soda cake, moist cake, cherry vanilla cake

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/irresistible-dr-pepper-layer-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting/