Experience the rich, deep flavors of this Dr. Pepper Texas Sheet Cake, a perfect blend of chocolate, spices, and the unique taste of Dr. Pepper. Topped with a luscious chocolate pecan fudge glaze, this cake is a delightful treat for any occasion, sure to impress your friends and family!
Ingredients:
Dr. Pepper Texas Sheet Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter)
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup Dr. Pepper, room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
Chocolate Pecan Fudge Glaze:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup Dr. Pepper
- 3 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
Prepare the Dr. Pepper Mixture: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the cocoa powder and Dr. Pepper, whisking until combined. Heat until the mixture just starts to boil, then remove from heat.
Combine Ingredients: Pour the Dr. Pepper mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients, along with the eggs and buttermilk. Mix together just until combined using a whisk or a wooden spoon.
Bake the Cake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Note that Texas Sheet Cake is naturally flatter and denser than traditional cakes.
Prepare the Glaze: While the cake is baking, prepare the chocolate pecan glaze. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, melted butter, Dr. Pepper, and milk. Stir until smooth and combined. Fold in the chopped pecans.
Glaze the Cake: Immediately pour the glaze over the cake when it comes out of the oven. Use a spoon or spatula to spread it out evenly. Serve warm, or let the cake set for 1-2 hours before cutting and serving. The cake is much easier to cut once it has set at room temperature.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Suggestions:
Serve Warm: Dr. Pepper Texas Sheet Cake is best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven, when the glaze is still gooey and melty. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Pairing: Pair your slice of cake with a cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a scoop of your favorite ice cream flavor for a delightful dessert experience.
Presentation: For a special touch, garnish each slice with a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
Room Temperature Storage:
Airtight Container: Store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It will stay moist and delicious for up to three days.
Single Layer: If you need to stack slices, place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between the layers to prevent sticking.
Refrigeration:
Extended Freshness: To extend the shelf life of your cake, store it in the refrigerator. Place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. The cake can last up to a week when refrigerated.
Reheating: Bring refrigerated cake slices to room temperature before serving or warm them up in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Freezing:
Freezer Safe: This cake freezes well! Cut it into individual pieces, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to three months.
Thawing: To enjoy frozen cake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm up individual slices in the microwave for a quick treat.
Transporting:
Secure Packaging: When transporting the cake to a gathering or event, make sure it’s securely packed in a sturdy container with a lid to avoid any damage.
Ready to Serve: If serving the cake at an event, consider pre-slicing it for easy distribution. This also helps maintain the cake’s presentation and makes it more convenient for guests.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure your Dr. Pepper Texas Sheet Cake remains delicious and ready to enjoy at any time!
Variations:
Nut-Free Version: If you or someone you’re serving has a nut allergy, you can omit the pecans from the glaze. The cake will still be deliciously rich and flavorful without the nuts.
Chocolate Lovers: For an extra chocolatey kick, add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the cake batter. This will create pockets of melted chocolate throughout the cake, making it even more decadent.
Spiced Cake: Enhance the warm spice flavors by adding 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg and a pinch of ground allspice to the dry ingredients. This variation adds a cozy, spiced twist to the cake.
Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the batter for a bright, citrusy note that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and Dr. Pepper flavors.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Instead of the chocolate pecan glaze, top your cake with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. Mix 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of softened butter, 2 cups of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and spread over the cooled cake.
Dr. Pepper Reduction: For an intensified Dr. Pepper flavor, make a reduction by simmering 1 cup of Dr. Pepper in a saucepan until it reduces to about 1/4 cup. Add this reduction to both the cake batter and the glaze for a stronger soda flavor.
Mocha Infusion: Add 2 teaspoons of instant coffee granules to the dry ingredients for a mocha-flavored cake. The coffee enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a rich depth to the cake.
Coconut Delight: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist. You can also sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes on top of the glaze for extra flavor and texture.
Fruit Swirl: Swirl in 1/2 cup of raspberry or cherry preserves into the batter before baking. This creates a fruity layer within the cake that complements the chocolate and Dr. Pepper flavors.
Salted Caramel: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the top of the cake after glazing for a sweet and salty contrast. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel for an extra touch.
FAQs:
- Can I use diet Dr. Pepper instead of regular Dr. Pepper?
- Yes, you can use diet Dr. Pepper, but the flavor might be slightly different. Regular Dr. Pepper adds a richer taste due to the sugar content.
- What can I substitute for buttermilk?
- You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
- Yes, you can use salted butter. Just omit the additional 1/4 teaspoon of salt from the recipe.
- How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
- Ensure you spray the baking pan well with cooking spray or use parchment paper to line the pan for easy removal.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time?
- Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature, and glaze it just before serving for the best texture.
- Can I make this recipe without the glaze?
- Yes, the cake itself is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds an extra layer of flavor and richness.
- How can I make the cake more moist?
- Ensure you don’t overbake the cake. Check for doneness with a toothpick, and remove it from the oven as soon as it comes out clean.
- Can I add other toppings to the glaze?
- Yes, feel free to add toppings like shredded coconut, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- What type of cocoa powder should I use?
- Unsweetened cocoa powder works best for this recipe. It provides a rich chocolate flavor without adding extra sweetness.
- Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
- Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake the cake in a larger pan or two 9×13 pans. Adjust the baking time as needed and test for doneness.
Indulge in the rich, chocolatey delight of Dr. Pepper Texas Sheet Cake, a unique and flavorful dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this cake is perfect for any occasion. With its moist texture, spiced notes, and decadent chocolate pecan fudge glaze, it’s a treat that your friends and family will love. Enjoy experimenting with the various serving tips and variations to make this recipe truly your own. Happy baking!