Description
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
Instructions
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.
Notes
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!
