Homemade Dr Pepper King Cake Recipe

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This Dr Pepper King Cake recipe is perfect for those who want to wow their family and friends with a treat that’s as unique as it is delicious. With its rich, caramel-like soda undertones woven into the filling and icing, this King Cake stands out as a show-stopping centerpiece for any Mardi Gras celebration—or honestly, any time you crave something fun and indulgent.

How to make Dr Pepper King Cake

A Dr Pepper King Cake is a fun, modern twist on the traditional Mardi Gras king cake that’s flavored using Dr Pepper soda.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this one-of-a-kind treat.

For the Dough:

• 3/4 cup warm milk (~110°F / 43°C)
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)

For the Dr Pepper Filling:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup Dr Pepper (preferably room temperature)
• 1/4 cup mascarpone or cream cheese (optional, for creamier filling)

For the Dr Pepper Icing:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp Dr Pepper (add more for desired consistency)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Decorations:

• Purple, green, and gold sanding sugar (Mardi Gras colors)
• Optional: Edible pearls, sprinkles, or fondant decorations
• Optional: Traditional King Cake Baby
• A small plastic baby or charm to hide in the cake (for the Mardi Gras tradition)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until frothy. This shows the yeast is active.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the frothy yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, sugar, and salt.
3. Gradually add in the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or electric mixer (dough hook attachment). Continue until the dough starts to come together but isn’t sticky.
4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
5. Transfer the dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Dr Pepper Filling

1. In a medium bowl, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
2. Slowly add in Dr Pepper and mix until combined. If you want a creamier filling, add mascarpone or cream cheese at this point and whip until smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the King Cake

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Roll it out onto a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle (approximately 18×12 inches).
2. Spread the Dr Pepper filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a jelly roll form. Pinch the seams to seal.
4. Gently form the rolled dough into a circular or oval shape, pinching the ends together to create the classic King Cake look.
5. Optional: Hide a small plastic baby or charm inside the dough at this stage!
6. Transfer the cake onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with a damp cloth and allow it to rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Step 4: Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the texture to remain soft and tender.
3. Let the cake cool completely before decorating.

Step 5: Prepare the Dr Pepper Icing

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, Dr Pepper, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar (for thicker icing) or more Dr Pepper (for thinner icing).
2. Drizzle or spread the icing generously over the cooled cake.

Step 6: Decorate

1. While the icing is still wet, sprinkle the purple, green, and gold sanding sugars in alternating sections to mimic the classic King Cake look.
2. Add any additional decorative sprinkles or edible pearls for extra flair.

Baking Tips for the Perfect Dr Pepper King Cake

• Mind the Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh and the milk isn’t too hot (which can kill the yeast). The ideal temperature is around 110°F.
• Easy Rising: If your kitchen is chilly, try letting the dough rise in a turned-off oven with the light on or near a warm stovetop.
• Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to go heavy on the filling, too much can lead to oozing during baking.
• Get Creative with Toppings: The Dr Pepper icing is a star on its own, but feel free to experiment by adding a drizzle of caramel or a touch of cocoa powder for extra depth.
• Make It Ahead: Prep the dough and filling a day early, refrigerate, and bake fresh to serve!

What to serve with

Your Dr Pepper King Cake is already the centerpiece of the celebration, but pairing it with the right beverages and sides can elevate the experience even more.

Hot Beverages:

• Coffee or Café au Lait: A rich, dark coffee enhances the cinnamon spice and sweet icing of the King Cake. For a regional touch, serve New Orleans-style chicory coffee for an authentic pairing.
• Chai Latte: The warm spices in chai tea complement the cinnamon-forward filling of the King Cake while adding a creamy, soothing element.
• Hot Chocolate: A decadent hot cocoa, especially one made with a hint of caramel or marshmallows, works wonderfully with the King Cake’s sweet Dr Pepper icing.

Cold Beverages:

• Milk: This classic pairing never goes out of style; a cold glass of milk balances the sweetness of the cake and enhances its creaminess.
• Iced Coffee: A refreshing cold brew or iced latte, especially with a hint of vanilla or caramel, adds another dimension of flavor to the dessert.

Ingredients Substitutes

The Dr Pepper King Cake recipe is forgiving and versatile, allowing you to swap out certain ingredients without compromising the flavors and texture.

1. Milk

If you’re out of milk or need a dairy-free alternative:

• Non-Dairy Milks: Use unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk. These alternatives will provide moisture without altering the texture significantly.
• Water: While less creamy, warm water can replace milk in a pinch. To mimic richness, add 1 tablespoon of melted butter or oil to the dough mixture.

2. Active Dry Yeast

If you don’t have active dry yeast:

• Instant Yeast: Use an equal amount of instant yeast, and skip the proofing step (instant yeast can be mixed directly into the flour).
• Baking Powder/Soda: For an unconventional twist, you can use 2 tsp of baking powder to help the dough rise. However, the texture will be closer to a quick bread than traditional yeast-raised dough.

3. Butter

If you’re out of butter or want to try a non-dairy option:

• Margarine: Works as a direct substitute and provides similar moisture and richness.
• Coconut Oil: Melted coconut oil adds moisture and mild sweetness. Opt for refined coconut oil to avoid a strong coconut flavor.
• Vegetable or Canola Oil: Use equal amounts; while you won’t achieve the same buttery flavor, it helps keep the texture soft.

4. Eggs

Need to skip eggs due to allergies or dietary preferences?

• Flax Eggs: Mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 2 1/2 tbsp water for each egg needed. Let it sit until it forms a gel-like consistency.
• Applesauce: Use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce per egg for a moist texture; the flavor is subtle and works well in sweet recipes.
• Yogurt: Plain or vanilla yogurt can also replace eggs for added moisture.

5. All-Purpose Flour

Want a gluten-free or alternative option?

• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Replace regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend designed for yeast recipes. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or guar gum to mimic the stretchy texture of wheat-based dough.
• Bread Flour: If you have bread flour instead of all-purpose, it works equally well and may even yield a slightly chewier texture.

Final Thoughts

Dr Pepper King Cake is undoubtedly the star of the show, but pairing it with thoughtfully chosen beverages, savory dishes, and complementary desserts will create a complete Mardi Gras experience.

More King Cake Recipes:

• Twins King Cake Recipe
• Homemade Meche’s King Cake Recipe
• Copycat Manny Randazzo King Cake Recipe