Dr. Pepper Brownies are a rich, fudgy treat with a unique twist. The addition of Dr. Pepper soda enhances the chocolate flavor, creating a moist and decadent dessert. These brownies are perfect for chocolate lovers looking for something different yet delicious. Topped with a smooth Dr. Pepper glaze, they offer a delightful balance of sweetness and deep cocoa flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor: The Dr. Pepper soda adds a subtle caramel and cherry undertone, enhancing the chocolatey richness.
- Moist and Fudgy: These brownies have the perfect texture—dense, chewy, and indulgent.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a family gathering, potluck, or just a sweet treat, these brownies are sure to impress.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Dr. Pepper soda
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Dr. Pepper Glaze:
- 1/4 cup Dr. Pepper soda
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the Brownie Batter
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract. Gradually add the butter and sugar mixture, whisking constantly until smooth.
- Stir in the Dr. Pepper soda.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Bake the Brownies
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan while you prepare the glaze.
Make the Dr. Pepper Glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine the Dr. Pepper soda, butter, and cocoa powder over medium heat. Stir until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
Glaze the Brownies
- Pour the warm glaze over the cooled brownies, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Let the glaze set before slicing into squares.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 12 brownies
Variations
- Nutty Brownies: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a crunchy texture.
- Extra Chocolatey: Mix in chocolate chips for an even richer bite.
- Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne for a subtle heat contrast.
- Frosting Alternative: Skip the glaze and dust the brownies with powdered sugar for a simpler topping.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep them in the fridge for up to a week for extended freshness.
- Freezing: Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore a fresh, gooey texture.
FAQs
How does Dr. Pepper affect the brownies?
Dr. Pepper enhances the chocolate flavor while adding moisture and a subtle caramel-cherry undertone.
Can I use a different soda?
Yes, you can substitute Dr. Pepper with cola, root beer, or cherry soda for a similar effect.
Do these brownies taste like Dr. Pepper?
The flavor is subtle, mainly adding sweetness and depth to the chocolate rather than an overpowering soda taste.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute to make them gluten-free.
What type of cocoa powder works best?
Unsweetened cocoa powder is best for a deep chocolate flavor, but Dutch-process cocoa can be used for a richer taste.
How do I make the brownies chewier?
Reduce the baking time slightly and let them cool completely before cutting.
Can I use diet Dr. Pepper?
It’s not recommended, as the artificial sweeteners may alter the texture and taste.
Why did my brownies turn out cakey?
Overmixing the batter or overbaking can lead to a more cake-like texture. Mix gently and check for doneness early.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in two separate pans or a larger pan with adjusted baking time.
Should I refrigerate the brownies?
It’s not necessary, but refrigeration can extend their shelf life. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
Dr. Pepper Brownies are a fun and delicious twist on classic chocolate brownies. Their fudgy texture, enhanced with the unique flavor of Dr. Pepper, makes them a standout dessert. Whether for a casual treat or a special gathering, these brownies are sure to impress. Try them today and enjoy a new take on chocolate indulgence!
Print
Dr. Pepper Brownies
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies 1x
Description
These Dr. Pepper Brownies are irresistibly rich, fudgy, and packed with a unique twist—Dr. Pepper soda! The soda adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor, making these brownies a must-try for any dessert lover. Topped with a luscious Dr. Pepper glaze, this easy homemade brownie recipe is perfect for parties, potlucks, or a fun baking project.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Dr. Pepper soda
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Dr. Pepper Glaze:
- 1/4 cup Dr. Pepper soda
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Brownie Batter:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract. Gradually add the butter and sugar mixture, whisking constantly until smooth.
- Stir in the Dr. Pepper soda until fully incorporated.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
4. Bake the Brownies:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before adding the glaze.
5. Prepare the Dr. Pepper Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine the Dr. Pepper soda, butter, and cocoa powder. Heat over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Glaze and Serve:
- Pour the warm glaze over the cooled brownies, spreading it evenly.
- Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before slicing into squares.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra moisture and richness, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
- You can substitute cherry Dr. Pepper for a fun twist!
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
