Dr. Pepper Brownies are a delightful twist on traditional brownies, offering a rich, fudgy texture with a subtle hint of Dr. Pepper soda. The soda enhances the chocolate flavor while adding a unique depth to each bite. Topped with a smooth Dr. Pepper glaze, these brownies are perfect for any chocolate lover looking for something a little different.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor: The addition of Dr. Pepper soda gives these brownies a one-of-a-kind taste.
- Rich and Fudgy: With plenty of butter and cocoa, these brownies have a dense and fudgy texture.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a casual dessert, potluck, or special event, these brownies are always a hit.
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 for easy removal.
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, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
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 into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan while preparing the glaze.
Prepare the Dr. Pepper Glaze
- In a small saucepan, heat the Dr. Pepper soda and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted.
- Stir in the cocoa powder and whisk until smooth.
- Remove from heat and gradually whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth.
Glaze the Brownies
- Pour the warm glaze over the slightly cooled brownies, spreading it evenly.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 12 brownies
Variations
- Add Nuts: Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
- Chocolate Chips: Mix in ½ cup of chocolate chips for an extra chocolaty bite.
- Cherry Dr. Pepper Brownies: Use Cherry Dr. Pepper for a subtle fruity twist.
- Espresso Boost: Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Frosting Alternative: Instead of the Dr. Pepper glaze, top with chocolate ganache or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store the brownies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for a firmer texture.
- Freezing: Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Microwave a brownie for 10-15 seconds to restore its fudgy texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use diet Dr. Pepper instead of regular Dr. Pepper?
Yes, but the texture and sweetness may be slightly different since diet soda lacks sugar.
2. What does Dr. Pepper do in the brownie recipe?
Dr. Pepper adds moisture, enhances the chocolate flavor, and gives a slight caramel-like depth to the brownies.
3. Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute to make them gluten-free.
4. Do I have to use the glaze?
No, the brownies are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds extra sweetness and flavor.
5. Can I use another soda instead of Dr. Pepper?
Yes, you can try Coca-Cola, root beer, or cherry cola for a different twist.
6. How do I make the brownies chewier?
Reduce the baking time by 2-3 minutes for a chewier texture.
7. Why did my brownies turn out dry?
Overbaking can cause dryness. Make sure to check with a toothpick and remove them when a few moist crumbs stick to it.
8. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in two 9×13-inch pans.
9. How can I make the glaze thicker?
Add more powdered sugar, ¼ cup at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
10. Can I add frosting instead of glaze?
Yes, a chocolate buttercream or cream cheese frosting would work well.
Conclusion
Dr. Pepper Brownies are a fun and unique twist on classic brownies, bringing a rich, fudgy texture with a hint of soda-infused flavor. Whether you enjoy them with or without the glaze, these brownies are sure to impress at any gathering. Try out different variations to make them your own, and enjoy a delicious treat that’s both easy to make and full of flavor!
Print
Dr. Pepper Brownies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Dr. Pepper Brownies are ultra-rich, fudgy, and irresistibly delicious with a unique twist from the addition of Dr. Pepper soda. The soda enhances the chocolate flavor and creates a soft, moist texture, while the Dr. Pepper glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness. Perfect for chocolate lovers looking for something a little different!
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.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
3. 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. Let the brownies cool in the pan.
4. Make the Dr. Pepper Glaze:
In a small saucepan, heat the Dr. Pepper soda, butter, and cocoa powder over medium heat, stirring until melted and smooth.
Remove from heat and gradually whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Glaze and Serve:
Pour the warm glaze over the cooled brownies and spread evenly. Let it set for about 10 minutes before slicing into squares.
Notes
For extra fudgy brownies, reduce the baking time by a couple of minutes.
Add-ins: Mix in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or marshmallows for extra texture.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for a longer shelf life.
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