Dr Pepper Brownies Recipe

I’m always searching for that perfect brownie, and let me tell you, this dr pepper brownies recipe delivers a fudgy, rich bite that you won’t forget. The unique fizz of Dr Pepper creates an incredibly moist crumb and a subtle depth of flavor that perfectly complements the dark chocolate. This easy, family-friendly dessert is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a comforting treat without a lot of fuss. It takes your plain cocoa and transforms it into an extraordinary, deeply flavored experience, making it a community favorite for satisfying sweet cravings.

What You’ll Need for Your Dr Pepper Brownies Recipe

To make this easy dr pepper brownies recipe, gather these simple ingredients:

• All-purpose flour: 1½ cups (180 g) for foundational structure.
• Granulated sugar: 1½ cups (300 g) for essential sweetness and moisture. (You can slightly reduce to 1¼ cups if you prefer less sweet).
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: ¾ cup (65 g) for that deep, rich chocolate flavor. (Dutch-processed cocoa works beautifully for a darker brownie).
• Baking soda: 1 teaspoon (5 g) to provide lift and create a tender crumb.
• Fine sea salt: ½ teaspoon (3 g) to balance all the flavors and enhance the chocolate.
• Large eggs: 2, to bind the ingredients and add richness for a truly fudgy texture.
• Unsalted butter: ½ cup (113 g or 1 stick), melted, ensuring a wonderfully fudgy brownie. (Salted butter can be used, just reduce the added salt by a pinch).
• Alcohol-free vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) for a warm aroma and depth of flavor. (Use a quality pure vanilla for the best taste).
• Dr Pepper: 1 (12-ounce) can (355 ml), our secret ingredient for incredible moisture and a unique, subtle caramel-cherry note. (Any cola brand will work in a pinch, but Dr Pepper really stands out).

Premium upgrades:

Use high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa for a darker, richer dr pepper brownies recipe, organic eggs, or a premium vanilla extract for noticeable flavor depth.

Budget-friendly swaps:

Any store-brand cola can work, though Dr Pepper offers a distinct flavor. Standard cocoa powder is perfectly fine and still makes a delicious treat.

Seasonal or freshness insights:

Ensure your eggs are fresh for best baking results; it makes a difference in texture. Real vanilla extract always provides a superior aroma and taste.

Step-by-Step Method Made Simple for Dr Pepper Brownies

Making this incredible dr pepper brownies recipe is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a truly delightful treat:

1. Prep Your Pan (~5 min): Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan (I always use a light colored pan for even baking) and either flour it or line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the longer sides. This ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients (~2 min): In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure it all looks uniformly mixed. Set this bowl aside for a moment.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients (~3 min): In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, large eggs, and alcohol-free vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and looks well combined.
4. Add Dr Pepper (~1 min): Pour the entire 12-ounce can of Dr Pepper into your wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; it’s okay if it fizzes a little as you mix.
5. Combine Wet and Dry (~2 min): Gradually add the wet ingredient mixture to the dry ingredients. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to fold until just combined. What can go wrong here? Overmixing will develop gluten and lead to tough, cakey brownies. Stop mixing once no dry streaks remain. A few small lumps are perfectly fine for fudgy brownies.
6. Bake (~25-30 min): Pour the brownie batter evenly into your prepared 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges look set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. The kitchen will smell amazing! This is key for a perfect dr pepper brownies recipe.

Look/feel cues for doneness:

The edges of the brownies should appear firm and slightly risen, but the center will likely still feel a bit soft and fudgy. This ensures a moist interior.

Quick inline suggestions:

• For simpler clean-up, definitely use parchment paper.
• For an extra chocolatey twist, fold in a cup of your favorite chocolate chips with the dry ingredients.

Troubleshooting common mistakes:

• Dry brownies: This is almost always due to over-baking. Keep a close eye on your oven; remove them when the center is just barely set to ensure your dr pepper brownies recipe remains fudgy.
• Brownies sticking to the pan: Ensure your pan is very well-greased and floured, or use parchment paper as instructed. Always let the brownies cool completely before attempting to cut them.
• Uneven baking: Ovens can have hot spots. To combat this, rotate the baking pan halfway through the baking time, or consider having your oven’s calibration checked for consistent results with your dr pepper brownies recipe.

Perfect Occasions and Serving Inspiration for Dr Pepper Brownies

These Dr Pepper brownies are perfect for a cozy weeknight dessert, a unique addition to potlucks, birthday parties, school bake sales, or casual gatherings.

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or simply with a glass of cold milk or another Dr Pepper for the ultimate treat.
• A sprinkle of sea salt can also elevate the flavors.
• Store leftover Dr Pepper brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for easy meal prep.

Nutrition & Everyday Wellness Benefits of Dr Pepper Brownies

While these are a delicious indulgence, homemade Dr Pepper brownies allow you to control ingredients. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a comforting treat as part of a balanced diet.

• A delightful option for balanced indulgence, bringing joy to your baking.
• Can be adapted to accommodate specific dietary needs like gluten-free Dr Pepper brownies.
• Provides a comforting energy boost and enhances family bonding over a shared dessert.
• Homemade treats like these encourage mindful eating and enjoyment, which is part of a healthy family lifestyle, providing a wonderful end to healthy recipes for dinner. They can also be quick protein snacks if you add nuts.

Why This Dr Pepper Brownies Recipe Works for You

This dr pepper brownies recipe ties into your lifestyle goals by offering a fun, unique dessert that saves time, delivers big on flavor for family meals, and is an easy dessert for busy families. My kids always ask for these after sports, and they’re so simple to whip up on a weeknight!

• Quick prep for spontaneous cravings or last-minute dessert needs.
• Impressive flavor and unique twist with minimal effort, making you look like a star baker.
• Kid-friendly and parent-approved, sure to be a hit with everyone.
• Uses simple pantry staples, so you likely have most ingredients on hand.

Smart Upgrades and Adjustments for Your Dr Pepper Brownies

Don’t overmix the batter; overmixing can lead to tough brownies. Always cool the brownies completely before cutting for clean, precise squares.

For flavor variations, add a teaspoon of espresso powder for deeper chocolate, a pinch of cinnamon, or incorporate different types of chocolate chips (milk, dark, white) or nuts like walnuts or pecans.

Diet adaptations:

• Gluten-free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the all-purpose flour to make gluten-free Dr Pepper brownies.
• Dairy-free: Use dairy-free butter and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
• Kid-friendly: Top with colorful sprinkles or extra chocolate chunks after baking for a fun, appealing treat.

Reader Q&A about Dr Pepper Brownies

Can I prepare Dr Pepper brownies ahead of time?

Yes, these Dr Pepper brownies are excellent for making ahead! They store well at room temperature for several days, and some even find the flavor deepens overnight.

Is Dr Pepper brownies good for meal prep?

Absolutely! Bake a batch on Sunday, and you’ll have delicious Dr Pepper brownies ready to go for lunchbox treats, after-school snacks, or easy desserts throughout the week.

What’s the best way to store Dr Pepper brownies?

Keep your delightful brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer freshness, you can wrap individual brownies and freeze them for up to three months.

Are there healthier substitutes for this recipe?

While it’s a delightful treat, you can slightly reduce the sugar or use a whole wheat pastry flour for a minor nutritional adjustment in these Dr Pepper brownies. You can also add nuts for extra fiber.

Can I use diet Dr Pepper?

You can use diet Dr Pepper, but be aware that the regular soda contributes to the unique sweetness, caramelization, and moistness of the brownies that diet versions might not fully replicate. I always stick to regular for the best texture.

Do these Dr Pepper brownies taste like soda?

The Dr Pepper flavor is surprisingly subtle. It adds a distinct moistness and a hint of unique, almost cherry-like depth to the chocolate, rather than an overpowering soda taste.

What size pan should I use for Dr Pepper brownies?

A 9×13 inch baking pan is ideal for these special brownies, yielding a good thickness and number of servings.

Conclusion

Discover the surprising delight of these easy, incredibly fudgy, and utterly delicious brownies. Try this unique dr pepper brownies recipe tonight for a delightful family treat that’s sure to become a new favorite; save it on Pinterest for quick meals and easy family dinners!

dr pepper brownies recipe

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• Author: Sarah Mali
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x
• Diet: General

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Description

This recipe delivers fudgy, rich Dr Pepper brownies with a moist crumb and subtle depth of flavor from the soda. This easy, family-friendly dessert is perfect for satisfying sweet cravings on busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 0.75 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 large eggs
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
• 1 (12-ounce) can Dr Pepper

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Instructions

1. Prep Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and either flour it or line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the longer sides.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until uniformly mixed. Set aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, large eggs, and alcohol-free vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
4. Add Dr Pepper: Pour the entire 12-ounce can of Dr Pepper into your wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined (a little fizz is okay).
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredient mixture to the dry ingredients. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to fold until just combined, ensuring no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing.
6. Bake: Pour the brownie batter evenly into your prepared 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Notes

For simpler clean-up, definitely use parchment paper. For an extra chocolatey twist, fold in a cup of your favorite chocolate chips with the dry ingredients. To avoid dry brownies, do not over-bake; remove when the center is just barely set. Ensure the pan is well-greased/floured or use parchment paper to prevent sticking, and cool completely before cutting.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 brownie (approx. 60-70 g)
• Calories: 250 calories
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg