Food and Recipes Desserts Chocolate Dr Pepper Brownies 5.0 (3) 3 Reviews Rich, chocolaty Dr Pepper brownies are impossible to resist. By Southern Living Test Kitchen Southern Living Test Kitchen The Southern Living Test Kitchen has been publishing recipes since 1970, four years after the first issue of Southern Living Magazine appeared on newsstands. The Southern Living Test Kitchen team includes a team of professionals with deep expertise in recipe development, from pastry chefs and grilling experts to nutritionists and dietitians. Together, the team tests and retests, produces, styles, and photographs thousands of recipes each year in the state-of-the-art test kitchen facility located in Birmingham, Alabama. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on September 18, 2024 Save Rate PRINT Share Close Photo: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel Prep Time: 10 mins Bake Time: 40 mins Cool Time: 5 mins Total Time: 55 mins Jump to recipe Put a twist on traditional brownies with a dash of soda. The base of this Dr Pepper brownie recipe will remind you of your go-to brownies—a simple batter made from brown sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, and butter—but it's the foundation of ample, melted chocolate chips that really kicks off this winning combination. From there, Dr Pepper and instant coffee bring out a rich, chocolatey flavor that will tempt you into a second slice every time. Make each square even more irresistible by sprinkling a few extra semi-sweet chocolate chips on top before baking. The result is a truly decadent affair for chocolate lovers and Dr Pepper fans alike. Learn how to make Dr Pepper brownies. Set these slices out at your next tailgate or potluck, and they're sure to disappear. The Most Iconic Southern Sodas Why Add Dr Pepper To Brownies? You may have seen viral recipes that substitute the liquid called for on boxed brownie mixes with Dr Pepper. Just like using coffee, Dr Pepper can enhance the chocolatey flavor of brownies, adding a subtle complexity with notes of vanilla, cherry, and spices. It also adds moisture along with carbonation, for a fudgy, tender result every time. In case you're wondering, no—you probably won't be able to taste the Dr Pepper in the baked brownies, but they will be delicious. Ingredients for Dr Pepper Brownies Classic, fudgy brownies get a unique twist with the addition of Dr Pepper for added moisture and complexity. To make Dr Pepper brownies, you'll need: Butter: Adds richness to the brownies.Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melted to add a deep, chocolatey flavor.Brown sugar: Sweetens the brownies with light notes of molasses.Large eggs: Binds the brownies.Dr Pepper: Adds sweetness, complexity, and moisture to the brownies.Vanilla extract: For depth of flavor.All-purpose flour: Gives the brownies their structure.Instant coffee: Enhances the chocolatey flavor of the brownies.Unsweetened cocoa powder: Deepens the chocolate flavor.Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor. Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel How To Make Dr Pepper Brownies Just 10 minutes of prep time is needed to whip up these brownies, for a decadent dessert you can make any day of the week. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started: Step 1. Preheat oven: Preheat oven.Step 2. Prepare brownies: Melt butter and chocolate in microwave, stirring occasionally, until smooth. Mix in brown sugar and eggs. Stir in Dr Pepper, then flour, cocoa powder, instant coffee, vanilla extract and salt until combined.Step 3. Bake: Pour into a greased 9-inch square baking pan. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack. Dr Pepper Brownies Variations To change up these Dr Pepper brownies, consider these variation ideas: Mix-ins: Add chocolate chunks, white chocolate chips, chopped toasted nuts, marshmallows, chopped candy bars, or other favorite mix-ins for additional texture and flavor. Swirl: Swirl the brownies with dulce de leche, Nutella, or jam before baking for a sweet touch. Frosting: Top the cooled brownies with your favorite frosting, or drizzle with melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with flaky sea salt to enhance the flavor. Our Tips for the Best Dr Pepper Brownies For the best brownies, keep these tips in mind: Use good-quality chocolate: Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and texture.Don't overheat the chocolate: Microwave until the chocolate is mostly melted, then stir and let the residual heat melt it the rest of the way to prevent scorching. Line the pan: For even easier removal, grease and line the pan with parchment paper so you can lift the brownies out of the pan before cutting.Bake carefully: A wooden pick inserted into the brownies should still have some fudgy, moist crumbs when the brownies are ready. Avoid overbaking for the fudgiest texture.Cool before cutting: For clean slices, take time to cool completely before cutting (you can even chill them until firm if desired). Use a knife dipped into hot water for the cleanest edges. How To Store Dr Pepper Brownies There's nothing like having brownies on hand when a chocolate craving strikes. To store Dr Pepper brownies, transfer to an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to two days, refrigerate for up to five days, or freeze for up to three months. Bring to room temperature or warm in the microwave if desired before serving. More Decadent Brownie Recipes You'll Love If you've been making the same brownies for years, it might just be time to switch it up with these flavorful twists on the classic treat: Pecan Pie Brownies Peppermint Brownies Peanut Butter Brownies Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Mint Julep Brownies Caramel Brownies Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse. Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) Ingredients 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 cup light brown sugar 3 large eggs 1/4 cup Dr Pepper 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 tsp. instant coffee 1/3 cup cocoa powder 1/2 tsp. kosher salt Directions Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Melt chocolate: Add butter and chocolate chips to a microwave-safe mixing bowl and cook for 30 seconds, stir and microwave for another 30 seconds. Repeat if necessary. Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel Add remaining ingredients: Add brown sugar and eggs and mix until combined. Stir in Dr Pepper. Add flour, cocoa powder, instant coffee, vanilla extract and salt. Stir until combined. Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel Add batter to pan: Pour into a greased 9-inch square baking pan. Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel Bake: Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, let stand for 5 minutes in the pan and then transfer to a cooling rack. Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel Frequently Asked Questions Do Dr Pepper brownies taste like Dr Pepper? While the Dr Pepper adds a hint of extra sweetness and spice, along with additional moisture to these brownies, the taste is not noticeable. Can I use Diet Dr Pepper for these brownies? While you can use a diet version for this recipe, it may affect the texture and flavor of the brownies. How can you tell when brownies are ready? When the brownies are ready, the edges should be set, and a wooden pick inserted in the center should come out with moist fudgy bits (not wet batter). Rate It Print Additional reporting by Katie Rosenhouse Katie Rosenhouse Follow us Katie Rosenhouse is a pastry chef and food writer with over 15 years of experience in the culinary arts. She's worked as a pastry chef in some of the finest restaurants in New York City, as a culinary instructor, and as a recipe developer. learn more