Description
These Dr. Pepper Brownies offer a unique twist on traditional chocolate brownies by incorporating the rich, caramel-like flavors of Dr. Pepper soda. The soda is reduced to intensify the sweetness and depth, marrying perfectly with cocoa and chocolate chips for a moist, fudgy treat. Ideal for anyone looking to impress with a flavorful dessert that’s both familiar and intriguingly different.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup Dr. Pepper soda
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Optional
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan or a similar-sized pan to ensure easy removal of the brownies after baking.
- Reduce Dr. Pepper Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the Dr. Pepper soda and melted unsalted butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture starts to bubble and reduces by about half, approximately 10 minutes. This concentrates the flavors for a richer brownie base.
- Mix Sugars and Eggs: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, packed brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Slowly pour the reduced Dr. Pepper and butter mixture into the sugar and egg mixture, stirring continuously to incorporate and form a uniform batter.
- Sift and Add Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until everything is fully combined without overmixing.
- Add Chocolate Chips: If desired, fold in the chocolate chips to add an extra layer of richness and texture to the brownies.
- Transfer and Spread Batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and use a spatula to spread it out to the corners for uniform thickness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached, indicating perfect doneness.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan completely before cutting into 16 squares and serving. Cooling helps the brownies set and enhances their fudgy texture.
Notes
- Reducing the Dr. Pepper intensifies its flavor and prevents excess liquid in the batter, ensuring a moist but not soggy brownie.
- Greasing and lining the baking pan with parchment paper aids in easy removal and clean cuts.
- Do not overmix once the dry ingredients are added to prevent tough brownies.
- Chocolate chips are optional but recommended for an extra chocolate boost.
- Cool brownies completely before slicing for cleaner pieces and better texture.
