Dr Pepper Brownies
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These Dr Pepper brownies use a simple box mix and a splash of soda to add subtle flavor and moisture. The result is a soft, rich base topped with a smooth chocolate frosting that ties everything together.
Frosted Dr Pepper Brownies with Box Mix
Dressing up a boxed brownie is one of my favorite kitchen shortcuts. I’ve made dozens of elevated brownie variations over time, including my Buckeye Brownies, which are still a favorite. I almost always use Duncan Hines fudge brownie mix because it gives a reliable base that works well with added flavors.
I’ve also been on a Dr Pepper kick lately. After the success of my Chocolate Dr Pepper Cake, I started testing it in more desserts, like my No-Bake Dr Pepper Pie and Chocolate Dr Pepper Cookies. These Dr Pepper brownies have a subtle soda flavor in the base, but it really comes through in the chocolate frosting, adding a light depth that pairs well with the rich chocolate.
Ingredients
Brownies
- Fudge brownie mix – Forms the base of the brownies and provides the chocolate flavor and structure.
- Eggs – Help bind the batter and give the brownies structure.
- Vegetable or canola oil – Adds moisture and keeps the brownies soft.
- Dr Pepper – Replaces part of the liquid and adds a subtle soda flavor.
Frosting
- Unsalted butter – Creates a smooth, rich base for the frosting.
- Dr Pepper – Adds flavor and helps thin the frosting to a spreadable consistency.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – Brings a deep chocolate flavor to the frosting.
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- Mini chocolate chips (optional) – Add a bit of texture and extra chocolate on top.
How to Make the Frosted Brownies
- Prep – Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix the batter – In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix, eggs, oil, and Dr Pepper. Stir until fully combined and smooth.
- Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake according to the package directions, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Start the frosting – As soon as the brownies come out of the oven, begin the frosting. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add Dr Pepper and cocoa – Stir in the Dr Pepper, cocoa powder, and salt until smooth and combined.
- Finish the frosting – Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Frost the brownies – Pour the warm frosting over the warm brownies and spread evenly across the top.
- Add chocolate chips – Wait about 5 minutes, then sprinkle the mini chocolate chips over the frosting so they hold their shape.
Variations and Substitutions
- Try a different soda – Swap Dr Pepper with cola, root beer, or cherry soda for a slightly different flavor profile while keeping the same texture.
- Make it without chocolate chips – Skip the mini chocolate chips if you prefer a smooth frosting without added texture.
- Add sprinkles or chopped nuts – Sprinkle over the frosting for added texture and a different finish.
- Make them unfrosted – Skip the frosting entirely for a simpler brownie with a lighter Dr Pepper flavor.
Tips for Success
- Watch the bake time closely – Slightly underbaking helps keep the brownies moist.
- Frost while warm – Pouring the frosting over warm brownies helps it spread easily and set smoothly.
- Let the frosting set before slicing – This helps create clean cuts and keeps the layers intact.
- Wait before adding chocolate chips – Giving the frosting a few minutes to cool keeps the chips from melting into it.
- Chill before slicing if needed – Refrigerating the brownies helps create cleaner, sharper slices.
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More Boxed Brownie Upgrades
Easy ways to take a simple brownie mix and turn it into something a little more special.
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Dr Pepper Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 (18-ounce) box Duncan Hines fudge brownie mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1/3 cup Dr Pepper
Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup Dr Pepper
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the brownie mix, eggs, oil, and Dr Pepper until smooth.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake according to package directions, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- As soon as brownies come out of the oven, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in Dr Pepper, cocoa powder, and salt until smooth.
- Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until fully combined.
- Pour frosting over warm brownies and spread evenly.
- Wait 5 minutes, then sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the top.
- Let brownies cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; just let them sit at room temperature for a bit before serving for the best texture.
- You can also freeze the brownies for up to 2 months. Wrap individual slices or the whole batch tightly, then thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
- The brownies can be made in a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust the bake time accordingly.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated based on automated calculations and should be considered as an approximation. These estimates are provided as a courtesy. Please use your own brand’s nutritional values to verify accuracy.