Chocolate lovers will agree that brownies are the ultimate treat. Whether you like ’em chewy, cakey, fudgy, or even layered with peanut butter, you can’t go wrong with brownies for dessert.
Some people even reach for a box of brownie mix when those last-minute bake sales ultimately pop up—and there’s nothing wrong with that! The trick is to doctor them up (literally, this time ) with a can of Dr Pepper!
It’s just another recipe hack we’ve learned from TikTok recently—and it happens to be one that Ladd Drummond can get behind! Yes, the Marlboro Man’s favorite soda is the key to making boxed brownies even better. Although, you can probably use it for homemade brownies as well. Either way, it’s worth a try! Here’s how it works:
All you need to do is make the brownies according to the box instructions and add 1/4 cup Dr Pepper to the batter.
TikTok creators like, @jordan_the_stallion8, have been testing out the trend and giving it some pretty amazing reviews. In his video which has reached over 12 million people to date, Jordan takes on a little late-night baking session.
He combines his box of brownie mix with two eggs, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, chocolate chips, and 1/4 cup Dr Pepper. He bakes it in a greased baking pan at 350°F for about 20 minutes. The result?
“These brownies with milk this late at night,” he says. “This is the best thing I’ve ever tasted in my life. Please try it, it’s so good.”
Dr Pepper has been around for 138 years, mostly has a popular beverage, but it’s also been used in recipes as a great way to add flavor and moisture. Just one taste of Ree Drummond’s Dr Pepper Cupcakes and you can see why. It’s also been used in savory recipes like Spicy Dr Pepper Shredded Pork and Dr Pepper Ribs. But let’s get back to the sweet stuff!
When baking recipes like brownies or even chocolate cake, adding bubbly soda (whether it’s Coca-Cola or Dr Pepper) will give the baked goods a light and moist texture. It also adds a subtle hint of flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate. On TikTok, people have been getting creative by using different Dr Pepper flavors with their brownies (think: cherry vanilla).
The trend proves once again why Dr Pepper is our favorite soda! Whether you choose to wash the brownies down with a glass of milk or a Dr Pepper is up to you!
Make Your Own Dr Pepper Brownies
Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Brownie Mix
The Pioneer Woman Ceramic Batter Mixing Bowl
The Pioneer Woman 8-Inch Nonstick Square Pan
Kara Zauberman is the Senior Editor of Content Strategy at The Pioneer Woman, covering stories ranging from food, lifestyle, news, and more. When she’s not writing and editing, you can find her seeking out new restaurants or cooking for friends and family.
