1. Prepare the Brownie Batter
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Melt Butter and Dr. Pepper:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the Dr. Pepper soda and bring the mixture to a light simmer. Remove from heat and whisk in the cocoa powder until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Pour the slightly cooled Dr. Pepper mixture into the sugar and egg mixture, stirring until combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Add Sour Cream:
- Fold in the sour cream, mixing until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
2. Bake the Brownies
- Pour Batter:
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the brownies to remain fudgy.
- Cool:
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan on a wire rack.
3. Prepare the Dr. Pepper Glaze (Optional)
- Make the Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine the Dr. Pepper soda, cocoa powder, and butter. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Powdered Sugar:
- Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the Brownies:
- Pour the warm glaze over the cooled brownies, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Set the Glaze:
- Allow the glaze to set before cutting the brownies into squares.
4. Serve
- Cut and Serve:
- Once the glaze has set, cut the brownies into squares. Serve them as they are or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Tips for Success
- Sift Cocoa Powder: To avoid lumps, sift the cocoa powder before mixing it into the Dr. Pepper and butter mixture.
- Cool Before Glazing: Ensure the brownies are completely cool before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting into the brownies.
- Experiment with Flavors: For a deeper cherry flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cherry extract to the batter.
These Dr. Pepper Brownies are perfect for anyone who loves a unique dessert with a touch of soda flavor. The combination of the rich chocolate and the subtle notes of Dr. Pepper creates a one-of-a-kind treat that will impress any crowd. Enjoy your fudgy, flavorful brownies!