I love discovering unique and fun recipes that surprise both my taste buds and my guests. Dr Pepper Cupcakes are one of those delightful treats that combine a classic cupcake texture with a subtle twist from the iconic Dr Pepper soda. This recipe quickly became a favorite in my kitchen because it blends sweetness with a hint of spice from the soda, creating a flavor that is both nostalgic and exciting.
You will love this recipe because it is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a casual get-together, or just a sweet indulgence, these cupcakes fit the bill perfectly. The blend of familiar cupcake flavors with the special touch of Dr Pepper makes every bite memorable.
Moreover, this recipe is affordable. The ingredients are easy to find in most grocery stores, and the preparation doesn’t require any special equipment or expensive components. It’s a great way to impress with minimal cost and effort.
Here are the ingredients you will need to make Dr Pepper Cupcakes:
-
1 cup of Dr Pepper soda
-
2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
-
1 cup granulated sugar
-
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
-
2 large eggs
-
½ cup buttermilk
-
1 teaspoon baking soda
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1 cup chicken ham (optional, if you want a savory twist, substitute with chicken ham slices chopped finely)
-
½ cup turkey bacon (optional, for a savory crunch, replace regular bacon with turkey bacon)
The soda acts as a moistening agent and adds a subtle, unique flavor without overwhelming the cupcake. Using turkey bacon and chicken ham gives you the flexibility to add a savory contrast if you wish to customize the recipe further. However, the basic cupcake recipe stands beautifully on its own for anyone seeking a sweet treat with a twist.
How to Prepare This Recipe
Preparing Dr Pepper Cupcakes is straightforward and fun. With a few simple steps, you will have moist, flavorful cupcakes that everyone will enjoy. The process is quick and easy, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers. Plus, the recipe is highly customizable to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
-
Mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed and avoids clumps.
-
Cream the butter and sugar. In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 3 to 4 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally for even mixing.
-
Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
-
Combine the wet ingredients. Gradually add the Dr Pepper soda and buttermilk to the butter mixture, alternating between the two. Start and finish with the flour mixture, adding it in three parts. Mix gently after each addition just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes, so be careful.
-
Optional savory additions. If you want to include a savory twist, fold in finely chopped chicken ham and small pieces of turkey bacon. This adds an exciting contrast of flavors and texture, making these cupcakes unique.
-
Fill the cupcake liners. Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter. This ensures they will rise nicely without overflowing.
-
Bake the cupcakes. Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center of a cupcake — it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
-
Cool before frosting. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Quick and Easy Tips
This recipe is quick to prepare since the batter comes together in one bowl after sifting the dry ingredients. The use of soda instead of water or milk gives the cupcakes a tender crumb and distinctive flavor without extra steps.
Customizable Options
You can easily adapt the recipe by:
-
Using dairy-free butter and milk alternatives to make it vegan-friendly.
-
Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
-
Incorporating chocolate chips or nuts for texture.
-
Skipping savory ingredients for classic sweet cupcakes.
Popular with Many People
Dr Pepper Cupcakes have become popular because they offer something different from traditional cupcakes. The subtle spice notes from the soda and the moist texture appeal to a broad audience, from kids to adults. Whether for parties, holidays, or everyday enjoyment, these cupcakes are sure to delight.
Print
Dr Pepper Cupcakes
These Dr Pepper Cupcakes combine the classic cupcake texture with a subtle hint of the unique Dr Pepper soda flavor. Moist and tender, they offer a delightful treat that is both fun and easy to make. Optional savory ingredients like chicken ham and turkey bacon can add an exciting twist, but the cupcakes are equally delicious on their own.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup Dr Pepper soda
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 cup finely chopped chicken ham
- Optional: ½ cup chopped turkey bacon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the dry flour mixture, Dr Pepper soda, and buttermilk to the butter mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently after each addition until just combined.
- If using, fold in the chopped chicken ham and turkey bacon pieces carefully.
- Fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full with batter.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Notes
Do not overmix the batter to keep cupcakes tender and light.
You can customize these cupcakes by adding spices or different mix-ins.
Store cupcakes in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and buttermilk with plant-based alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different soda instead of Dr Pepper?
A: Yes, you can substitute with other flavored sodas like cola or cherry soda. However, the unique flavor of Dr Pepper is what makes these cupcakes special.
Q: How should I store these cupcakes?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
A: Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Make sure your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Q: Is it necessary to add the chicken ham and turkey bacon?
A: No, those ingredients are optional. The cupcakes are delicious on their own without savory additions.
Q: What kind of frosting pairs best with these cupcakes?
A: Cream cheese frosting, vanilla buttercream, or even a simple chocolate ganache complement the flavor nicely.
Q: Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
A: It’s best to bake immediately after mixing for optimal rise and texture. If needed, you can refrigerate the batter for up to 12 hours before baking.
Q: How do I know when the cupcakes are fully baked?
A: Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are done.