Dr. Pepper Cupcakes are made with the iconic Dr. Pepper soda, which adds a subtle sweetness and unique flavor to the batter. The results of this cake mix cupcake recipe is a moist and flavorful dessert that is sure to impress.
Whether you’re a fan of Dr. Pepper or just looking to try something new, this easy cupcake recipe is a fun and easy dessert option. These cake mix cupcakes are perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a sweet treat to enjoy at home. Give Dr. Pepper Cupcakes a try and see just how delicious they are!
Cupcakes with Cake Mix and Soda
In the early 20th century, Dr Pepper became a popular drink across the United States, and the company began to expand its operations. In 1922, the Dr Pepper Company was formed, and the drink was marketed as a refreshing alternative to traditional colas. Today, Dr Pepper is one of the most popular soft drinks in the United States, with a loyal following of fans who enjoy its unique taste and refreshing qualities.
When making Dr. Pepper cupcakes, the unique ingredient is, of course, Dr. Pepper soda. It is important to use the soft drink in the correct proportions to ensure the cupcakes have the right flavor and texture. We simplify this dessert recipe by using a boxed cake mix base, then add a few key ingredients to create a delightful dessert that is packed with tons of great flavor. Making these cupcakes is a fun and creative way to satisfy a sweet tooth!
Why you should make this Cupcake recipe!
- Unconventional Flavor: Dr. Pepper is not a typical ingredient in cupcake recipes, but it adds a subtle sweetness and complexity that sets these cupcakes apart from the rest. The soda also helps keep the cupcakes moist and tender, making them a crowd-pleaser.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. You don’t need any special skills or equipment to make these cupcakes, so they’re perfect for novice bakers or those short on time.
- Perfect for Parties: These cupcakes are a fun and unexpected addition to any celebration. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, baby shower, or office potluck, Dr. Pepper cupcakes are sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
Dr. Pepper Cupcakes Ingredients
Cake Mix: You need one 15.25-ounce size box of Duncan Hines Perfectly Moist French Vanilla cake mix.
Cocoa powder: Use 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to make the cupcakes rich in flavors.
Oil: Use ⅓ cup of canola oil to give these cupcakes the fats needed to be fluffy and moist.
Eggs: Adding 3 large eggs create the right texture and help bind the ingredients together well.
Soda: You will need 1 ½ cups of Dr. Pepper soda to moisten the cake batter, giving it that wonderful taste we crave. This is a 12 ounce bottle, you can buy one in the cold section of any grocery store or market. Grab 2 bottles as you need more for the frosting too.
Vanilla extract: Enhance the flavors in these cupcakes by adding 1 tsp. of vanilla extract.
Buttercream frosting
Butter: You need ½ cup of room temperature butter to make the frosting rich and creamy. We used salted butter, but you can use unsalted butter and just add in a pinch of salt.
Powdered sugar: Use 4 cups of powdered sugar to make the frosting smooth and sweet.
Vanilla extract: Add in 1 tsp. of vanilla extract to enhance all the wonderful flavors nicely.
Soda: Use 4 TBSP of Dr. Pepper soda to get it to the right spreadable consistency and taste even more amazing!
How to make Dr. Pepper cupcakes
Prep
Get started by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F.
Then, line a cupcake pan with paper (or silicon) liners and then set it aside.
Cupcake Batter
Next, in a large bowl, mix together the boxed cake mix and cocoa powder until combined.
Then, add in the oil and eggs, adding the eggs one at a time and mixing well between each addition.
Next, add the Dr. Pepper soda and the vanilla extract, stir again well to combine.
Bake
Proceed to fill your muffin cups about ⅔ of the way full.
Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 16-18 minutes or until a toothpick can be inserted and come out clean.
Be sure to allow the cupcakes to cool completely, on a wire rack, while you prepare the buttercream frosting.
Buttercream Frosting
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter and powdered sugar and mix on low speed until combined.
After that, add in the vanilla extract and the Dr. Pepper and mix again until fully mixed.
Assembly
Proceed to scoop the buttercream into a piping bag fitted with a star tip nozzle. If you have kids helping you to pipe the frosting, just place ½ cup of frosting into a bag and tie it closed with an elastic band. Help them to place their hands on the bag by placing the dominant hand closer to the piping tip and the other in the back near the elastic band.
Pipe the frosting over the top of the cupcakes. For added flare, garnish the tops of the cupcakes with a 4-inch red striped paper straw.
Serve and enjoy!
What to pair with Dr. Pepper Cupcakes
These cupcakes would be perfect for pairing along with some cherries as a garnish on top (similar to our Cherry Cola Cupcakes) but they are even better when served with a tall cold glass of our favorite Dirty Cherry Dr Pepper Float. The cold drink is especially great on a hot summer’s day. But why stop there? Serve up a nice Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Roast before your bite-sized desserts and you are in for a full course meal that is sure to delight!
Dr. Pepper Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 15.25 oz Duncan Hines Perfectly Moist French Vanilla cake mix
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup canola oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups Dr.Pepper soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Buttercream frosting
- ½ cup butter room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 TBSP Dr. Pepper soda
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a cupcake pan with paper wrappers or silicon cups.
- Batter: In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix and cocoa powder until combined.
- Then, add in the oil and eggs, adding the eggs one at a time and mixing well between each addition.
- Next, add the Dr. Pepper soda and the vanilla extract, stir well to combine.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the muffin pans to about ⅔ full
- Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 16-18 minutes or until a toothpick can be inserted and come out clean.
- Be sure to allow the cupcakes to cool completely, on a wire rack, while you prepare the butter cream frosting.
- Buttercream Frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter and powdered sugar and mix until combined.
- Next, add in the vanilla extract and the Dr. Pepper and mix again until fully distributed.
- Assembly: Scoop the buttercream into a piping bag with a star tip nozzle. Pipe on all the cupcakes, once they are all cooled.
- Garnish with red sprinkles and a red striped paper straw that's been cut into 4" pieces. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
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What is the secret to super moist cupcakes?
The secret to super moist cupcakes is to add a small amount of sour cream or yogurt to the batter. This helps to keep the cupcakes moist and tender even after they have been baked. Another tip is to not over bake the cupcakes. Over baking can cause the cupcakes to become dry and crumbly.
How long do cupcakes last before going bad?
Cupcakes can last up to 3-4 days if stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature. However, they are best eaten within the first two days for optimal freshness. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months. Before serving, bring them back to room temperature and enjoy!
Why didn’t my cupcakes rise?
We have noticed that when making cupcakes, whether it be from scratch or from a boxed mix, that overmixing will result in a less fluffy cupcake. When you overmix the batter, you are releasing the air from the mixture, which results in denser cupcakes.
Can I use a different soda for these cupcakes?
Yes, you can use any soda that you prefer. This includes root beer, sprite, coke, or even diet Dr. pepper cupcakes would be good too! Try out a variety of flavors and see which one you love best.
How does soda cake work?
The carbonation from the soda helps to activate the leavening agents in the cake mix (the baking powder and baking soda) which results in a chemical reaction that produces a tall, fluffy, and tender cake we can’t wait to sink our teeth into.
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Dr Pepper Cupcakes have a rich and unique flavor that is sure to impress anyone who tries them. From the homemade Dr. Pepper infused buttercream frosting, to the doctored cake mix cupcakes underneath, every bite of these cake mix cupcakes will have you swooning.
Emma T says
These sound great and so easy. I like the way you can just change up the flavours depending on the fizzy drink you use
Nicole says
They’re pretty versatile, huh? 😉