Dr. Pepper Fudge Brownie Squares

This simple recipe, with an unexpected ingredient,
produces delectable, moist & flavorful fudge brownie squares!

Brownie Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

2 cups sugar

4 eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup Dr. Pepper cola (regular or cherry)*

1 cup all purpose flour

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

Glaze Ingredients:

1/4 cup Dr Pepper cola (regular or cherry)*

1/4 cup unsalted butter

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

45 candied cherry halves, optional garnish**

Method:

Preheat oven to 350*. Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.

Melt the butter, over medium heat, in a medium size saucepan. Remove from the heat and mix in the sugar until both ingredients are thoroughly combined.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together  the eggs and vanilla. Add 1/3 of the butter and sugar mixture to the eggs. Whisk to blend well. Repeat until all of the butter & sugar is mixed in and smooth. Stir in the cola.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt. Gradually mix the sifted the ingredients into the mixture in the large bowl, stirring just until combined.

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center of the brownies comes out with only a few  crumbs attached. Remove from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack. Allow to cool.

After the top of the cooked brownies is cool to the touch, prepare the glaze.  Add the cola, butter and cocoa to a medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.

Remove from the heat and whisk in the powdered sugar. Stir until the ingredients are well blended. Pour over the cooled brownies and quickly spread evenly with a rubber or silicone bowl scraper. If desired, place the cherry halves into the glaze, arranged in eight or nine rows of five. 

Refrigerate for 30 minutes or longer. Lift the brownies and parchment paper from the baking pan. Use a sharp, non-serrated, knife to cut into 40 to 45 portions. Store in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, with a sheet of waxed paper between layers of brownies. Makes 40 to 45 servings.

*I used Dr. Pepper Zero.

**I had some candied cherry halves in the refrigerator that I used to top these fudgy brownie squares. Well drained maracchino cherry halves would also work, but these brownies are delicious without any garnish at all.

Notes: I think these brownies are best served chilled. They are simple to make and the Dr. Pepper is a fun ingredient that adds a subtle flavor. 🩷