Dr Pepper Cupcakes

Have a Dr Pepper fan in your life? Then they’re going to love these! Rich and moist chocolate buttermilk cupcakes with a hint of their favorite fizzy soda.

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About Dr Pepper Cupcakes

If you’ve been searching for a new flavor to add to your cupcake game, then look no further than iconic Dr Pepper.

With a deep, bold flavor and hints of allspice, mint, and faint licorice, it’s no wonder that Dr Pepper has a devoted fanbase. And with these Dr Pepper cupcakes, now they can have a dessert infused with their favorite beverage, too.

These cupcakes have a mild Dr Pepper taste, but still very much there – and it’s all wrapped up in delicious chocolate. It’s hard to go wrong with chocolate buttermilk cupcakes, so it’s hard not to like them even if you’re not a Dr Pepper fan.

What’s in Dr Pepper cupcakes?

Before you can bake up a batch of these Dr Pepper-infused cupcakes, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure for the cupcakes, providing a base for the batter.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Adds a rich chocolate flavor to the cupcakes.
• Baking Soda: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cupcakes rise.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to both the cupcakes and frosting.
• Granulated Sugar & Light Brown Sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes; brown sugar adds a slight molasses flavor.
• Eggs: Serve as a binding agent, giving structure to the cupcakes.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cupcakes.
• Dr Pepper: Adds a unique, slightly spicy and sweet flavor to both the cupcakes and frosting.
• Buttermilk: Contributes to the moistness and tender texture of the cupcakes.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors in the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and a smooth texture for the frosting.

What Does Buttermilk Do for Cupcakes?

Buttermilk is a fantastic addition to cupcake recipes, including these Dr Pepper cupcakes. It brings a slightly tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the cupcakes. It also interacts with the baking soda, helping to create a tender, fine crumb and a moist texture.

Making Your Own Buttermilk

• Lemon Juice Method: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to a 1-cup measuring cup. Fill the rest with whole milk. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes.
• Vinegar Method: Mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with enough whole milk to make 1 cup. Let it stand for 5 minutes.

Possible Substitutions

• Yogurt: Mix equal parts of yogurt with milk.
• Sour Cream: Thin sour cream with a little milk or water to buttermilk consistency.
• Milk + Cream of Tartar: Use 1 3/4 teaspoons of cream of tartar to 1 cup of milk.

These homemade buttermilk alternatives and substitutions are great for when you’re in a pinch and don’t have buttermilk on hand. Each brings its own unique qualities to your cupcakes, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite!

How much Dr Pepper should you add to the frosting?

In my recipe testing, I could safely add up to 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of Dr Pepper and still have rich, creamy buttercream frosting. When I got close to 3/4 cup, the frosting began to separate due to too much liquid. For best results, balance your chosen flavor profile to be as close to 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup as you can.

The frosting split! Can it be fixed?

In recipe testing, there were some instances where adding too much Dr Pepper caused the frosting to appear separated or split.

But fear not! The frosting is not ruined. There are a couple of things you can do to save it:

• Option 1: Since buttercream frosting is a balanced emulsion of fats and liquids, it could be that the Dr Pepper introduced too much liquid for the frosting to handle. Blending in a tablespoon or two of vegetable shortening should help the frosting firm up again.
• Option 2: Refrigerate the frosting for 15-20 minutes, then try mixing again.
• Option 3: If you haven’t been already, use a whisk attachment and whip the frosting on high for a few minutes. Keep in mind that this will force more air into the frosting (which is typically not the goal with buttercream) but it should cause the frosting to fluff up and smooth out. However, using this could also impact how long the frosting keeps its shape, as it may deflate over time. It’s best to only use this method only if you plan to serve the cupcakes within the next few hours.

If none of the above options helped whip life back into your frosting, please check out this article for more suggestions: How to fix separated buttercream.

Best Piping Tips for Cupcake Decorating

Standard piping tips for cupcakes are essential for achieving a variety of decorative designs. Here are some popular ones:

• Round Tip (#1A, #2A): Optimal for basic yet stylish designs such as specks and streaks, and for smooth, round swirls or bead-like tops.
• Star Tip (1M, 2D): Perfect for the signature cupcake twirl and small rosettes. The 1M tip is renowned for its grand, pronounced swirls.
• Closed Star Tip (#847, #848): Suitable for crafting textured spirals or rosettes, and ideal for elaborate floral and edging designs on cupcakes.
• Open Star Tip (#32, #21): Best for easygoing swirls, rosettes, star figures, and zigzag patterns, contributing a lighthearted touch to cupcakes.
• French Star Tip (#865): Excellent for classy and complex designs, also for crafting distinctive textures and elaborate patterns.
• Petal Tip (#104, #125): Superb for creating leafy designs, ruffles, swags, and ribbon-like effects, adding to the cupcakes’ visual charm.

Can you make these cupcakes in advance?

Certainly! For best results, I recommend making them no further than 24 hours in advance.

How should these cupcakes be stored?

These cupcakes have buttercream frosting, and this is what determines the best way to store them.

If you plan on eating the cupcakes within 24-48 hours, it’s perfectly okay to store them at room temperature. However, keep in mind that the frosting may “settle” some during this time due to the liquid from the Dr pepper.

If you’d like to keep the cupcakes fresh for longer than two days, store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that the frosting will firm up once chilled, so if you’d prefer a softer texture, allow time for the frosting to soften at room temperature (typically one hour will do).

How long do Dr pepper cupcakes last?

When stored in a sealed container on the counter, cupcakes will remain good for one or two days. If stored in the refrigerator, cupcakes can last anywhere from four to six days.

Can you freeze Dr Pepper cupcakes?

Yes, you totally can! However, it’s best to freeze these cupcakes before they have been decorated. If you’ve already decorated the cupcakes, I highly recommend enjoying them while they’re still freshly made.

To freeze these cupcakes

• Bake cupcakes per recipe instructions, then allow to cool completely.
• Wrap cupcakes in plastic wrap. You can either wrap them individually or arrange the cupcakes in a group (single layer) and wrap them together. Note: If you have already decorated the cupcakes and really want to freeze them, chill the cupcakes in the refrigerator until the frosting feels solid to a gentle touch (doesn’t smear) and gently wrap the cupcakes in plastic.
• Place wrapped cupcakes in a freezer bag or a storage container with a sealable lid.
• Cupcakes can be frozen for up to three months.

Notes & tips for Dr Pepper cupcakes

• Make sure you have enough muffin tins to make 22 cupcakes (the total yield of this recipe unless the serving size is adjusted in the recipe card below).
• Need cupcake liners? I used these: Foil Cupcake Liners.
• For best results, mix this recipe using a stand mixer fitted with a flat edge or paddle attachment. These are designed to mix ingredients evenly while minimizing air incorporation, ensuring a denser and more consistent texture. While a whisk attachment is also an option, careful attention is needed to avoid overmixing, which could lead to a spongy texture. For more insights on selecting the right mixer attachments, refer to our guide: Which Beater Do I Use?

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How to make Dr Pepper cupcakes

This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. If you’re looking for the full recipe measurements and instructions, scroll down to Recipe Details.

Step 1 – Kick things off by whisking together the flour, baking soda, and cocoa powder. Set this bowl aside for now.

Step 2 – Using a stand mixer (or hand mixer + large bowl) whip together the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla.

Step 3 – Mix in the dry ingredients, Dr Pepper, and buttermilk until a thick and fluffy batter forms.

Step 4 – Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners, then fill each cavity about 2/3 of the way full with batter.

Step 5 – Bake!

Step 6 – While the cupcakes bake and cool, prepare the frosting by using a mixer to whip together the butter, salt, and powdered sugar. Slowly blend in the Dr Pepper, making sure the consistency of the frosting stays nice and fluffy.

Step 7 – Place the Dr Pepper buttercream frosting in a pastry bag with a piping tip of your choice and decorate the cooled cupcakes. Top each cupcake with a straw, if desired.

Step 8 – Serve and enjoy!