Dr Pepper® Cherry Coconut Brownies: Dr Pepper Cherry Coconut Brownie Recipe

My Soda Pop Secret

I have a little secret for better brownies. I use soda pop! My grandson told me to try it years ago. I still laugh at that.

You replace the oil and water with Cherry Dr Pepper. It makes the batter so shiny. The cherry flavor bakes right in. Doesn’t that sound fun?

Why This Little Swap Matters

This matters because it’s easy. You probably have soda in the fridge. No need for extra oil. The soda adds its own sweetness.

It also makes baking feel playful. Food should be fun, not fussy. That’s my rule. What’s your favorite soda to cook with? I’d love to know.

Let’s Make Them Together

First, stir the brownie mix with the Cherry Dr Pepper. Add one egg white. Mix it until it’s smooth. Then, fold in the shredded coconut.

Pour it into your pan. The smell is already amazing. Bake it like the box says. When it comes out, sprinkle more coconut on top. *Fun fact: The coconut toasts a bit from the warm brownies. It tastes like a tiny vacation.*

The Coconut Surprise

The coconut is the best part. It adds a chewy little bite. Every piece has a bit of tropical flavor. It pairs so well with the cherry.

This matters because texture is important. A good treat should be soft, chewy, and a bit crunchy. Do you prefer nuts or coconut in your brownies? Tell me your pick.

Waiting is the Hard Part

You must let them cool completely. I know it’s hard. The smell fills the whole kitchen. But waiting gives you clean slices.

It’s a good lesson. The best things are worth a small wait. Then you get a perfect, fudgy square. Will you share your batch or keep them all? I’m always curious.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
brownie mix	1 box
cherry Dr Pepper	12 ounces	room temperature
egg white	1
shredded coconut	1/4 cup	for the batter
shredded coconut	for topping	as desired

My Cherry Cola Brownie Surprise

Hello, dear! Let’s make something fun. I was making brownies for my grandson last week. He loves cherry soda. I thought, why not bake with it? The result was these fudgy, coconutty treats. They taste like a party in a pan. I still laugh at that kitchen experiment. Doesn’t that smell amazing already?

You just need a simple box mix. The cherry Dr Pepper does something magical. It makes the brownies so moist and gives a little fruity hint. The coconut is like finding a sweet, chewy treasure. Let’s get your hands dusty. Here is exactly what we will do.

• Step 1: First, heat your oven to 325 degrees. Get out your favorite glass baking dish. A 9×9 inch one is perfect. Give it a quick spray with cooking spray. This makes sure our brownies don’t stick. I learned that the hard way once! (My hard-learned tip: Use room temperature soda. It mixes in much smoother.)
• Step 2: Now, grab a big mixing bowl. Pour in the brownie mix. Add the whole can of cherry Dr Pepper. Drop in one egg white too. Stir it all together until it’s just combined. You’ll see little bubbles from the soda. That’s the fun part! It means our brownies will be light.
• Step 3: Here comes the coconut. Sprinkle in that quarter cup. Fold it in gently with your spoon. You want it spread all through the batter. Think of it like tucking in little flakes of snow. Now, pour your batter into the prepared dish. Spread it out nice and even.
• Step 4: Time to bake! Slide the dish into your warm oven. Let it bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Your kitchen will smell wonderful. Do you know the best test for doneness? A toothpick poked in the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. What’s your favorite smell from the oven? Share below!
• Step 5: Take the pan out carefully. It’s hot! Now, sprinkle more coconut right over the top. This toasts lightly and looks so pretty. The hardest part is next. You must let the brownies cool completely. I know, it’s tough to wait. But it gives them time to set up for perfect squares.

Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes (plus cooling)
Yield: 9 brownies
Category: Dessert, Snack

Three Tasty Twists to Try

This recipe is like a good friend. It’s happy to change its outfit! Here are some playful ideas for next time. They are all so simple.

• Tropical Twist: Add a handful of chopped macadamia nuts with the coconut. It tastes like a beach vacation.
• Chocolate Cherry Bliss: Fold in a half cup of dark chocolate chips. The extra chocolate makes it so rich.
• Birthday Party Style: Skip the coconut. Mix in rainbow sprinkles instead! It’s instantly festive and colorful.

Which one would you try first? Comment below! I love hearing your clever ideas.

Serving Them Up Sweet

These brownies are fantastic all on their own. But let’s talk about making them extra special. For a real treat, place a warm square in a bowl. Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold and hot mix is divine. You could also add a dollop of whipped cream. A fresh cherry on top makes it picture-perfect.

What to drink? A cold glass of milk is always my first choice. It’s the classic partner for brownies. For the grown-ups, a little glass of cream sherry is lovely. It tastes like roasted nuts and goes so well with chocolate. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Brownies Fresh and Fabulous

Let’s talk about keeping these treats tasty. Cool them completely first. Then, cover the dish tightly with foil. They will stay good on the counter for three days. For longer storage, the freezer is your friend.

Cut the brownies into squares. Wrap each one in plastic wrap. Pop them into a freezer bag. They will keep for three months. Thaw a square at room temperature when you want one.

I once froze a whole pan for my grandson’s visit. He was so happy to find them! Storing food well means less waste. It also means a sweet surprise is always ready. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Brownie Bumps

Even grandmas have kitchen hiccups. First, if your brownies are too cakey, you over-mixed. Just stir until the ingredients are combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine.

Second, if the coconut on top burns, it went on too soon. I remember when I did that! Always add it after baking. The heat from the pan will toast it gently.

Third, if they seem underdone, use the toothpick test. A few moist crumbs are good. A wet batter means more time. Getting these steps right builds your confidence. It also makes the flavor just perfect. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Brownie Questions, Answered

Q: Can I make these gluten-free? A: Yes! Just use a gluten-free brownie mix. Check that your other ingredients are gluten-free too.

Q: Can I make them ahead? A: Absolutely. Bake them a day before you need them. They taste even better the next day.

Q: What if I don’t have cherry Dr Pepper? A: Regular Dr Pepper works great. You could also use a cherry cola. Fun fact: The original Dr Pepper recipe had 23 flavors!

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: You can. Use a 9×13 inch pan. Just watch the baking time. It may need a few more minutes.

Q: Any optional tips? A: Try adding a handful of dark chocolate chips. It makes them extra rich and gooey. Which tip will you try first?

Bake, Share, and Enjoy

I hope you love making these fun brownies. They are a little taste of my kitchen. I would love to see your creations. Sharing food is how we share joy.

Please show me your finished pan. Or tell me about your own family twist. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! You can find me at @AnnasCozyKitchen. I can’t wait to see.

Happy cooking!
—Anna Whitmore.