Salut și Dumnezeu să vă binecuvânteze!
Right now, I’m in Romania working with Red Page Ministries and FBC Levelland. We’re serving in some beautiful villages in the western part of the country – villages that still struggle to rise from the ravages of Communism. it’s such a beautiful country, and her people remind me of the shyest of children as they learn to trust again. My friend Sarah asked me what I’m missing – and honestly, there are only a few things that would make my time here more special: having my God-crafted family by my side (I miss them), the freedom to run along the rural roads (the dogs don’t understand the concept and therefore feel the need to fetch those who are running), and an ice-cold Diet Dr. Pepper. The rest of the world just doesn’t know what they’re missing. Seriously.
Thinking about Dr. Pepper got me reminiscing about this recipe. It’s incredible, and it’s one of my son’s favorites. I shared it with my friend Susie a few years ago, and I thought it needed to be celebrated again today. Now, I know something HORRIBLE has happened since I originally published this recipe – the Dublin Dr. Pepper plant closed and took with it the Imperial sugar-laden drink. But it’s OK. I promise. Take regular Dr. Pepper and cook it down a bit on the stove, and it makes a fine substitute. Now, go make some Dr. Pepper cupcakes and think of me. Because I’m thinking of you – and them. Bună ziua!
Now, I might not be a Texan by birth, but after spending summers here as a kid and living here more than two decades, I feel like one. And I certainly have a Texas-bred addiction. Dr Pepper.
And Dr Pepper cupcakes …
I remember as a little girl driving in the big old Cadillac for hours and hours to get to my grandparent’s farm in the tiny town of Jonesboro, Texas. And I remember what a treat it was to get Dr Pepper in Texas – because it was different than the Dr Pepper we had in Oklahoma. It was made with Imperial Sugar, and it had a rich dreamy flavor that was perfect on a hot summer day (or even good on a cold winter night, heated with a little slice of lemon).
Now as a grown-up, I’ve found the best way to serve that Texas-born loveliness. Dr Pepper cupcakes. The frosting is yummy and not too rich, and the cake is a light and flavor-packed chocolate. There are several recipes out there, but this by far is my favorite one! I’ve provided two different ways to top the cupcakes too – a light and spreadable frosting and a richer pourable icing. Try them both!
Dr Pepper Cupcakes
Makes 24 regular cupcakes or one 9″ X 13″ sheet cake
Cupcakes
1 cup butter
1 cup Dr Pepper
2 eggs * 1/2 cup buttermilk
1 t. baking soda
1 t. Mexican vanilla
4 T. cocoa
2 t. cinnamon
2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Heat butter and Dr Pepper in a saucepan on medium heat until the butter is melted and the two are blended. Add cocoa, cinnamon, flour and sugar to the butter mixture. In a separate bowl, mix eggs, buttermilk, baking soda, and vanilla together until well-blended and add to mixture. Pour into prepared cupcake tins (with liners) and bake for 15-20 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool before frosting. NOTE: this batter is thinner than regular cake batters.
Frosting
1/4 c. butter
1/2 cup Dr Pepper
4 T. cocoa
3-4 cups powdered sugar
1 t. Mexican vanilla OR 1 t. vanilla and 1/2 t. cinnamon
For more pourable “satin” goodness, add 2 T. heavy cream
Heat butter and Dr Pepper in a saucepan until butter is melted and the two are well-blended. If making spreadable frosting, remove from heat and beat in sugar with an electric mixer. Spread icing on cupcakes using a spatula or the back of a spoon. If making pourable icing, stir in remaining ingredients and keep stirring until well-blended and satiny. Spoon warm icing over cupcakes and allow to set. If desired, garnish with chopped pecans or milk chocolate.
Enjoy my addiction – and if you have a moment, please pray for the precious people of Romania. They long to be loved and hunger to be truly free. If you’d like to know more about the country and why I’m here, visit Red Page Ministries.
This yummy recipe was posted originally on Susie Davis’ site. Visit there for great inspiration.