Dr. Pepper Ice Cream Recipe

Okay, let’s talk about a game-changing treat: Dr. Pepper Ice Cream! If you’ve ever had a craving for something sweet, creamy, and just a little bit daring, this is your answer. It’s like all the best flavors of your favorite soda turned into a smooth, luscious ice cream. Whether you’re a Dr. Pepper fan or just someone looking to try something new and exciting, this ice cream is sure to surprise and delight your taste buds.

Trust me, you’re going to love the combination of the soda’s unique flavor with the creamy richness of the ice cream. It’s a fun twist on a classic dessert that’ll make you feel like you’re living on the edge of indulgence.

Why You’ll Love Dr. Pepper Ice Cream

Unique Flavor
If you’re a Dr. Pepper lover, this ice cream is a total dream come true. The sweet and slightly spicy soda flavor is infused perfectly into the creamy base, giving you that signature Dr. Pepper taste you can’t get enough of—only in ice cream form!

Cool and Creamy
It’s cold, it’s creamy, and it’s everything you want in a dessert. The smooth texture of the ice cream pairs perfectly with the bold, fizzy flavor of Dr. Pepper, making every spoonful feel like a little taste of heaven.

Easy to Make
This recipe is super simple to make, and you don’t need a bunch of fancy ingredients or equipment. Just a few steps and you’ll have a batch of Dr. Pepper Ice Cream ready to go!

Perfect for Summer
Whether it’s a hot day, a BBQ with friends, or just a Sunday afternoon, this ice cream is a great treat to enjoy any time. The mix of nostalgia from the soda and the joy of ice cream makes it a perfect pairing for summer fun.

Impress Your Friends
Serving Dr. Pepper Ice Cream at your next get-together? Prepare to be the star of the party. People won’t believe how creative (and delicious) this flavor is. It’s the perfect conversation starter!

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Ingredients in Dr. Pepper Ice Cream

This ice cream is made with some simple ingredients, but when combined, they create something totally out-of-the-ordinary:

Dr. Pepper Soda
This is where the magic happens! The bold flavor of Dr. Pepper gives this ice cream its unique taste. You don’t need much—just enough to infuse the ice cream base with that signature flavor.

Heavy Cream
Heavy cream is what makes the ice cream rich, smooth, and creamy. It’s the foundation of any good ice cream, and it’s going to make this treat oh-so-satisfying.

Whole Milk
Whole milk adds a little extra creaminess and helps balance out the richness of the heavy cream. It keeps the texture soft and scoopable.

Sugar
A little sugar is essential to sweeten things up and bring out the flavors of the Dr. Pepper. You can adjust the sugar based on your sweetness preference, but remember, the Dr. Pepper itself is already sweet!

Vanilla Extract
A splash of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor and adds a subtle depth to the ice cream. It’s a simple ingredient, but it makes all the difference.

Salt
Just a pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and brings out the flavors even more.

Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions

Make the Ice Cream Base

In a large bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. Whisk until the sugar is completely dissolved, making sure there are no lumps. Add in the vanilla extract and salt, and mix well.

Add the Dr. Pepper

Pour in the Dr. Pepper soda and stir gently to combine. The soda will give the ice cream its distinctive flavor, so be careful not to overmix. You want just the right amount of fizz and flavor to shine through.

Chill the Mixture

Cover the mixture with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps the flavors meld together and ensures a smoother, creamier texture when you churn it.

Churn the Ice Cream

Once your mixture is chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The ice cream should thicken and freeze into a creamy, soft consistency. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes, depending on your machine.

Freeze to Set

Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container, and smooth the top. Freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours, or until it’s firm and scoopable.

Serve and Enjoy

Once your Dr. Pepper Ice Cream is ready, scoop it into bowls or cones, and enjoy! You can top it with whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or even a cherry on top for a little extra flair.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: ~300-350 (calories may vary depending on specific ingredients used)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Churn Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 6+ hours (including freezing time)

How to Serve Dr. Pepper Ice Cream

Dr. Pepper Ice Cream is perfect on its own, but here are a few ways to make it even more fun:

In a Sundae
Layer the ice cream with chocolate or caramel syrup, whipped cream, and a cherry. You can even add some crushed peanuts or sprinkles for a little extra crunch.

With Cake or Brownies
Pair it with a slice of chocolate cake, brownies, or a rich caramel dessert. The Dr. Pepper flavor pairs beautifully with chocolate and caramel, making for a decadent dessert combo.

As a Milkshake
Blend a scoop of Dr. Pepper Ice Cream with a little bit of milk to create a creamy milkshake. It’s like having the best of both worlds—soda and ice cream in one!

On a Cone
Sometimes, the simplest way is the best—scoop it up into a cone for an easy, on-the-go treat.

Additional Tips

Use a Quality Dr. Pepper
For the best flavor, try to use regular Dr. Pepper rather than diet or zero-sugar varieties. The full flavor is what makes this ice cream so unique!

Don’t Overmix
When adding the Dr. Pepper to the base, be gentle with the mixing. You don’t want to overdo it and lose the soda’s effervescence, which is key to the flavor.

Chill the Base
Chilling the base before churning helps the ice cream set faster and gives it a smoother texture. Be patient—it’s worth the wait!

Add Mix-ins
If you want to take this ice cream up a notch, add some fun mix-ins like crushed cola gummies, chocolate chips, or caramel swirls during the last few minutes of churning.

Don’t Skip the Freezing Time
While it’s tempting to eat the ice cream as soon as it’s churned, freezing it for a few hours will give you that perfect, scoopable texture. It’s hard, but totally worth the wait!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?
A1: Yes! You can freeze the mixture in a shallow container and stir every 30 minutes until it thickens and freezes. This will take a little longer, but you’ll still get a creamy result.

Q2: Can I use Diet Dr. Pepper for this recipe?
A2: While regular Dr. Pepper gives the best flavor, you can use Diet Dr. Pepper, but the taste may be slightly different, and the texture might not be as creamy.

Q3: Can I make this Dr. Pepper Ice Cream vegan?
A3: Yes! You can substitute the dairy ingredients with coconut milk or almond milk and use a plant-based heavy cream alternative to make this vegan-friendly.

Q4: How long does this ice cream last in the freezer?
A4: It will keep for up to 2 weeks in the freezer, but it’s so good, I doubt it will last that long!

Q5: Can I add chocolate chips to this ice cream?
A5: Absolutely! Chocolate chips, caramel swirls, or even crushed cola-flavored candies can make a fun addition to this unique ice cream.

Q6: Can I use a different soda for this ice cream?
A6: Yes! You can experiment with other sodas, but Dr. Pepper’s complex flavor profile makes it unique. You could try root beer or cola for a different twist.

Q7: Can I make this ice cream without a churning machine?
A7: Yes, you can! Just freeze the mixture and stir every 30 minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.

Q8: How can I make this ice cream smoother?
A8: Make sure to chill the base mixture before churning and don’t overmix the Dr. Pepper when adding it to the base. This helps keep the texture smooth and creamy.

Q9: Can I make this ice cream without vanilla extract?
A9: Yes, but vanilla extract adds a nice depth of flavor. You could try substituting it with a splash of almond extract for a different flavor profile.

Q10: Can I make this ice cream with sugar substitutes?
A10: You can try using sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, but the texture and taste may vary slightly from the original recipe.

Conclusion

Dr. Pepper Ice Cream is the quirky and fun dessert you didn’t know you needed in your life! The combination of the fizzy soda and creamy ice cream is nothing short of magical. It’s perfect for summer, parties, or just when you’re craving something a little different. Get ready for a flavor experience like no other!

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Dr. Pepper Ice Cream Recipe


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Dr. Pepper Ice Cream combines the bold, sweet flavors of the iconic soda with the rich creaminess of homemade ice cream. It’s a fun twist on traditional ice cream flavors and is sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a treat for soda lovers!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup Dr. Pepper (preferably regular, not diet)
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 5 large egg yolks

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the Dr. Pepper, heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warm but not boiling.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they become slightly pale and creamy.
  3. Slowly pour a small amount of the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly. This is called tempering the eggs, and it helps prevent them from scrambling.
  4. Once the egg yolks are warmed up, slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the cream mixture, whisking constantly to combine.
  5. Continue cooking the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Be careful not to let it boil.
  6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the custard cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  7. Once chilled, churn the custard in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It will typically take about 20-25 minutes.
  8. Transfer the ice cream to a container and freeze for an additional 2-4 hours until firm.
  9. Serve and enjoy your Dr. Pepper Ice Cream! It’s perfect on its own or paired with a slice of chocolate cake or cookies!

Notes

  • If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can freeze the custard in a shallow dish, stirring every 30 minutes for the first 3-4 hours to break up ice crystals and achieve a smoother texture.
  • You can experiment with different soda flavors, like cherry Dr. Pepper or even Diet Dr. Pepper, to adjust the flavor profile to your liking.
  • If you prefer a lighter texture, you can substitute some of the heavy cream with additional whole milk, but it may affect the creaminess slightly.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Ice Cream Making
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 cup
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 40mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

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