I was having one of those long, exhausting afternoons—chasing errands, taking care of things, and still feeling like I hadn’t had a moment to just breathe. My friend Jess stopped by, and we decided to have a quick chat over some cold drinks.
As we rummaged through the fridge, we both stumbled upon a can of Dr. Pepper. “Imagine if we made ice cream out of this!” Jess said, grinning. It was a casual comment at first, but then, suddenly, it didn’t seem so far-fetched. Dr. Pepper’s blend of 23 flavors could make for something truly unique, something creamy, sweet, and bubbly all at once.
We jumped into action, grabbing the few ingredients we needed, and within no time, we had whipped up a batch of homemade Dr. Pepper ice cream. The fizzy, sweet, slightly spicy taste of the soda made this treat an unexpected delight. The texture was perfectly smooth, and the flavor? A brilliant marriage of Dr. Pepper’s distinct taste and the luscious richness of heavy cream. It’s as if someone took your favorite soda and elevated it to a creamy, dreamy dessert.
Now, whenever I feel like indulging or want to impress friends with something a bit out of the ordinary, I turn to this fun, easy recipe. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat or just looking to try something new, this ice cream is bound to become a favorite in your household.
Short Description
This creamy Dr. Pepper ice cream combines the classic soda’s unique flavor with rich heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk for a refreshingly different dessert. It’s easy to make and fun to share!
Key Ingredients
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk (cold)
- 12 oz can of Dr. Pepper (cold)
- 2 cups cold heavy cream
Tools Needed
- 10x5x3-inch loaf pan
- Stand mixer with whisk attachment (or hand mixer and medium mixing bowl)
- Silicone spatula
- Offset or silicone spatula
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Chill the Equipment
To start, place your loaf pan, mixing bowl, and whisk attachment in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This will help the whipped cream firm up better when it’s time to beat it.
Step 2: Mix Dr. Pepper and Sweetened Condensed Milk
In a medium mixing bowl, pour in the cold sweetened condensed milk. Slowly stir in the cold Dr. Pepper, doing so gradually to minimize bubbles and help the mixture set quickly.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
Take the chilled mixing bowl and whisk attachment from the freezer and pour the cold heavy cream into the bowl. Beat the cream on medium-high speed for about a minute until slightly frothy. Increase the speed to high and continue whipping for 1½ to 2 minutes until stiff peaks form.
Step 4: Fold the Whipped Cream into the Dr. Pepper Mixture
Gently fold the whipped cream into the Dr. Pepper and condensed milk mixture. Do this slowly, one cup at a time, using a silicone spatula. Be gentle here—you don’t want to deflate the whipped cream.
Step 5: Freeze the Mixture
Retrieve your chilled loaf pan from the freezer and spoon the ice cream mixture into it. Smooth the top with an offset or silicone spatula. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for at least 6 hours, or until firm. You can check around the 4-hour mark if your freezer is particularly efficient.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
When the ice cream is ready, scoop it into bowls or cones. You can even pour a little extra Dr. Pepper over it for a fun float!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Delicious and unique: The flavor of Dr. Pepper adds an unexpected twist to traditional ice cream.
Simple to make: No fancy equipment required—just a few ingredients and some chilling time.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a summer barbecue, a casual dessert for a weeknight, or a special treat, this ice cream is sure to impress.
Customizable: Want a little more sweetness or a bolder Dr. Pepper flavor? You can adjust the recipe to suit your preferences.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Too much foam in the whipped cream – If your whipped cream turns out too frothy or soft, make sure the cream is very cold before whipping and that you’re not overbeating it.
Ice cream is too icy – Ensure the mixture is well-mixed before freezing and be sure your freezer is at the proper temperature (around 0°F or lower).
Ice cream is hard to scoop – If it’s too firm to scoop, let it sit out for a few minutes before serving.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
– Serve the ice cream in bowls or cones.
– Pour extra Dr. Pepper over the top for a fun float.
– Pair it with chocolate cake or brownies for a decadent dessert combination.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Keep leftover ice cream tightly covered in the loaf pan or transfer to an airtight container. Store it in the freezer for up to 1-2 weeks.
Reheating: There’s no need to reheat—just let it soften slightly at room temperature for easier scooping.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different soda instead of Dr. Pepper?
Yes! You can experiment with different sodas, but keep in mind that flavors will vary. Root beer or cola could work well, too.
2. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
Absolutely. A hand mixer will do the job just as well, though it may take a little longer to whip the cream.
3. How can I make this dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with a coconut or almond milk-based cream, and use a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk alternative.
4. How long should I freeze the ice cream?
Freeze for at least 6 hours, but if you can leave it overnight, it will firm up even better.
5. Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Add them in once the ice cream is mixed but before it freezes.
Tips & Tricks
– Keep the sweetened condensed milk and Dr. Pepper cold before mixing to help everything come together smoothly.
– If you want to elevate the flavor even more, try a splash of vanilla extract or a drizzle of chocolate syrup when serving.
Recipe Variations
Dr. Pepper Float Version: For an extra fizzy experience, add a bit more soda to the ice cream before freezing and serve as a float with an extra splash of Dr. Pepper on top.
Dr. Pepper and Cherry Twist: Add a tablespoon of cherry preserves or maraschino cherries to the mixture for a cherry-Dr. Pepper combo.
Spicy Dr. Pepper: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper for a kick in the flavor!
Final Thoughts
Creating Dr. Pepper ice cream was an unexpected adventure, where every step felt like unveiling a hidden gem. The unique fusion of flavors—from the sweet, syrupy essence of Dr. Pepper to the smooth creaminess of the ice cream—was nothing short of a pleasant surprise. This ice cream isn’t just for the adventurous foodies, it’s a treat for anyone who enjoys a twist on the familiar.
The process itself is simple enough for a beginner, but the outcome feels special, as if you’ve cracked the code to an indulgent yet nostalgic dessert. After a few bites, you’ll realize that this treat isn’t just about the flavor; it’s a fun memory in the making. And once you serve it up to friends or family, watch their faces light up as they experience something entirely new. Dr. Pepper ice cream might just become the unexpected star of your next dessert table!
Dr. Pepper Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk cold
- 12 oz can of Dr. Pepper cold
- 2 cups cold heavy cream
Instructions
- Place the loaf pan, mixing bowl, and whisk attachment in the freezer for 30 minutes to help the whipped cream firm up.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cold sweetened condensed milk with cold Dr. Pepper, stirring gradually to reduce bubbles.
- Take the chilled bowl and whisk attachment, then beat the cold heavy cream on medium-high until frothy. Increase speed to high and continue for 1½–2 minutes until stiff peaks form.
- Carefully fold the whipped cream into the Dr. Pepper mixture, one cup at a time, using a silicone spatula to avoid deflating the cream.
- Spoon the ice cream mixture into the chilled loaf pan, smooth the top, and cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for at least 6 hours or until firm.
- Once frozen, scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones. For extra fun, top with more Dr. Pepper to make a float!
