Say hello to summertime nostalgia with this creamy, fizzy Dr. Pepper Ice Cream—a dessert that balances the velvety richness of classic ice cream with the unmistakable flavors of bubbly soda. This fun and quirky recipe channels the familiar taste of Dr. Pepper into a chilly treat that wins over both kids and grown-up soda fans, making dessert feel downright magical. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or just want to impress your taste buds, this ice cream is all about giving you a taste of childhood memories with every chilly, dreamy bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every item here plays a major role in bringing Dr. Pepper Ice Cream to life, so don’t make any swaps unless you absolutely have to! The balance of dairy, sweetness, and that iconic soda is exactly what gives this treat its creamy texture and unique soda shop flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Provides ultra-creaminess and makes the ice cream luscious and scoopable.
- Whole Milk: Balances the richness of the cream so every bite feels light, not heavy.
- Dr. Pepper (regular, not diet): The signature flavor; regular soda is best for sweetness, color, and that classic fizz.
- Granulated Sugar: Keeps things sweet and complements the soda’s caramel notes.
- Salt: A tiny hint brings out all the flavors and keeps the ice cream from tasting flat.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the bold notes in Dr. Pepper.
- Maraschino Cherry Juice or Chopped Cherries (optional): For a playful cherry cola twist that’s as colorful as it is tasty.
How to Make Dr Pepper Ice Cream
Step 1: Prepare the Dr. Pepper Syrup
Start by pouring your Dr. Pepper and granulated sugar into a medium saucepan set over medium heat. Let this bubbly duo come to a gentle simmer, swirling occasionally for about 10 to 12 minutes, until the mixture is thickened and syrupy. This step condenses all the soda’s caramel, fruity, and spicy notes—making sure those flavors shine in every spoonful. Once reduced, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature; patience now means big flavor later!
Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your heavy cream, whole milk, salt, and vanilla extract. You want a smooth, cohesive blend—that’s the foundation for lusciously creamy Dr. Pepper Ice Cream.
Step 3: Add the Dr. Pepper Syrup
Once the Dr. Pepper syrup is fully cooled, pour it into the dairy mixture. Stir gently until everything is completely combined, blending that iconic soda taste throughout the base. If you’re after a cherry cola vibe, fold in some maraschino cherry juice or chopped cherries here.
Step 4: Chill Thoroughly
Cover your bowl and slip it into the fridge for at least 4 hours, or even overnight if you’ve got the time. Cold ice cream base churns up with a smoother, silkier texture (so don’t rush this step!).
Step 5: Churn in the Ice Cream Maker
Once the mixture is properly chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions—usually 20 to 25 minutes. As it churns, the Dr. Pepper flavor blooms and the texture transforms to thick and creamy perfection.
Step 6: Freeze for Scoopable Perfection
Scoop your freshly churned ice cream into a lidded freezer-safe container and pop it in the freezer for at least 4 hours. This last step gives it that classic, scoopable consistency that makes every dessert bowl Instagram-worthy.
How to Serve Dr Pepper Ice Cream
Garnishes
Top your Dr. Pepper Ice Cream with a cheerful dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of cherry syrup, or a few chopped maraschino cherries for a retro soda shop look. A sprinkle of chocolate shavings or even a little crushed pretzel adds incredible texture and an extra kick of flavor.
Side Dishes
This ice cream is fabulous alongside chocolate brownies, buttery shortbread cookies, or fresh summer berries, especially sweet cherries. If you’re hosting a party, serve it in mini waffle cones for a handheld delight everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Dr. Pepper Ice Cream in frosty soda glasses with a pour of Dr. Pepper over top for a soda float, or sandwich a scoop between soft chocolate cookies for a playful ice cream sandwich. For a party, scoop it into mini mason jars and set up a topping bar so everyone can craft their perfect treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Dr. Pepper Ice Cream in an airtight freezer-safe container. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing to prevent ice crystals from forming and stealing that fresh-from-the-churner texture.
Freezing
This ice cream keeps beautifully in the freezer for up to two weeks. For best results, use a container with a snug-fitting lid and resist the urge to open and close it too often; each trip into the freezer brings a little air (and potential freezer burn) with it.
Reheating
Okay—so you won’t actually reheat ice cream, but if it’s rock-hard straight from the freezer, just let it sit on the counter for 5 to 10 minutes. This will soften it up enough for perfect, creamy scoops. Avoid microwaving, which can melt it unevenly and spoil all your hard work.
FAQs
Can I use diet Dr. Pepper instead of regular?
It’s best to stick with regular Dr. Pepper for this recipe. Diet sodas don’t reduce into a syrup the same way and can leave the ice cream with a strange aftertaste or icy texture.
Do I need an ice cream maker to make Dr. Pepper Ice Cream?
No ice cream maker? No problem! You can whip the cream to soft peaks, fold in the cooled mixture, and freeze it in a loaf pan for a no-churn version. The texture will be slightly different but still deliciously creamy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
With a few swaps—think coconut cream and a dairy-free milk—this recipe can be adapted for non-dairy diets. The Dr. Pepper syrup is naturally vegan, so just ensure your alternative milks are nice and rich for the best mouthfeel.
How can I boost the Dr. Pepper flavor?
If you’re a superfan, try reducing the soda syrup a bit further or stirring in one to two tablespoons of Dr. Pepper soda concentrate just before churning. You’ll get a punchier flavor in every bite.
What’s the best way to nail that cherry cola twist?
Add maraschino cherry juice or chopped maraschino cherries to the mix before churning. Not only does this boost the fruity notes, but it also creates gorgeous pops of color and a fun soda fountain flair.
Final Thoughts
Mildly fizzy, rich, and delightfully nostalgic, Dr. Pepper Ice Cream is the dessert you never knew you needed. Give it a whirl—your inner soda fan (and your family) will thank you! Whip up a batch and share the scoop-worthy joy at your next summer get-together or a quiet night in.
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Dr Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling and freezing)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a unique frozen treat with this Dr. Pepper Ice Cream recipe. Creamy and flavorful, this homemade ice cream is a delightful twist on a classic soda.
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup Dr. Pepper (regular, not diet)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional:
- 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice or chopped cherries
Instructions
- Prepare Dr. Pepper Syrup: In a medium saucepan, simmer Dr. Pepper and sugar until reduced and syrupy. Let cool.
- Mix Ice Cream Base: Whisk heavy cream, milk, salt, and vanilla. Stir in cooled Dr. Pepper syrup and cherries if desired.
- Chill Mixture: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Churn Ice Cream: Process in an ice cream maker until thick and creamy.
- Freeze: Transfer to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
- For a stronger soda flavor, reduce Dr. Pepper further or add soda concentrate.
- No-churn option: fold chilled mixture into whipped cream and freeze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
