Dr Pepper Chocolate Cupcakes

The minute I saw the title of this recipe on Sisters Cafe I knew that It was something that I HAD to make. Dr Pepper AND chocolate?? Can anything get better? I submit that it cannot! I made a batch of these in cupcake form for dinner group, but I'd bet they would work in a 9X13 pan (but might be too moist for rounds.  Cupcakes are, however, my favorite form of cake.

Recipe: Makes 36 cupcakes (I had to go borrow cupcake tins from the neighbors).

2 cups flour

1 cup sugar

1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar

1 cup cocoa powder

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1 cup Dr Pepper

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (I used milk chocolate once and they were great, too)

2 large eggs

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup canola oil

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans (or 9x13 or prepare cupcake liners).  Sift together the flour, sugar, brown sugar, cocoa and baking soda and set aside.  Heat the Dr Pepper in a small saucepan over low heat.  Add the chocolate chips and stir until melted.  Remove from heat.  With an electric mixer, beat the eggs, buttermilk, oil and vanilla for 2 minutes.  At lowest speed, slowly add the Dr Pepper mixture and beat for 1 additional minute.  Gradually add the dry ingredients and beat at medium speed for 2 minutes.  Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.  Cool in pans for 15 minutes, then invert onto cooling racks, lift off pans and allow to cool completely before frosting.

Dr Pepper Frosting

3/4 cup butter flavored shortening - (I changed this to butter.  Personally I do not like shortening in frosting. Ever.)

6 Tablespoons butter, room temperature

4 cups powdered sugar

1/4 cup cocoa

1/4 cup Dr Pepper (you can add more if you want to...)

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Using an electric mixer, beat the butter [and yucky shortening if you choose to use it - :)] until light and fluffy.  At low speed, gradually beat in the powdered sugar and cocoa.  Add the Dr Pepper and vanilla, and turn mixer to high speed until frosting is light and fluffy ~ about one minute.

I have no words for how delicious these were!