She's a pepper

This weekend was spectacular. I was on the road with Courtney Fischer headed to the Crafty Supermarket in Cincinnati (you can see Courtney's photos here). People were lined up outside the venue — an old school once abandoned, that was saved by the neighborhood — waiting to get in and the crowds were intense. Love the 'nati. And love my hostess. A Southerner at heart, she has a certain kind of hankering for Diet Dr. Pepper that some might call an addiction. I think it's just love. I decided to surprise her with some Diet Dr. Pepper cupcakes. Indeed. 

Dr. Pepper Cupcakes

Via From Glitter to Gumdrops

Makes 24.

1 1/2 c. Dr Pepper Soda (one can)

1/2 c. vegetable oil

1 stick of salted butter

4 Tb cocoa powder 

2 c. sugar

2 c. flour

1 tsp. baking soda

2 eggs

1/2 c. buttermilk

In a saucepan, combine Dr. Pepper, oil, butter and cocoa. Heat over medium heat while stirring. When it comes to a simmer, remove from heat. Make sure it is mixed well . 

Add the dry ingredients all at once, but don't over mix. In a separate bowl, beat together the buttermilk and eggs, and then add it to the rest of the mix. Stir well to combine. 

Fill cupcake liners more than 3/4 full. 

Bake at 350ºF for 13-16 minutes, until a toothpick stuck in the middle comes out clean (Add about five minutes if you are making a cake).

And then I went with this icing cause it was dang easy:

Chocolate Icing

1/4 cup butter

3 Tb cocoa

1/4 cup Dr. Pepper cola

1 box powdered sugar

Heat over medium heat: butter, Dr. Pepper and cocoa, stirring until well blended. Stir in powdered sugar.