Imagine dipping your spoon into a frosty swirl of nostalgia — sweet, creamy, and tinged with that unmistakable 23-flavor zing of Dr Pepper. That’s exactly what this Dr Pepper Ice Cream delivers. And no, you don’t need an ice cream maker or a culinary degree to make it happen. Just a few ingredients, a little patience, and a craving for something a little offbeat.
For anyone who grew up sipping Dr Pepper on summer afternoons or sneaking extra scoops of ice cream at backyard barbecues, this recipe is a memory in the making. It’s not just a dessert — it’s a conversation starter. Something so simple, yet so “wait, this actually works?”
I still remember the first time I brought this out at a cookout. Someone literally stopped mid-bite and asked, “Is this really Dr Pepper?” Yup. And they went back for seconds. Now it’s your turn to bring the wow factor to your dessert table.
Table of Contents
What Is Dr Pepper Ice Cream?
Dr Pepper Ice Cream isn’t just some soda tossed into a freezer — it’s a creamy, frozen remix of a classic soft drink with a cult following. Think of it as the dessert version of your favorite fizzy treat, where all those signature cherry-cola-spice notes get mellowed into a sweet, velvety base. The result? A spoonable twist that tastes familiar yet totally new.
So, why Dr Pepper? Because it’s bold. It’s quirky. And let’s be honest, there’s something kind of magical about turning soda into ice cream. This isn’t some complicated custard base either — it’s a simple, no-churn recipe you can whip up without breaking a sweat.
The real fun? Watching skeptics try their first bite, pause, and then suddenly smile. If you’re even slightly soda-curious, this might be your new guilty pleasure.
For another soda-inspired dessert, check out our Grapico Ice Cream with Condensed Milk.
Why You’ll Love This
There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when sweet nostalgia meets a no-fuss recipe — and that’s exactly why Dr Pepper Ice Cream works. It’s weirdly addictive. The bold, spicy-sweet flavor of Dr Pepper somehow melts into a creamy base that’s both comforting and unexpected. It tastes like childhood and surprise all in one bite.
You’ll love how low-maintenance this recipe is. No ice cream maker. No stovetop. Just a few pantry staples and a craving for something a little quirky. Plus, you can top it however you want — maraschino cherries, whipped cream, crushed cookies, even a drizzle of chocolate syrup if you’re feeling bold.
And if you’re into offbeat spins on classic desserts, you might also enjoy our super simple 2-Ingredient Ice Cream Recipe.
How to Make Dr Pepper Ice Cream
Making Dr Pepper Ice Cream is surprisingly simple — no machines, no weird steps, just pure soda-inspired magic. All you need are three basic ingredients: heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and a can of chilled Dr Pepper. The result? A creamy, fizzy-sweet dessert that tastes like you just scooped up a soda float.
Prep time is under 20 minutes. The hardest part? Waiting for it to freeze. Whether you’re planning ahead for a party or winging it on a Tuesday night, this recipe fits the vibe. The texture? Soft, scoopable, and full of that nostalgic fizz flavor.
Ingredients + Step-by-Step Instructions
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream (cold)
- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 oz) Dr Pepper (cold)
Instructions
1. Chill your tools
Pop your mixing bowl and beaters into the freezer for 10 minutes. Cold tools = fluffier whipped cream, which means a creamier ice cream later.
2. Whip the cream
In the chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream using a hand or stand mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. You’re aiming for cloud-like, not buttery — stop once it holds shape.
3. Mix soda + condensed milk
In a separate large bowl, gently whisk the Dr Pepper and sweetened condensed milk together. It’ll fizz — don’t panic. Just stir slowly until smooth and blended.
4. Combine it all
Using a spatula, gently fold half the whipped cream into the soda mix. Once it’s light and mostly incorporated, fold in the second half. Keep it gentle — this is where the magic texture is made.
5. Freeze
Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan or freezer-safe container. Smooth the top, cover tightly, and freeze for at least 6 hours. Overnight is ideal for best scoopability.
6. Serve and enjoy
Let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping. Top with whipped cream, cherries, or whatever your dessert-loving heart desires.
For more about why this simple no-churn method works so well, check out the science behind no-churn ice cream. And if you love exploring different flavor twists, you might enjoy these no-churn ice cream variations for inspiration.
What to Serve Dr Pepper Ice Cream With
Dr Pepper Ice Cream holds its own in a bowl, but it’s even better when you pair it with the right treats. Think: post-barbecue cool-down or movie-night surprise. Sandwich a scoop between two chewy chocolate chip cookies for a soda-flavored twist on a classic. Or serve it next to warm brownies — the fizzy sweetness cuts right through the richness.
Want to go full retro? Drop a scoop into a tall glass and top with more Dr Pepper for a homemade float. Bonus points if you toss in a cherry. This ice cream plays nice with just about everything.
Top Tips for Perfecting Dr Pepper Ice Cream
Want that smooth, dreamy texture every time? These tips make all the difference.
- Chill everything — Cold cream, cold soda, and even chilled tools help build that fluffy whipped base.
- Fold, don’t stir — Mixing too hard knocks the air out. Gently fold to keep things light.
- Cover tightly — Air exposure = freezer burn. A snug lid or plastic wrap keeps your ice cream creamy.
- Avoid over-whipping — Stiff peaks are good; grainy cream is not. Stop when it holds shape.
- Soda swaps — No Dr Pepper? Cherry cola, root beer, or even vanilla cream soda make great backups.
Once you’ve nailed the texture, it’s hard not to make this on repeat.
Storing & Reheating Tips
Store your Dr Pepper Ice Cream in an airtight container in the coldest part of your freezer. A loaf pan with a tight plastic wrap seal works well, or use a reusable freezer-safe tub. It’ll stay at peak texture for about two weeks, but let’s be honest — it probably won’t last that long.
When you’re ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for 3–5 minutes. That softens it just enough for the perfect scoop. Avoid refreezing melted portions — that’s how you get icy, crunchy bits instead of creamy magic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Diet Dr Pepper instead of regular?
Absolutely. Diet Dr Pepper works just fine and still delivers that bold flavor. Bonus: fewer calories per scoop.
Do I need an ice cream maker for this recipe?
Nope. This is a true no-churn recipe. Just a mixer (or whisk, if you’re patient), a bowl, and your freezer.
Does the ice cream taste exactly like Dr Pepper?
Not exactly — but close. You’ll get that sweet, slightly spicy soda essence with a creamy twist. Fans say it’s like a frozen float.
Can I add extras like chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely. Fold in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of cherry syrup right before freezing.
How long does it take to freeze?
At least 6 hours, but overnight is best. The longer it sits, the firmer and scoop-friendlier it gets.
Conclusion
Dr Pepper Ice Cream isn’t just a recipe — it’s a little slice of summer, nostalgia, and creativity all rolled into one frozen scoop. With its smooth texture, familiar fizz-inspired flavor, and dead-simple prep, it’s the kind of dessert that makes people smile, then reach for seconds.
Whether you’re trying it out for a backyard BBQ, a sleepover treat, or just because your curiosity got the better of you — you’re in for something fun. And if you end up loving it? Good. That’s kind of the point.
Try it, tweak it, share it. Then come back and tell us how yours turned out.
Dr Pepper Ice Cream
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Loaf pan or freezer-safe container
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base
- 2 cups Heavy cream Chilled
- 14 oz Sweetened condensed milk
- 12 oz Dr Pepper Chilled, 1 can
Instructions
- Chill your tools: Place the mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 10 minutes to help whip the cream faster and make it fluffier.
- Whip the cream: In the chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Do not overwhip.
- Mix soda and condensed milk: In a separate bowl, gently whisk the Dr Pepper with the sweetened condensed milk until fully combined.
- Fold mixtures together: Gently fold half the whipped cream into the soda mixture, then fold in the remaining whipped cream until smooth and airy.
- Freeze: Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan or freezer-safe container, smooth the top, cover tightly, and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Serve: Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping. Top with whipped cream, cherries, or your favorite toppings.