Dr Pepper Bacon Brownies

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 12x18-inch baking pan with cooking spray. (5 minutes)

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of Dr Pepper and 1 cup of butter. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. (5-7 minutes)

While the butter mixture cools, cook the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Reserve 1/4 of the bacon for garnish and set aside. (8-10 minutes)

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, cinnamon, and salt. (2 minutes)

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and baking soda. (1 minute)

Pour the wet ingredients (buttermilk mixture and Dr. Pepper/butter mixture) into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the chocolate chips and the remaining cooked bacon. (3 minutes)

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. (1 minute)

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. (25-30 minutes)

While the brownies are baking, prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining 6 tablespoons of Dr Pepper, 1/2 cup butter, and 3 tablespoons cocoa powder. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat. (5 minutes)

Gradually whisk in the confectioners' sugar until the frosting is smooth and glossy. (3 minutes)

Once the brownies are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before frosting. Spread the frosting evenly over the warm brownies and sprinkle with the reserved crispy bacon. (2 minutes)

Allow the frosting to set before cutting into squares and serving. Enjoy! (20 minutes)