Description

This Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs with Coke recipe delivers tender, flavorful baby back ribs that are infused with the sweetness of cherry cola and barbeque sauce. Perfectly seasoned with garlic salt, black pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika, these ribs cook low and slow for fall-off-the-bone goodness. The addition of light brown sugar and maraschino cherry juice adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. Ideal for an easy, hands-off cooking experience that results in juicy, sticky ribs everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Ribs and Dry Seasoning

3 pounds baby back ribs
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Sauces and Sugars

2 cups bbq sauce (divided)
2 cups cherry cola
2 tablespoons light brown sugar (packed)
⅓ cup maraschino cherry juice

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Instructions

Prepare the ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the baby back ribs if not already removed. This helps the seasoning penetrate and makes for more tender ribs.
Season the ribs: In a small bowl, mix together garlic salt, black pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Rub this seasoning evenly over both sides of the ribs for full flavor.
Mix the sauce: In another bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of BBQ sauce, cherry cola, light brown sugar, and maraschino cherry juice. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well blended.
Slow cook the ribs: Place the seasoned ribs in the slow cooker with the meaty side facing up. Pour the cola and BBQ mixture over the ribs, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until ribs are tender and easily pull apart with a fork.
Finish with BBQ sauce: After slow cooking, carefully transfer ribs to a baking sheet or platter. Brush both sides with the remaining ½ cup BBQ sauce for a sticky glaze.
Optional broil step: For a caramelized finish, place the ribs under a broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. This step is optional but adds a delicious texture and flavor contrast.
Serve: Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before cutting into portions. Serve with your favorite sides and extra BBQ sauce if desired.

Notes

Removing the silver skin membrane from ribs ensures better seasoning absorption and tenderness.
Using cherry cola gives a unique sweetness and depth; regular cola can be substituted but with slightly different flavor.
Slow cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker model; ribs are done when tender and easily pulled apart.
For a smokier flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to the seasoning mix.
If you prefer thicker sauce, reduce the cooking liquid in a saucepan after slow cooking and brush on ribs.
Broiling after slow cooking enhances texture but is optional.