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These Slow Cooker Cherry Cola Ribs are tender and full of flavor! This recipe combines savory pork ribs with the sweet and tangy flavors of cherry cola and BBQ sauce for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any occasion.

Slow Cooker Cherry Cola Ribs are fall off the bone tender with a delicious sweet sauce made using simple ingredients. If you love ribs that are easy to make, full of flavor and perfectly tender, you’re going to love these ribs.

These ribs are a huge hit in our family, and it’s easy to see why. They’re incredibly tender, packed with flavor, and super easy to make. Just pop them in the slow cooker, and let it do all the work while you get on with your busy day.

Cooking ribs in the slow cooker is definitely the best way to cook ribs! By the time they’re ready, the meat is so soft it practically falls off the bone.

These ribs have become a family favorite and I know your family will love them too. Looking for more slow cooker recipes? Try Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken Recipe, Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs, and Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Cherry Coke Ribs

Tender and Juicy: The slow cooking process, along with the cherry cola creates the most tender ribs. The acidity and sweetness of the soda helps tenderize the meat and add flavor.
Easy to Make: An easy meal to make. Simply prepare the ingredients and let your slow cooker make perfect ribs.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, a family dinner, or a barbecue, these ribs are sure to impress a crowd.
Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe by adjusting the spices or adding a bit of heat with chili powder or hot sauce to suit your taste preferences.
Minimal Cleanup: Cooking in a slow cooker means fewer dishes to wash, making cleanup a breeze.

Slow Cooker Cherry Coke Ribs Ingredients

Baby Back Ribs – Around 3 pounds is needed for this recipe.
Seasoning – Garlic salt, pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika are used to season the ribs.
BBQ Sauce – Any BBQ sauce can be used.
Cherry Cola – Make the ribs tender and juicy.
Brown Sugar – Creates a flavorful glaze on the ribs.
Maraschino Cherry Juice – Adds extra flavor.

How to Make Crock Pot Cherry Coke Ribs

Place ribs into the slow cooker. Sprinkle the garlic salt, black pepper, onion powder and smoked paprika over the ribs.
In a small bowl combine one cup of bbq sauce, the cherry cola, the brown sugar and the cherry juice. Pour half of the mixture over the ribs, reserve the other half for later.
Cook the ribs on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours until the ribs are tender.
In a skillet or saucepan add the remaining cherry cola mixture and the remaining cup of bbq sauce. Whisk over medium-high heat until the cherry cola barbecue sauce comes up to a bubble and cooks down until nice and glazy, about 10 minutes.
Add a piece of foil to a baking sheet. Remove the cooked ribs and place on the foil lined baking sheet. Once the cherry cola glaze is thick, brush the extra sauce over the top of the ribs. Place the ribs under the broiler until lightly caramelized.
Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Making Slow Cooker Coca Cola Ribs

You can use any cut of ribs you like. This will also work with boneless ribs like country-style ribs, just adjust your cook time accordingly.
Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs if needed. This helps the seasoning penetrate the meat better and ensures a more tender result.
Season the ribs before cooking. Add a bit of red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick to your ribs.
Cut the ribs into smaller sections to fit them better in the slow cooker. Layer them in the slow cooker with the meatier side down to ensure even cooking.
I like to use maraschino juice because of it’s high sugar content but you can use any cherry juice you like.
Serve the ribs hot with extra sauce on the side. They pair well with coleslaw, cornbread, and other classic barbecue sides.

How to Store Leftover Ribs

Cool the ribs to room temperature and wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent air from getting in and drying them out. Place the wrapped ribs in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

How to Reheat Leftover Ribs

To reheat in the oven, preheat oven to 250°F. Place the ribs on a sheet pan and cover them with aluminum foil. Heat for 20-30 minutes or until warmed through. To reheat in the microwave, place the ribs on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until hot.

Slow Cooker Ribs Frequently Asked Questions

What type of ribs are best for slow cooking?

Pork baby back ribs and pork spare ribs are the most commonly used for slow cooking. Beef short ribs also work well. Baby back ribs are more tender and cook faster, while spare ribs are meatier and take a bit longer.

Can I use a different type of soda?

Yes! Different sodas can be used instead of cherry coke. Root beer, coke zero, Dr. Pepper, even orange soda can be used to make tender ribs in the slow cooker.

How long do ribs take to cook in the slow cooker?

Ribs typically take 6-8 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat in a slow cooker. Cooking times can vary based on the type of ribs and your slow cooker model.

Can I cook frozen ribs in the slow cooker?

It’s best to thaw the ribs first for even cooking. Cooking frozen ribs can result in uneven cooking and can take significantly longer.

How do I know when the ribs are done?

The ribs are done when they are tender and the meat pulls away from the bones easily. You can also check that the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F.

Delicious Sides to Serve with Slow Cooker Ribs