Add cherry cola to your boxed brownie mix and you will create pure dessert magic! These cherry cola brownies taste like a retro soda fountain dessert with rich chocolate and that subtle cherry flavor that makes each bite more interesting than regular brownies.
The cola doesn’t just add flavor, it creates an incredibly fudgy texture that’s somehow lighter than traditional brownies. The carbonation does something magical to the batter, and the added maraschino cherries complement the chocolate in a way that feels both nostalgic and surprising.
If you’re worried about your brownies tasting too much like soda, don’t be. The cherry flavor is subtle and sophisticated, and doesn’t taste like you dumped candy into chocolate cake. It’s more like a whisper of fruit that makes the chocolate taste richer and more complex.
The best part is how simple they are! You’re literally just using soda in your favorite brownie mix and stirring in some cherries. Give box mix brownies a serious upgrade with simple ingredient hacks.
Let me show you how to turn basic brownies into a nostalgic treat. These crowd-pleasing treats are familiar enough to please traditional brownie lovers but unique enough to stand out from the usual chocolate desserts.
Looking for more easy dessert ideas? Try cherry cheesecake egg rolls, slow cooker s’mores cake, or potato chip squares.
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Ingredient Notes
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Brownie mix
- Cherry cola: I typically use regular Cherry Coke, but any cherry-flavored cola will work. Diet versions can affect the texture, so don’t use them.
- Oil
- Eggs
- Maraschino cherries
- Cocoa powder
- Butter
- Powdered sugar
How to Make Cherry Cola Brownies
- Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Prepare your baking dish by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine your brownie mix, vegetable oil, eggs, cherry cola, and chopped maraschino cherries. Whisk to combine. Don’t overmix, just stir until there’s no dry mix.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat together the softened butter, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar using an electric mixer.
- Add the cherry cola to the frosting mixture and beat until smooth and creamy. The cola turns the frosting into this amazing chocolate-cherry dream!
- Spread the frosting evenly over your cooled brownies. I like to add a few extra maraschino cherries on top for decoration.
Serving Ideas
My family loves these Cherry Cola Brownies straight from the pan. Add a big glass of Cherry Coke and dig in! For kid-friendly parties, I’ll cut these into smaller squares and put them in cupcake liners – it makes them easier for little hands to handle and looks super cute too!
How to Store
Place any leftover brownies in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
You can freeze them, but I recommend freezing them unfrosted. The frosting can get a bit funky in the freezer. When you’re ready to serve, just thaw the brownies and make a fresh batch of that amazing cherry cola frosting.
Tips & Tricks
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- You can switch things up and swap cherry cola for regular cola, Dr Pepper, or root beer for a different flavor profile.
- Lining the pan with parchment paper makes it easy to lift them out and serve.
- Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Don’t overbake! The brownies should be just set in the middle.
- Let them cool completely before frosting.
Reader Questions
The cola adds moisture and a subtle flavor that makes these brownies unique. Plus, it reacts with the other ingredients to create an incredibly tender texture.
Maraschino cherries work best because they’re already sweetened and won’t add excess moisture to the batter. However, you can use fresh cherries if they’re in season – just make sure to pat them dry thoroughly.
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Cherry Cola Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 box fudge brownie mix 18.2 ounces
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup cherry cola soda
- ½ cup chopped maraschino cherries plus more for garnish
Frosting
- 1/3 cup butter softened
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
- 2 2/3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup cherry cola soda
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray and parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the brownie mix, vegetable oil, eggs, soda, and chopped cherries.1 box fudge brownie mix, 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 eggs, ½ cup cherry cola soda, ½ cup chopped maraschino cherries
- Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Set aside to cool.
- Once cool, make your frosting.
- In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, combine the butter, cocoa, and powdered sugar until combined. Next beat in the cola.1/3 cup butter, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa, 2 2/3 cups powdered sugar, 1/4 cup cherry cola soda
- Frost the brownies and garnish with extra cherries.
Notes
- You can switch things up and swap cherry cola for regular cola, Dr Pepper, or root beer for a different flavor profile.
- Lining the pan with parchment paper makes it easy to lift them out and serve.
- Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Don’t overbake! The brownies should be set in the middle.
- Let them cool completely before frosting.
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
