Why You Should Add Coca-Cola To Your Next Batch Of Brownies

Yes, you read the above headline correctly — adding a carbonated beverage to brownie batter is a thing. Introduced in 1886, the soft drink conglomerate Coca-Cola, which clinched the top spot in a list of the 10 most popular sodas in America from Newsweek in 2021 based on annual revenue, has been enduringly popular as a beverage of choice. But in addition to being a popular thirst-quencher, Coca-Cola has some other uses. For instance, you can use the carbonated drink to remove stains and cooking grease, clean a toilet bowl or windows, repel pests, and even remove gum from hair (via Wide Open Eats).

Adding to the list, you can count "mix with brownie batter" among the soft drink's many uses — if you like moist brownies, that is. Even if you don't, the notion of adding Coca-Cola to brownies probably still piqued your curiosity, didn't it? So why not give it a try? Whether you prefer fudge, peanut butter, or pecan brownies, adding Coca-Cola can give them a pleasant consistency and texture, making them a hit with the kids or at your next dinner party.

To make Coca-Cola brownies, you can use a boxed mix recipe or make them from scratch, per Serious Eats. Start by preheating your oven and getting the pan ready.

For boxed mix, you'll prepare the batter as the recipe instructs, but you'll replace the wet ingredients with Coca-Cola (via Facebook). To make the brownies from scratch, you'll need ingredients like all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, teaspoon salt, teaspoon baking powder, and a 12-ounce can or bottle of Coca-Cola. Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Once the dry ingredients are combined, slowly pour in the Coca-Cola, a small amount at a time. Stir the mixture simultaneously until it reaches a thick, smooth consistency. The ideal brownie batter should slowly fall off the spoon when turned upside down (via BakingHow). If the batter sticks to the spoon, add more soda (or pop, if you're from the Midwest) to thin it out. If the batter slides off the spoon, add more cocoa powder to thicken it.

Next, pour the batter into the pan and bake. You should end up with moist, gooey, spongy brownies. Feel free to add your favorite frosting or sauce to top them off. Enjoy!