If you’re craving tender, finger-licking ribs that basically fall off the bone, then you’re in for a treat. This Slow Cooker Ribs with Pepsi and Barbecue Recipe is one of my all-time favorites, and honestly, it’s so easy to pull off that I make it regularly for family dinners and weekend gatherings. Imagine ribs bathed in a sweet and tangy sauce, slowly cooked until juicy and then finished with a caramelized, slightly crispy coating. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you ever stressed over ribs before!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simplicity Meets Flavor: Just a handful of ingredients come together to create ribs that taste like they took all day.
Slow Cooker Convenience: You can literally set it and forget it, freeing up time for other things.
That Pepsi Kick: The soda’s sweetness and acidity tenderize the meat and add unique depth.
Versatile Finishing Touch: Baking at the end caramelizes the sauce for the perfect glaze and texture.

A metal tray holds several ribs covered in a thick, dark red sauce, giving them a shiny and sticky look. Three ribs are stacked flat on the left side, showing a textured, slightly charred surface sprinkled with small green onion slices and herbs. On the right, two ribs rest with the bone facing outward, showing tender, light brown meat inside with a slight crust on the edges. Fresh green herb sprigs lie under and around the ribs. A black and white checkered cloth is partially visible on the right side. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Ribs with Pepsi and Barbecue, tender ribs with Pepsi and barbecue, easiest ribs recipe, slow cooker barbecue ribs, fall-off-the-bone ribs

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple staples you might already have, with Pepsi adding a surprising yet wonderful twist that transforms the ribs. I always recommend fresh onions and a balance of sweetness and tanginess for that classic BBQ flavor.

Flat lay of two racks of fresh raw pork spare ribs, a medium white onion sliced into thin rings arranged in a small pile, a small white ceramic bowl with glossy red chili sauce, a small white bowl with thick dark molasses, a small white bowl filled with amber apple cider vinegar, a small white bowl containing dark brown and coarse black peppercorns mixed with white salt crystals, all ingredients arranged symmetrically and naturally, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Slow Cooker Ribs with Pepsi and Barbecue, tender ribs with Pepsi and barbecue, easiest ribs recipe, slow cooker barbecue ribs, fall-off-the-bone ribs

Pork Spare Ribs: Look for meaty racks with good marbling; you want them tender but flavorful.
White Onion: Sliced to create a bed for the ribs and add subtle savory sweetness during cooking.
Pepsi: Don’t swap this—its carbonation and sugar help tenderize and infuse flavor uniquely.
Chili Sauce: Brings a tangy, slightly spicy barbecue base to brighten the ribs.
Molasses: Adds rich deep sweetness and helps create that sticky, caramelized finish.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances the sweetness with acidity for a perfectly rounded sauce.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors without overpowering.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to mix things up depending on my mood or what’s in the kitchen. This recipe is super forgiving and lends itself well to tweaks, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own.

Spicy Kick: I’ve added chipotle powder or hot sauce to the barbecue mix for a smoky heat that my family loves.
Sweet Swap: If you don’t have molasses, maple syrup or honey work in a pinch, just expect a slightly different flavor depth.
Different Soda: Some friends have tried cola or root beer instead of Pepsi and still got delicious ribs—though the classic Pepsi flavor is my personal fave.
Meat Choice: You can try baby back ribs too, but cooking time may vary slightly since they’re smaller and more tender.

How to Make Slow Cooker Ribs with Pepsi and Barbecue Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ribs for Maximum Tenderness

Here’s a little trick I learned the first time I tried this—removing the membrane on the back of the ribs makes all the difference. It’s that thin, silvery skin you can slide a knife under (careful not to tear the meat). Grabbing it with a paper towel helps you pull it off cleanly. This step ensures your ribs soak up that epic sauce and cook up tender without any chewiness.

Step 2: Layer It Up in the Slow Cooker

Slice a medium white onion and spread it across the bottom of your slow cooker—this acts as a flavor base and keeps the ribs elevated so they cook evenly. Cut your rib racks into manageable sections (I usually go for quarters) and nestle them on top. Then pour on the Pepsi for that bubbling, tenderizing magic.

Step 3: Mix the BBQ Sauce and Let It Work Its Magic

In a separate bowl, whisk together chili sauce, molasses, and apple cider vinegar. This combo brings the sauce’s signature tangy and sweet balance that pairs perfectly with the Pepsi. Pour it all over the ribs—you’ll see how the colors meld and get that caramel glow starting already. Cover, then cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, depending on your schedule.

Step 4: Finish in the Oven for Crispy Perfection

After slow cooking, preheat your oven to 375ºF. Transfer the ribs to a baking sheet and if you want an extra saucy finish, brush on some more BBQ sauce. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the edges crisp up just a bit. This final step? Totally worth it. It adds that irresistible glaze and texture you can’t quite get from the slow cooker alone.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Ribs with Pepsi and Barbecue Recipe

Don’t Skip the Membrane Removal: It’s a small step that makes your ribs tender and lets the sauce penetrate better.
Pepsi Is More Than Just a Sweetener: The carbonation actually helps break down fibers, which I learned after several trials—definitely keep it in.
Low and Slow Is Key: If you have the time, go for the low setting—your patience gets rewarded with ultra-tender ribs.
Finish Under the Broiler If You’re in a Hurry: Keep an eye on them as the sauce can burn quickly, but the broiler crisps the edges beautifully if you don’t want to use the oven.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Ribs with Pepsi and Barbecue Recipe

Two large pieces of cooked meat with a brown and reddish crust sit inside a white oval slow cooker. The meat looks tender and juicy, resting partly in brown juices at the bottom. The slow cooker is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Ribs with Pepsi and Barbecue, tender ribs with Pepsi and barbecue, easiest ribs recipe, slow cooker barbecue ribs, fall-off-the-bone ribs

Garnishes

I love sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the ribs for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes I’ll add thinly sliced green onions for a bit of bite and crunch. A wedge of lemon or lime on the side brightens the rich flavors when squeezed right before eating.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs perfectly with classic coleslaw, buttery cornbread, and roasted baby potatoes. If you want to go lighter, a crisp green salad or grilled vegetables balance out the richness of the ribs beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like laying the ribs out on a large wooden board with small bowls of extra BBQ sauce, pickles, and sliced fresh veggies. It turns dinner into a casual, shareable feast that’s both impressive and welcoming.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the ribs have fully cooled, I wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. They keep great in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen after resting overnight.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these ribs successfully by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, storing in a freezer-safe bag. When thawed in the fridge overnight, they reheat beautifully without losing moisture.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 300ºF, covered with foil to keep them moist, for about 20 minutes. Alternatively, I use a skillet on low heat with a splash of water or extra sauce to revive that sticky glaze and keep the ribs tender.

FAQs

Can I use other types of ribs for this Slow Cooker Ribs with Pepsi and Barbecue Recipe?

Absolutely! While pork spare ribs are classic for this recipe, you can also use baby back ribs or even beef ribs. Just keep in mind that cooking times might need slight adjustments since baby back ribs tend to be smaller and cook a bit faster.
Is Pepsi essential, or can I substitute it with something else?

Pepsi plays a crucial role in tenderizing and flavoring the ribs thanks to its carbonation and sweetness. While other colas or root beer can work in a pinch, I highly recommend sticking with Pepsi to get the intended flavor and texture.
Can I skip the oven finishing step?

You can skip it if you’re short on time, but I don’t recommend it. The oven step caramelizes the sauce and crisps the edges, adding a layer of flavor and texture that really elevates the dish.
How do I know when the ribs are done in the slow cooker?

The ribs are done when the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone, typically after 8 hours on low or 4 on high. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should be around 190-203ºF for fall-off-the-bone tenderness.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Ribs with Pepsi and Barbecue Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s the kind of comfort food that brings everyone to the table with smiles. It’s a recipe I feel confident sharing with friends who are new to cooking ribs, knowing they’ll end up with a winner. So, if you want to enjoy effortless, melt-in-your-mouth ribs that taste like you spent hours fussing over them, give this recipe a try—it might just become your go-to too!

Slow Cooker Ribs with Pepsi and Barbecue Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 122 reviews

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This Crockpot Ribs recipe offers tender, flavorful pork spare ribs slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, tangy sauce made from Pepsi, chili sauce, molasses, and apple cider vinegar. Finished in the oven for a slight caramelized crust, these ribs are perfect for a comforting meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

2 racks of pork spare ribs

Vegetables

1 medium white onion, sliced

Sauce and Seasonings

2 cups Pepsi
1 cup chili sauce
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Salt and black pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of each rack of ribs by sliding a knife under it at the small end, then grasping it with a paper towel and pulling it off. Discard the membrane for tender ribs.
Cut the ribs: Slice each rack of ribs into 4 sections for easier handling and serving.
Layer onions and ribs: Place the sliced white onion in the bottom of your slow cooker, creating a bed for the ribs to sit on. Lay the rib sections on top of the onions and season with salt and black pepper as desired.
Add the Pepsi: Pour 2 cups of Pepsi over the ribs to infuse sweetness and moisture during cooking.
Mix and add the sauce: Whisk together the chili sauce, molasses, and apple cider vinegar in a bowl until smooth, then pour this mixture evenly over the ribs.
Slow cook the ribs: Cover your slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours until the ribs are tender and cooked through.
Preheat oven and finish ribs: When ribs are done slow cooking, preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Remove ribs from the crockpot and place on a baking sheet. Brush with extra barbecue sauce if you like for added flavor and moisture.
Bake for caramelization: Bake the ribs in the oven for 10-15 minutes until the sauce bubbles slightly and the edges of the ribs look nicely crisped, adding a delectable finish to the tender meat.

Notes

The ribs can be cut into 8 pieces total, with each piece considered one serving.
Calorie estimates are approximate as ingredient brands vary; consult a nutritionist for precise information.
Removing the membrane from ribs improves tenderness and allows flavors to penetrate better.
Finishing the ribs in the oven gives a lovely caramelized crust that contrasts nicely with the slow-cooked tenderness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 piece of rib (approximately 1/8 of recipe)
Calories: 370 kcal
Sugar: 15 g
Sodium: 480 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 0.2 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 22 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg