THE POST TITLE IS TRUE!
I MADE BROWNIE'S USING DIET COKE!
Now think about it...2 fabulous, delicious, (necessary) items brought together, and as impossible as it seems, made even better!!I found this recipe at Every Mile a Memory, and when I read the post I almost fell off my chair. I thought this was an impossible recipe, that it was a hoax, that it was an early April Fools day trick, but hey, I will try anything once, so....
TO DIE FOR!
Diet Coke Brownies
1 box fudge brownie mix ( I used the 9 x 13 pan size)
1 (12 oz.) can Diet Coke
In a large bowl dump the brownie mix in. Open that can of Diet Coke (try not to drink any of it), and slowly pour over the dry brownie mix. It will foam up a lot. I stopped to stir in the soda a couple of times.
Let them cool, cut them into 24 pieces and try not to eat the entire pan before the family gets home!
Using the low fat mix, and cutting into 24 equal pieces, each brownie is 105 calories, and 0.5 grams fat.
OH MY!
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Yum! You just reminded me of another tip. We had a friend who was allergic to dairy and he suggested making the cake with a can of Sprite or 7-Up, which replaced the eggs and oil. I couldn't believe that it worked!
ReplyDeleteThx u:)
DeleteIt's amazing what you can do with soda! Yum - they really look great!!
ReplyDeleteI would never have believed it if I didn't see your post. That's so great that this little trick actually works. I hope you'll come by and link up again to Sweets for a Saturday #5.
ReplyDeleteOh how I love these simple recipes...especially using 'surprise' ingredients! I'm definitely gonna try this one. So glad you shared. Found you at Sweets for a Saturday..keep on keeping on.
ReplyDeleteI'd never have thought to use diet coke in baking. Have you used it in any other recipes?
ReplyDeleteLove brownies, I'll have to try these, always got a stash of diet coke around.
ReplyDeletelove this! i have done this on my own blog with cake but, not brownies! worth a go, for sure! glad to have found your blog!
ReplyDelete-meg
@ http://www.clutzycooking.blogspot.com
@ http://www.myscribblednotebook.blogspot.com
I saw a recipe like this but cake mix, and mentioned to my son that I was thinking about trying it. He balked at the idea. I'll have to try this without telling him. :-)
ReplyDeleteI am on weight watchers. This is the receipe we use to be able to eat cakes.
ReplyDeleteI cannot WAIT to try this. I love that brand of brownies anyway - they are the best ever. This is so exciting!!!! thank you for sharing
ReplyDeleteAhhhhh, I'm just now reading this! I'm so SO glad that you tried out the recipe and love it -- it's amazing, right?! Hope you enjoyed your brownies :)
ReplyDeleteAre you able to use regular coke?
ReplyDeleteHi Chambanachik!
ReplyDeleteYou can use regular coke, it just changes the number of calories. I have also heard that you can use Dr. Pepper, Rootbeer, or any flavored soda. I think black cherry cola would be divine!
mmm - so does it give it a good Coke flavor or is it pretty subtle?
ReplyDeleteHi Rebecca!
ReplyDeleteActually, these brownies taste like, well, brownies!
I have made these so many times and I have never been able to taste the diet coke flavor. Of course maybe that's because I drink it too-lol
I have a son with egg allergies so I am elated to see this! We have tried using egg replacer, apple sauce, but never this. The apples sauce and egg replacer by the way both just make a messy, oily 1/4 inch thick brownie. OH YOU MADE ME SOOOO HAPPY!
ReplyDeleteNot sure what went wrong but didn't taste like brownies, more like a chocolate sponge cake, weird texture. Oh well. :(
ReplyDeleteOk, so I love chocolate and diet coke so I tried the recipe. The flavor was good but the bottom was like a gel....what did I do wrong? I cooked in glass pan should I have used metal?
ReplyDeleteI have found that you need to add extra minutes to the baking time.
ReplyDeleteI always bake my brownies in a glass dish, so I don't think switching to a metal pan will make a lot of difference.
I generally add 7 additional minutes to my baking time, and that is using the Betty Crocker brownie mix. Other mixes may require even more time. Just remember to check for doneness using the tried and true "toothpick" method!
I hope you will try this again, because these really are good and sin free!
I am so intrigued by this! I am all for baking shortcuts, this will definitely add to my list of must-try recipes!
ReplyDeleteTried this tonight, I usually can add things like chocolate chips or peanut butter chips to my brownies, but with this recipe they aren't thick enough to do that. Otherwise, this is fantastic! Just don't add nuts or chips or anything, they will all sink to the bottom and prevent it from cooking completely. Great trick though!
ReplyDeleteHow many calories are in the non-lowfat mix??
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to try this!!
I used to make these all the time, but was warned that heating diet coke is not safe. Anyone heard about that?
ReplyDeleteDo you have to do anything different for high altitude? I know the regular brownie mix usually has you add a little flour, do I have to do that?
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to see people are still checking out this recipe!
ReplyDeleteIt has been a HUGE hit via Pinterest!
On heating Diet Coke, I haven't heard anything about it being a problem. I'm not a chemist, but so far I haven't had any adverse reactions from using this recipe, so I'm going keep rolling with it! LOL
I live in a High Altitude area as well, but I haven't tried using the additional ingredients recommended for this. I can't imagine it would hurt the final outcome, and it may even make them a bit more "cake like"...
I may have to give that a try next time! Also, adjusting for high altitude will not alter the calories & fat. ...
What if you were to use Coke Zero? and how many calories do you think are in non-fat brownie mixes using this method?
ReplyDeletethanks for the post, I've just started dieting and I miss my sweets, and at roughly 100 calories, these are affordable for my diet :)
Hi Kelly!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by the blog!
I have a friend who makes these brownies using Coke Zero, and she loves them, so I know that works well.
I haven't made the brownies using the non-fat mixes, so I really don't know if they will turn out as well....I may try doing it soon and give you a shout!
Amber
Ok, so I have them in the oven cooking as I type this...can't wait to try them out!!!
ReplyDeleteAnother easy one that I love is a cake mix and a can of pumpkin...any kind of cake mix...I have used spice and chocolate and then a can of regular pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling...just 100% pumpkin.) Mix the two together and I make mini muffins out of them...my whole family loves them 1.5 WWPointsplus per mini muffin also!
Kayleen
I tried this and I'm sorry it wasn't nearly as good as the real thing :(
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, what a fabulous idea, and a perfect recipe for bored college students who want to eat snacks and not become a whale! And not to mention a much cheaper way to cook brownies. An overall bored student win!
ReplyDeleteI just tried this today with coke zero and was not a fan. Has a very odd texture even with the extended baking time. This trick does work really well with cakes though so I think i'll stick with that.
ReplyDeleteYou really should not cook with diet sodas. The artificial sweetners are not meant to be heated. Doing so can cause people to get sick.
ReplyDeleteIf that was true, then everyone who added artificial sweetener to their HOT coffee and tea would be sick, and they aren't.
DeleteSome artificial sweeteners become bitter when heated. The heat from an oven is much higher than that of coffee or tea!
DeleteAny idea how many carbs are in them?
ReplyDeleteWith the cake mix trick and soda... you can add any flavor soda, so for example add a Cherry coke to a Devils food cake for a "black forest" flavor cake base. Or a Orange soda to vanilla... etc,.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if anyone has tried this using Pepsi - diet, Max, or reg? Currently dieting and I miss my Betty Crocker Brownies!!!
ReplyDeleteNO WAY to artificial sweetener, whole family highly allergic, will try with regular tho
ReplyDeleteTried making these tonight and they had a strange tast and odd texture. Epic Fail!
ReplyDeleteExactly....you are not a chemist! I am telling you that it is DANGEROUS to heat Diet Coke and ingest it! Post it for your loyal followers!
ReplyDeleteI've received a couple of comments regarding using diet soda's for baking.
ReplyDeleteI've done some research via the web about this, and I haven't been able to find any credible info regarding the use of artificial sweeteners in diet soda becoming harmful if heated.
I personally haven't been ill from eating these brownies, and I do make them quite often, so I guess that for my followers and all of you awesome visitors, just knowing that there is some speculation about the safety of baking with diet soda, is the best I can do.
Thanks all!
p.s. I realize I am not a chemist, but I do have common sense, and after looking for answers about this issue, I am comfortable continuing to use this recipe.
If we get sick it's totally worth it! ;) I made these tonight. Ive been craving delicious brownies. I used cherry coke zero.. Fabulous! My only prob was I didn't get a flaky top. Other than that they were awesome! Any thoughts on why that happened?
DeleteI love to bake and have tried various recipes using prunes or applesauce to replace the fat in baked goods. I was very excited to try this since I love diet coke. Unfortunately, it just isn't very good. The texture is strange and they don't taste like brownies. What a bummer!!! As a lifelong weight watchers member, I was hoping I had found a new favorite.
ReplyDeleteIf you haven't had a real brownie in awhile, they would be better than nothing...but I'd rather save my points and eat a real one. Sorry. I may still try to make a cake this way and see how that works, but won't be making diet coke brownies again.
I have been looking all night and there is no where that I can find that says that cooking with Diet Coke is dangerous. There are always theories and those people who make them up are probably wearing tinfoil on thier head to avoid the government reading their brain. I will be trying these browines and not worrying and the after effects!
ReplyDeleteShould the diet coke be cold or room temperature?
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone for all the comments, good and bad!
ReplyDeleteI love seeing what others think, and I always learn new things when comments are rolling in.
@Browneyedsue, Sorry you didn't like the recipe, hopefully you extended the baking time, that is really the key to making the texture better.
@Brooke DietCokeAddict (love the user name), thank you for your comments on this controversial issue about the safety of baking with Diet Coke, I appreciate your time in posting your findings.
@Gaby Goday de Porras, I have made these with both warm and cold DC, and I have found absolutely no difference in the results. Hope this helps!
Amber
I featured this in a round-up of 2 ingredient recipes on my blog:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.snugasabugbaby.com/two-ingredient-treats/
Thanks for the idea!
-Alisha
Cooking with Diet coke is diffidently ok, I use it in several things when cooking and baking, this sounds really awesome going to try this! Also yall might want to know you can take 2 cans of cut green beans, drain, put on stove top in a pot, add diet coke and let it cook just until there is no more coke!! they are awesome:)
ReplyDeleteAmber
I am diff, going to try this recipe. Also I have been cooking with diet coke for years and years, its safe:)
ReplyDeleteA great recipe I use with diet coke is green beans, get two cans of cut green beans,drain add to boiling pan, pour your diet coke to top to cover beans and cook on medium until all the coke it all most gone, gives them a very sweet and tasty flavor, if your not dieting you can also and bacon into the mix!
Thanks Amber
Its unsafe to heat up nutrasweet, but i dont think Diet Coke is made from Nutrasweet anymore. But I think i'd use a diet made from Splenda just to be on the safe side.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the American Cancer Society it's ok: http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/CancerCauses/OtherCarcinogens/AtHome/aspartame
ReplyDeleteI don't know why there was such a difference for some people, but I tried this tonight (with the low fat mix, even!) and they were great. I probably could've baked them a little longer, but I always err on the side of underdone. Covered my craving, and I felt a little less guilty!
ReplyDeleteI just love love love this recipe! Thanks for the post!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.healthybitsnw.com/2012/05/24/feeding-the-beast/
I have made similar with cake mix using club soda or seltzer..this is a good alternative if you don't want the artificial sweetners and you still lose all the fat/calories fromt the eggs and oil.
ReplyDeleteAny idea how this calculates for weight watchers points plus? I agree, it took quite a bit longer to bake but very good!
ReplyDeleteAny clue how this figures out for weight watchers points plus? I agree, it took much longer to bake but so easy and so good!
ReplyDeleteEven with the longer cooking time, mine had that weird consistency on the bottom. They weren't terrible if I was strictly counting WW points and was desperate for a chocolate fix, but I don't think I'll make them again. I'll stick to using diet soda in cake mixes only. Thanks anyway!
ReplyDeleteJust made them.. It taste like chocolate cola cake. It doesnt taste a thing like brownies. The texture is very different than brownies. I would not make it again.
ReplyDeleteThere was much discussion at the end of the first gulf war, that the aspartame in the diet coke when heated can turn into a toxic substance, that may be what people are referring to. I wonder about using the diet coke with splenda instead?
ReplyDeleteHi Leticiaf82!
ReplyDeleteDid you increase your baking time enough? That always seems the trick to getting these brownies just right. I live in a high altitude area, and the other day when I made these brownies for friends, I really had to increase my cooking time by almost 10 minutes. It was a rainy day, so I'm not sure if the higher humidity had something to do with that or not.
And, I totally agree with you! If I get sick, it has been well worth it! LOL
Thanks for stopping by!
How do you figure out how much coke to use on the smaller box meant for a 9x9 inch pan?
ReplyDeleteThis didn't work for me. :( I followed the instructions, used the same brownie mix and DIET coke, but the brownies came out gummy. The texture and flavor were way off. These just weren't worth it for me. If anyone has an idea as to what went wrong, I'd love to hear it! I had high hopes for these!
ReplyDeleteMine turned out exactly like yours, I did cook them longer like she said. So disappointed really wanted to work,ugh!
DeleteSuper! Super! Super!
ReplyDeleteI for one, am going to try this right away - thanks for sharing. :)
I would rather use real ingredients like eggs water and butter and limit how much I consume rather than use diet soda or any soda for that matter which is full of chemicals.
ReplyDeleteSaved as a favorite, I really like your website!
ReplyDeleteFeel free to surf my web blog ; read this blog tumblr
I used diet orange soda with angel food cake mix for our diabetic child...it was yummy. I'm going to try the brownie mix with diet cherry pepsi!
ReplyDeleteTried it with lime coke (it's all I had in the fridge). TERRIBLE! Made for a good joke though, I've always been the worst baker. Just a warning to anyone else that might make the same mistake!
ReplyDeleteI followed this exactly, except used a 9x9 pan & they turned out awful. The middle caved in & looked like the coke was foaming out of it. The outside was horribly chewy & almost burnt, & I didn't add extra time. I think I'll just stick to making them from scratch
ReplyDeleteI tried with diet dr pepper... Did not turn out so good. Taste and consistency way off. Think ill stick to normal next time!!
ReplyDeleteIn reference to the blogger asking about dangers of heating diet soda this is from an article I found. http://arizonaadvancedmedicine.com/articles/diet_soda.html
ReplyDeleteFor those of us who live in hot climates like Arizona, diet sodas may present a special danger if they have been exposed to hot temperatures, such as sitting outside the back door of a convenience store in summer. There is some evidence that storing diet soda in elevated temperatures promotes rapid deterioration of aspartame into poisonous methyl alcohol (methanol) as well as formic acid and a brain tumor agent called diketopiperazine (DKP). Methanol is better known as wood alcohol, a deadly poison. According to the Aspartame Consumer Safety Network, when ingested, methanol breaks down into formaldehyde which is "known to cause cancer, accumulating slowly without detection in the body."
Methanol is a deadly poison that can cause serious tissue damage. Some of the symptoms of methanol poisoning are headaches; numbness of the arms, hands, legs, or feet; dizziness; depression; blurred vision; nausea; and stomach pain. The body lacks the specific enzymes necessary to detoxify it. A 12 ounce aspartame-sweetener soft drink is said to have about 10 mg of methanol."
Soooo good! I used Diet Cherry Cola instead, plus I plopped some chocolate chip in too! (:
ReplyDeleteI am allergic to eggs. I have been my whole life (I'm 34). I have tried several "no egg" recipes for cakes with disappointing results. I can't wait to try this. I have never had a brownie. I hope it works. When you use the soda in the cake mixes can you still leave out the eggs and oil?
ReplyDeleteHi Jo!
ReplyDeleteAs far as I know, you don't need to use oil or eggs in most of the recipes I see using soda pop, like the cakes, cupcakes, etc.
I hope you like these brownies, I personally love them.
Just be sure you bake them using additional time until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.
They do take longer to bake.
ENJOY!
Tried these last night! They were good to me. I asked my daughter if they tasted like other brownies(like I said, I've never had one) and she said they were even better. Thank you so much for posting this. I can't wait to try it with cake mix now.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteJo, I'm so happy you liked them!
ReplyDeleteI've had some feed back where Diet Cherry Coke was used as well, and they were delicious!
Thanks for letting me know!
I didn't use a whole can probably half and the batter is amazing and just like the real thing, I'm layering with peanut butter and thin pretzels, baking for 1 hr so we will see!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm making these as I write this and I did not use 12 ounces of soda I slowly poured in the soda so I could get the right consistency as using eggs, oil and water. The batter was delicious! But I tweaked this recipe I put a layer of pretzel thins and melted peanut butter on top of one layer brownie batter then poured the batter on top of that. Can't wait yumm, I will update:)
ReplyDeleteOk brownies came out flat and chewy but tasted pretty good, I have to give them away bc I'm dieting and I added the pb and pretzels lol so onto thoughts of the next recipe ! Thanks
ReplyDeleteMade these last night and was very disappointed. Followed your directions exactly and brownies we over-baked on the outsides and super spongy on the inside. Think I'll continue making brownies the traditional way.
ReplyDeleteI was reading all the comments while my brownies were cooking and started to get a little nervous. But they turned out GREAT! I used the exact brands and exact recipe. Glass 9x13 dish, lightly spayed with non-stick spray, 350 degrees for exactly 30 minutes. As soon as it came out of the oven I sprinkled a small handful of mini-chocolate chips, just to give it that real chocolate taste. My whole family loves it. Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteI have done this for years with cake mixes...learned this at weight watcher. Great way to cut those caleries. My kids even think they're yummy!
ReplyDeleteDo you think this would work on a gluten free brownie mix?
ReplyDeleteyou think i can add chocolate chips or walnuts to this recipe?
ReplyDeleteCan u use regular coke? Me n my husband don't like diet coke.
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah!
ReplyDeleteYou can use ANY type of soda you like! Cherry coke, Dr. Pepper, Pepsi, Orange Soda...you get the idea. It doesn't have to be a diet soda at all.
Best wishes, and go crazy trying new flavors!!!!
I believe these are only 3 Weight Watchers Points Plus for anyone that is curious.
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say thank you so much for posting this recipie !!!! My little brother is allergic to eggs and I have been experimenting with substitutes but have fallen flat this gave us a super tasty brownie without the eggs!!! Thank you for helping me make my 13 yr old brothers first brownie!
ReplyDeleteMy husband is a biochemist with a major international pharmaceutical corporation.
ReplyDeleteHeating the diet soda IS safe.
Many artificial sweeteners are marketed specifically for baking and are the same as what is found in diet drinks, candies...
However, for those of you that can not get the soda to work, you can try the exact same thing with .... It took me YEARS to actually want to try this ....
~It sounds gross, but hear me out~ pureed black beans (canned).
Trust me, no one notices the difference and they are INCREDIBLY AMAZED once they find out. It's So Very FUN to see their reactions!
Just the mix & the beans - NOTHING else ... well, I add chocolate chips, but no eggs or oil.
Rinse the beans well then put them back in the can. Then fill the can with water to the top of the beans. Puree the HECK out of them until smooth. Whisk together with the brownie mix and bake as directed (don't forget to change the oven temp for dark vs. light baking pans). Put on a lower rack - not necessarily the lowest as the bottom takes longer to bake.
I like mine a bit more rich and dense, but if you like them more fluffy, bake for a bit longer.
They taste slightly less sweet, but if you'd like you can sprinkle with confectioners sugar right after they come from the oven (so that the sugar melts a bit). Adding chocolate chips is yummy as well!
*It is very important to use a toothpick, wooden skewer or chopstick to test for "doneness".
Just made these. Used the 11" x 7" pack box so reduced the amount of DC used to 200ml rather than use the whole 330ml can. Cooked for 30 minutes in a well Pre heated oven.
ReplyDeleteCame out a bit gooey in the centre but risen well and tastes ok.
Next time will try less DC.
Just a thought for diabetics - if you use the black bean method - you are adding even more carbohydrates (sugar) to your mix. The bonus is you are also adding some protein so that will help your body with the carbs.
ReplyDeleteI see this is an old blog post but after reading some of the comments I thought my advice might help.
ReplyDeleteI have made these successfully and not-so-successfully before in the past. Here are some things that I adjusted to have the brownies turn out better -
1. Use less Diet coke than the entire can. I use about 10 oz (1 and 1/4 cup), which gives a less sticky texture.
2. I make sure everything is mixed really well before baking. I add 1 cup of diet coke, mix well, and then add the remaining diet coke and mix well again. Make sure your batter is smooth and not lumpy or even bubbly from the carbonation of the soda.
3. As mentioned, extend the baking time. I put my batter in a glass 9x13 baking pan. The box mix called for 24-26 minutes. Baking for 35 minutes came out nearly perfect.
They will never be as dense or fudgey as brownies loaded up with oil and eggs, but still taste great and have a good consistency.