Easy Southern Coca Cola Cake is the ultimate old-fashioned chocolate dessert! Made with Coca-Cola for an incredibly moist, rich crumb and topped with a warm, fudgy chocolate frosting
Coca Cola Cake has always been one of those recipes that feels like a little taste of Southern comfort. I love how something as simple as a can of Coke transforms an ordinary chocolate cake into one that's unbelievably moist, rich, and full of nostalgic flavor. The warm chocolate frosting poured over the cake while it's still fresh from the oven is my favorite part-it melts right into every bite. Whether I'm taking it to a family gathering, a potluck, or just baking it because I'm craving chocolate, this cake never lasts long. It's one of those old-fashioned recipes that proves the classics are still some of the very best.
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Try some of our other favorite cakes: Southern Pig Pickin' Cake, Orange Creamsicle Cake, Better Than Anything (Sex) Cake, or Pineapple Upside Down Cake.
Ingredients for Coca Cola Cake
- Coca Cola
- granulated sugar
- cocoa powder
- eggs
- all purpose flour
- baking soda
- butter
- buttermilk
- marshmallows (optional)
- vanilla extract
- powdered sugar
- pecans (optional)
FAQs
Coca-Cola adds moisture, enhances the chocolate flavor, and gives the cake a subtle caramel sweetness that makes it incredibly tender.
Regular Coca-Cola is recommended for the best flavor and texture. Diet versions won't produce the same rich results.
Cover tightly and store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Yes! Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Definitely. Chopped pecans are a classic addition and pair perfectly with the rich chocolate frosting.
Pro Tips for the Best Coca Cola Cake
⭐Use real Coca-Cola, not Diet or Zero, for the richest flavor.
⭐Pour the warm frosting over the warm cake so it soaks into the top for that signature fudgy finish.
⭐Don't overbake the cake. Check it a few minutes early to keep it moist.
⭐Toast the pecans before adding them to the frosting for extra flavor and crunch.
⭐Bring your eggs and buttermilk to room temperature before mixing for a smoother batter.
⭐Let the cake cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing for the cleanest pieces.
How to make Coca Cola Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. In a saucepan, bring butter, Coca-Cola, and cocoa powder to a gentle boil.
- Pour the hot mixture over the flour and sugar; stir until combined.
- Mix in buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla.
- Fold in marshmallows, if using.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Make the frosting: About 10 minutes before the cake is done, heat butter, cocoa, and Coca-Cola in a saucepan until melted.
- Remove from heat and beat (or whisk) in vanilla and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Stir in pecans, if desired.
- Pour the warm frosting over the warm cake and spread evenly. Let cool before serving. Slice and enjoy!
Coca Cola Cake
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup Coca Cola (not diet)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups miniature marshmallows (optional)
Frosting
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup Coca Cola (not diet)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pecans, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
- In a saucepan, bring butter, Coca-Cola, and cocoa powder to a gentle boil.
- Pour the hot mixture over the flour and sugar; stir until combined.
- Mix in buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla.
- Fold in marshmallows if using.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Make the Frosting
- About 10 minutes before the cake is done, heat butter, cocoa, and Coca-Cola in a saucepan until melted.
- Remove from heat. Beat (or whisk) in vanilla and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Stir in pecans if desired.
- Pour the warm frosting over the warm cake and spread evenly. Let cool before serving. Cut and enjoy!
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