Description
This Coca Cola Cake is a classic Southern dessert featuring a moist and rich chocolate cake made with Coca-Cola and a luscious chocolate frosting also infused with the soda. The cake is easy to prepare, combining traditional baking with a unique twist from the fizzy soda, delivering a sweet, tender texture and deep chocolate flavor that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Coca-Cola (not diet)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 cup mini marshmallows
For the Chocolate Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/4 cup Coca-Cola
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper, ensuring the corners are well covered to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt until thoroughly combined. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cook the Cocoa-Cola Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the unsalted butter, cocoa powder, and Coca-Cola. Stir continuously and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, ensuring the butter melts fully and the mixture becomes smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Immediately after boiling, pour the hot Coca-Cola mixture over the flour mixture. Stir gently to combine, ensuring no dry pockets of flour remain.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the eggs, buttermilk, baking soda, and vanilla extract to the batter. Stir gently until the batter is smooth and well incorporated. If you are using mini marshmallows, fold them in last to keep them intact.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the cake bakes, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the Coca-Cola and cocoa powder, bringing the mixture just to a boil while stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Finish the Frosting: Remove the saucepan from heat and gradually whisk in the sifted powdered sugar, adding it about one cup at a time until the frosting achieves a smooth, spreadable consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract to complete the frosting.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is removed from the oven, pour the warm frosting evenly over the hot cake. Use an offset spatula or spoon to spread the frosting to the edges. The frosting will soak slightly into the cake as it cools, adding moisture and flavor.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly at room temperature before slicing. For the best texture and flavor, serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Using regular Coca-Cola (not diet) is essential for the proper flavor and texture of the cake.
- Mini marshmallows are optional but add a delightful texture and sweetness to the cake.
- Ensure the cocoa powder used is unsweetened for balanced sweetness driven by sugar and soda.
- Letting the frosting soak into the cake while warm enhances the moistness.
- The cake can be served warm or at room temperature, depending on preference.
- Use buttermilk for best moisture and tang; you can substitute with milk plus a tablespoon of vinegar if needed.
