Coca Cola Cake

Coca Cola Cake is a Southern take on classic chocolate cake. It’s rich, fluffy, and filled with chocolate flavor — perfect for parties.

Hear me out: adding Coca-Cola to cake gives an incredible texture to an otherwise traditional chocolate cake recipe. I love using unexpected ingredients in dessert recipes, like this Maple Pumpkin Pie or this Sour Cream Pound Cake. It can add so much to the final results.

Why This Recipe Works

The first time I discovered Coca Cola Cake, I was blown away by the fluffiness and richness. It’s a Southern recipe that I’d heard of before and was always curious to try.

It uses pantry ingredients that you likely already have at home, which as you all know, is right up my alley. The homemade frosting also features a bit of soda, giving it a fluffy and fudgy consistency as well.

Perhaps best of all, it’s so easy to make! Make it for your next gathering and your guests will never guess the secret ingredient.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredient Notes

• Coca Cola: Your secret ingredient. The soda adds a very subtle flavor — and does much for the texture. Your cake will be moist, fluffy, and light.
• Cocoa Powder: Here’s where the rich and chocolatey flavor comes from. If you want your cake to be as rich as possible, use dark cocoa powder.
• Buttermilk: You can always substitute buttermilk for whole milk. But, I love the richness it adds to the overall flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: This ingredient acts as the base for your old-fashioned Coca-Cola cake recipe. You can easily make your Coke cake gluten-free by using your favorite GF flour instead.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Recipe prep. Preheat your oven to 350° F and grease your baking pan or dish. Dust with flour to ensure that your Coke cake doesn’t stick.

1. Combine the dry ingredients. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl until well combined and set aside.
2. Boil the wet ingredients. Place a small saucepan over medium-high heat and add the Coke, butter, and cocoa powder. Bring the mixture to a soft boil making sure to stir occasionally. Remove from heat, then add it to the dry ingredients and stir.

3. Blend the butter and sugar. Add the eggs, buttermilk (or whole milk if using), and vanilla to a small bowl and whisk to combine.
4. Bake. Pour the cake batter into the baking dish and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the center is firm. Use a toothpick to determine whether it is cooked through.

5. Make the frosting. Place the Coke, butter, salt, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar into a large pot and stir. Heat your frosting ingredients over medium, being sure to stir occasionally. Bring the mixture to a boil and allow it to cook for 15 minutes, then pour your homemade frosting over your Coke cake.
6. Let cool. Allow the cake to cool and the frosting to firm up. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Storage and or Freezing Instructions

• Make-ahead instructions: You can make this old-fashioned Coca-Cola cake recipe up to 2 days before serving. Simply allow it to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. You can store it in your pantry or on your countertop.
• Freezing instructions: This recipe freezes really nicely. Make sure to allow it to cool, then place it in a freezer-safe airtight container. It will keep for 4-6 months. Simply allow it to defrost in the fridge overnight before eating.
• Storage instructions: Store any leftovers in an airtight container. As mentioned, you can keep it on your countertop, but you can also store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Recipe Notes and Tips

• Use a different type of soda. You can sub in Root Beer or Dr. Pepper for the Coke if you’d like. You may also consider using diet soda, but try to avoid artificial sweeteners.
• Topping ideas. I love adding crushed nuts or extra shaved chocolate to my old-fashioned Coca-Cola cake recipe — just sprinkle over the frosting! For a seasonal treat, try adding crushed-up candy canes.
• Serving suggestions. For a decadent dessert, serve with whipped cream or your favorite ice cream.

FAQs

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