Coca Cola Cake

5 from 1 vote

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

Prep Time25

Cook Time1

Total Time1 25

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: Servings

Calories: 621kcal

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.
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl until well combined and set aside.
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.
Add the eggs, buttermilk (or whole milk if using), and vanilla to a small bowl and whisk to combine.
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.
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 to cook for 15 minutes, then pour your homemade frosting over your Coke cake.
Allow the cake to cool and the frosting to firm up. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

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.

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.