This Southern Coca Cola Cake combines a rich chocolate flavor with the unique sweetness of Coca-Cola, creating a moist and decadent dessert. Topped with a luscious Coca-Cola frosting and optional pecans, this cake is a nostalgic Southern classic that’s perfect for any occasion. Each bite melts in your mouth with a delightful blend of chocolatey goodness and gooey marshmallows!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Decadently Moist: The Coca Cola and buttermilk combination ensures a perfectly tender crumb.
Rich Chocolate Flavor: Cocoa powder infuses the cake and frosting with a deep, luscious chocolate taste.
Classic Southern Comfort: Nostalgic and timeless, this dessert is a Southern staple.
Easy to Make: Straightforward steps make this recipe approachable, even for beginner bakers.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether served warm or cool, this cake disappears quickly at any gathering.
Key Ingredients
Coca Cola: Adds a subtle sweetness, extra moisture, and a unique Southern twist.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cake, giving it structure.
Buttermilk: Reacts with the baking soda for a light, tender texture.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Brings rich chocolate flavor to both the cake and the frosting.
Mini Marshmallows: Melt into gooey pockets of sweetness, making every bite irresistible.
Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and forms the base of the frosting.
Confectioners’ Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and creates its smooth, glossy texture.
Pecans (Optional): Add a nutty crunch to the frosting for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
This creates the dry base for your cake, ensuring even distribution of the leavening agent.
Step 3: Create the Cocoa Mixture
Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter over medium heat.
Add Cocoa and Coca-Cola: Stir in:
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup Coca-Cola
Bring to a Boil: Heat the mixture until it just starts to boil, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Combine Mixtures: Pour the hot cocoa mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl.
Stir Thoroughly: Mix until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
Step 5: Add Buttermilk Mixture
Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together:
½ cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Incorporate into Batter: Add the buttermilk mixture to the batter and stir until fully combined.
Step 6: Fold in Marshmallows
Add Marshmallows: Gently fold in 1½ cups of mini marshmallows.
These will melt during baking, creating gooey, sweet pockets throughout the cake.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tip: Check for doneness a few minutes early to prevent overbaking.
Step 8: Prepare the Frosting
Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt ½ cup (1 stick) of butter over medium heat.
Add Cocoa and Coca-Cola: Stir in:
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
6 tablespoons Coca-Cola
Bring to a Boil: Heat the mixture until it just starts to boil, then remove from heat.
Step 9: Finish the Frosting
Add Confectioners’ Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually whisk in:
4 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix until the frosting is smooth and well combined.
Optional Additions: If using, stir in 1 cup of chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
Step 10: Frost the Cake
Apply Frosting: Pour the warm frosting over the hot cake immediately after removing it from the oven.
Spread Evenly: Use a spatula to spread the frosting evenly across the top of the cake.
Step 11: Cool and Serve
Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. As it cools, the frosting will firm up into a perfect, glossy layer.
Serve: Slice and enjoy your rich, moist Coca-Cola Chocolate Cake.
Serving Suggestions
This Coca Cola Cake is a showstopper on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your dessert:
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of ice cream alongside a warm slice of cake is pure bliss.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it balances the richness of the cake.
Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing tartness.
Hot Coffee: Pair with a strong cup of coffee for the ultimate indulgence.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The frosting may firm up but will soften at room temperature.
Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Make-Ahead: Bake the cake a day in advance, but frost it right before serving for the best texture and presentation.
Variations
Cherry Coca Cola Cake: Add ½ cup of chopped maraschino cherries to the batter for a fruity twist.
Nut-Free Option: Skip the pecans in the frosting for a nut-free version.
Diet-Friendly Adjustments: Use reduced-sugar Coca Cola and substitute a sugar-free sweetener in the frosting.
Extra Chocolatey: Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips with the marshmallows for an even richer cake.
Mini Cakes: Bake the batter in cupcake tins for individual servings. Adjust baking time to 18-20 minutes.
Conclusion
This Southern Coca Cola Cake is everything a dessert should be: rich, moist, chocolatey, and brimming with Southern charm. From its unique Coca Cola infusion to the gooey marshmallows and luscious frosting, this cake is a celebration of simple yet indulgent flavors. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday treat, or just because, this cake will leave everyone asking for seconds. So, preheat that oven and get ready to enjoy a slice of nostalgia with every bite.
Southern Coca Cola Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup Coca-Cola
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter for frosting
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder for frosting
- 1/2 cup Coca-Cola for frosting
- 4 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
- 1 cup chopped pecans optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in cocoa powder and Coca-Cola. Bring to a boil, then pour over dry ingredients and mix well.
- Whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla, then add to the batter. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in mini marshmallows, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in cocoa powder and Coca-Cola, and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and whisk in confectioners' sugar and vanilla until smooth. Add pecans, if using.
- Pour the warm frosting over the hot cake and spread evenly.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan before serving.
