Combining the rich, bold chocolate flavor with the sweetness of Coca-Cola, this Southern Coca Cola Cake results in a moist, heavenly cake topped with a rich Coca-Cola frosting and optional pecans, making a wonderfully nostalgic Southern classic, perfect for all celebrations. Truly, each bite is the stuff of hardcore chocolate-licking bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Moist, Cakey Goodness: Blended with buttermilk, the soda ensures secret crackly allegory in the perfected sink-in tenderness.
Chocolatiness: The deep chocolate taste comes from cocoa in the cake and in the frosting as well.
Waving the Southern Banner: It is so much nostalgic, being an all-time favorite of any Southerner.
Simplicity in a Recipe: Beginner bakers will find easy-to-follow directions to get going on whoop-ass baking.
What’s a Party Without Some: No cake vanishes faster either warm or just at room temperature from the table, be it at any kind of celebration.
Key Ingredients
Cola and all the special southern flavor: Impress subtle sweetness, add moisture, and present the unique Southern image.
Flour: It provides the structure and texture of the cake and holds the secret to a southern monster cake.
Buttermilk: It reacts with the baking soda to give a tender, soft aspect to the cake.
Cocoa Powder: It gives a solid flavor to the cake or the frosting should need a hand.
Mini Marshmallows: They melt away into the cake leaving pockets of gobsmacked sweetness in an amazing, irresistible piece.
Butter: This is for decadence and for the base of the frosting, before the sugar on on top
Confectionery Sugar: Is used to sweeten the frosting and give it that smooth, glossy look.
Nuts (Pecans): Definitely add a bit of life to the frosting, adding that crunch every time you take a bite.
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.
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
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 standalone showstopper, but consider a couple of finishing touches to maximize it instead:
Vanilla Ice Cream: Mostly believed best with a warm slice of cake!!
Whipped Cream: Light and airy; it balances the heavy decadence of the cake.
Berries Fresh: Add strawberries or raspberries; they offer a refreshing tartness.
Hot Coffee: Come in for a steaming mug of coffee.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days, with the frosting hardening but softening at room temperature.
Freezing: Wrap slices individually with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and serve.
Advanced Preparation: Bake the cake one day in advance but frost the cake only when on the table for presentation and appropriate texture.
Variations
Cherry Coca Cola Cake: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries into the batter for a fruity Christmas twist.
Nut Free: Skip the pecans in the frosting for a nut-free version.
Diet-friendly: Use reduced-sugar Coca Cola and sweeten frosting with a sugar-free sweetener.
Extra Chocolate-y: Mix in 1/2 cup chopped chocolate chips with the marshmallows for a richer cake.
Mini: Bake this batter in cupcake tins for individual servings; adjust baking time to 18-20 minutes.
Conclusion
This Southern Coca Cola Cake is a salute to all that dessert should be-impossibly moist, perfectly rich, intensely chocolatey, and subtly infused with the charm of the south. From a miraculous Coca Cola mix to the heavenly marshmallows and frosting; it is plain indulgence. This one is ideal for family gatherings, teasing holidays, or just any normal day. The crowd’s asking for thirds. Get the oven preheated and start having sweet memories as soon as you sit down with this old-timer!
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.
