The Sweetest Southern Coca Cola Cake Recipe You’ll Ever Bake

Southern charm meets sweet indulgence in this coca cola cake that promises a delightful twist on classic desserts.

Sweet bubbles infuse rich chocolate layers with unexpected magic.

Cola’s secret ingredient brings extraordinary depth to every single bite.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen swirl through this nostalgic treat.

Southern bakers know how to turn simple ingredients into extraordinary experiences.

Whispers of caramel and chocolate dance together in this irresistible confection.

Bake this cake and watch magic unfold on your plate.

Coca Cola Cake That’s Sweet and Southern

• Celebrate Nostalgic Southern Charm: A classic dessert that captures the heart of traditional Southern baking with its unique Coca-Cola twist.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: Whip up this delightful cake in under an hour, making it perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings or last-minute gatherings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Dessert: The rich chocolate flavor and moist texture guarantee smiles from kids and adults alike, transforming any ordinary moment into a special treat.
• Budget-Friendly Baking Marvel: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, creating a luxurious-tasting dessert without breaking the bank.

What You’ll Need for Southern Coca Cola Cake

• Coca-Cola: Classic soda that adds moisture and subtle flavor complexity to the cake.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps create a tender, soft cake texture with rich moistness.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps bind ingredients together.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate taste and dark color to the cake.

• All-Purpose Flour: Fundamental structure for the cake's texture and stability.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a soft cake crumb.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help bind the cake ingredients.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess, moisture, and helps activate baking soda.
• Baking Soda: Crucial for cake's rise and light texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the cake's flavor profile.

• Butter: Creates smooth, rich base for chocolate frosting.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers intense chocolate flavor to the frosting.
• Milk: Helps achieve spreadable frosting consistency.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity of the frosting.

Southern Coca Cola Cake Instructions with Rich Flavor

Step 1: Create Coca Cola Cake Base

In a saucepan, mix together Coca Cola, vegetable oil, unsalted butter, and cocoa powder.

Gently heat and stir the mixture until it starts bubbling and becomes smooth.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt until well blended.

Step 3: Merge Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the hot Coca Cola mixture over the dry ingredients.

Stir vigorously until the batter becomes completely uniform and no lumps remain.

Step 4: Add Finishing Cake Ingredients

• Eggs
• Buttermilk
• Baking soda
• Vanilla extract

Beat the mixture until it reaches a silky, smooth consistency.

Step 5: Prepare Cake Pan

Transfer the batter into a well-greased and lightly floured 13×9 inch baking pan, ensuring even distribution.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Prepare Frosting

Allow the cake to cool for approximately 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the chocolate frosting.

Step 8: Create Chocolate Frosting

• Unsalted butter
• Cocoa powder
• Milk

Heat over medium temperature, stirring until butter completely melts.

Step 9: Finish Frosting

Remove from heat and blend in vanilla extract and powdered sugar.

Whisk until the frosting becomes smooth and spreadable.

Step 10: Frost the Cake

While the cake remains warm, spread the chocolate frosting evenly across the top, creating a delectable Southern-style dessert.

Coca Cola Cake Tips with That Old-School Southern Charm

• Ensure ingredients are precisely measured and combined at the right temperature for a rich, consistent flavor base that guarantees cake moistness.
• Use high-quality dark cocoa powder to enhance the deep chocolate notes and create a more intense, robust cake texture.
• Watch the cake closely and test with a toothpick at 20 minutes to prevent overcooking, maintaining a soft, tender crumb that doesn't dry out.
• Apply the chocolate frosting immediately after baking when the cake is still slightly warm, allowing the frosting to melt slightly and create a smooth, glossy finish.
• Adjust powdered sugar in the frosting to control sweetness level, balancing the cake's rich flavor with your personal preference.

Chill Coca Cola Cake Leftovers

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and moist in the refrigerator.
• Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or let the cake sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before serving to restore its soft texture.
• Slice the cake, wrap each piece separately in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months for longer preservation.

Southern Coca Cola Cake Dessert Pairings

• Elevate Coca-Cola Cake Pairings
• Boost Bourbon Vanilla Delight: Serve with small-batch Kentucky bourbon that highlights the cake's rich cocoa notes, creating a smooth Southern-style dessert experience.
• Match Creamy Espresso Contrast: Pair with strong espresso or cold brew coffee, which cuts through the cake's sweetness and enhances its deep chocolate undertones.
• Create Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Complement: Top with premium vanilla bean ice cream, letting its cool creaminess balance the warm cake's intense chocolate flavor.
• Enhance Berry Sparkle Finish: Garnish with fresh raspberries or strawberries, adding bright acidity that refreshes the palate against the cake's decadent richness.

Coca Cola Cake in Southern Style Twists

• Cola-Free Classic: Replace Coca-Cola with strong brewed coffee for a rich mocha-inspired chocolate cake that maintains the original's deep flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum to preserve the cake's texture and structure.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use plant-based butter alternatives, coconut milk instead of buttermilk, and dairy-free chocolate frosting for those with lactose sensitivities.
• Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, coconut oil instead of butter, and create a vegan chocolate frosting using coconut cream and dark chocolate.

FAQs

• Is Coca-Cola really an ingredient in this cake?

Yes, Coca-Cola is a key ingredient that adds moisture and a unique flavor to the cake, creating a rich, tender texture that makes this Southern dessert special.

• Can I substitute buttermilk if I don't have it?

You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using in the recipe.

• Why does this cake need to be frosted while still warm?

Frosting the cake while it’s warm allows the icing to slightly melt into the cake, creating a more cohesive and moist dessert with a smooth, glossy finish.

• Is this cake considered a traditional Southern dessert?

Absolutely! Coca-Cola cake is a classic Southern treat that originated in the mid-20th century and has been a beloved dessert in Southern kitchens for generations.

Southern Coca Cola Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet Southern charm meets classic soda magic in this Coca Cola Cake, a delectable dessert blending nostalgic flavors with rich chocolate indulgence. Rich cocoa and fizzy cola create a moist, irresistible treat that promises pure Southern comfort with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients:

• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup Coca Cola (real, not diet)
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 stick butter
• 6 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients:

• 3 3/4 cups confectioners sugar
• 1 stick butter
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 6 tablespoons cream or milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Create a rich chocolate base by simmering Coca-Cola, vegetable oil, butter, and cocoa powder in a saucepan until the mixture reaches a rolling boil, stirring to prevent scorching.
2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt, creating a uniform dry ingredient mixture.
3. Carefully pour the bubbling Coca-Cola mixture over the dry ingredients, whisking vigorously to ensure a smooth, lump-free batter.
4. Introduce eggs, buttermilk, baking soda, and pure vanilla extract to the chocolate mixture, blending until the batter achieves a silky, consistent texture.
5. Transfer the liquid batter into a generously greased 13×9 inch baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
6. Position the cake in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for approximately 25 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean with minimal crumbs.
7. Allow the cake to rest and slightly cool for 10 minutes before preparing the decadent frosting.
8. For the frosting, melt butter, cocoa powder, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until fully incorporated.
9. Remove the frosting from heat and vigorously whisk in vanilla extract and powdered sugar until achieving a glossy, spreadable consistency.
10. While the cake remains warm, generously spread the chocolate frosting across the entire surface, creating an even, tempting layer.

Notes

• Experiment with different cola brands to create unique flavor variations, each bringing its own subtle taste twist to the cake.
• Swap out buttermilk with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier, richer texture that keeps the cake moist and tender.
• For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend, ensuring everyone can enjoy this classic Southern treat.
• Cool the cake completely before cutting to prevent crumbling and achieve clean, picture-perfect slices that showcase the cake’s rich chocolate color.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern (American)

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 446
• Sugar: 44 g
• Sodium: 189 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 59 mg