If you’ve ever wondered how to whip up a dessert that sings with sweet nostalgia and Southern charm, then this Southern Coca-Cola Cake Recipe is the perfect answer. Imagine a moist, tender chocolate sheet cake infused with the unexpected fizz and depth of Coca-Cola, crowned with a luscious, fudgy frosting that’s just the right balance of sweet and slightly tangy. It’s a classic Southern staple that brings smiles at family gatherings and is downright irresistible with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Southern Coca-Cola Cake Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a rich, flavorful cake. Each one plays an essential role — from the soft tang of buttermilk to the silky butter that carries the cocoa, these ingredients combine to give the cake its unforgettable texture and taste.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The backbone of the cake, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Adds sweetness and helps with browning for that golden finish.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Leavens the cake, making it light and airy.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): A subtle warm spice that deepens the chocolate flavor beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup for cake + 1/2 cup for frosting): Adds richness and moisture to both the cake and the frosting.
- Coca-Cola (1 cup for cake + 1/4 cup for frosting): Brings a unique sweetness and fizz that tenderizes the cake perfectly.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup for cake + 3 tablespoons for frosting): Provides that classic chocolate punch in every bite.
- Buttermilk (1/2 cup): Contributes to the moist texture and slight tang that cuts through the sweetness.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and aid in leavening.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for cake + 1 teaspoon for frosting): Rounds out the flavors with its sweet, floral notes.
- Powdered sugar (3 1/2 cups for frosting): Creates a smooth, creamy frosting that melts in your mouth.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup, optional): Add a delightful crunch and nutty contrast if you want to elevate the cake further.
How to Make Southern Coca-Cola Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your cake doesn’t stick and bakes evenly. Getting this step right sets the foundation for a perfect cake.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon. This mixture delivers that wonderful blend of sweetness, slight warmth from cinnamon, and essential texture that your cake needs.
Step 3: Make the Coca-Cola and Butter Mixture
Next, in a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter along with the Coca-Cola and cocoa powder. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil while stirring to combine all the flavors beautifully. Removing it from heat right after boiling preserves that glossy, rich base for your cake batter.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the hot Coca-Cola mixture into your dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Then add the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing gently until the batter is smooth. This step ensures a tender crumb with a perfect balance between richness and fluffiness.
Step 5: Bake Your Cake
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. This baking time allows the cake to develop a lovely rise and moist crumb that’s so characteristic of the Southern Coca-Cola Cake Recipe.
Step 6: Prepare the Fudgy Frosting
While your cake bakes, make the frosting by combining butter, Coca-Cola, and cocoa powder in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until it simmers, then remove from heat. Whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until silky smooth, folding in the pecans if you like a little crunch.
Step 7: Frost Your Cake
Once your cake is out of the oven and still warm, pour the frosting evenly over the top. The warmth allows the frosting to seep into the cake just a bit, creating a decadent, sticky glaze that’s so comforting and rich. Let it cool completely before slicing to get those perfect squares.
How to Serve Southern Coca-Cola Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans can enhance the look and add texture. For a more indulgent touch, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes every bite sublime.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with classic Southern staples like sweet tea or a cold glass of milk. For a heartier spread, serve it alongside fresh fruit or a light salad to balance the rich chocolate and sugary frosting.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in decorative ramekins topped with a pecan half for an elegant touch. Or, slice the cake into squares and stack layers for a quick layer cake experience. You can also add a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra layer of decadence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Southern Coca-Cola Cake Recipe covered at room temperature for up to three days. The flavors develop wonderfully, and the texture remains moist and delicious, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. When thawed properly, the cake retains its moistness and the frosting stays delectably fudgy.
Reheating
To enjoy your cake warm, simply microwave a slice for 10 to 15 seconds or warm it in a low oven wrapped in foil until just heated through. This will bring back that freshly baked feeling and melt the frosting slightly for ultimate comfort.
FAQs
Can I use diet Coca-Cola or a different soda?
For best results, use regular Coca-Cola as the sugar content contributes to the cake’s sweetness and texture. Diet versions can alter the taste and baking chemistry, so stick with classic Coke for that authentic Southern flavor.
Is it necessary to use buttermilk?
Buttermilk provides acidity that reacts with baking soda to help the cake rise and keep it tender. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice, but the tanginess is a signature part of this recipe.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but the texture may differ slightly. Choose a blend that’s designed for baking and consider adding a binding agent like xanthan gum to replicate the original crumb.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The simplest test is to insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked and ready to come out of the oven.
Can I omit the pecans in the frosting?
Absolutely! The pecans add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor, but if you prefer a smoother frosting or have nut allergies, you can leave them out without compromising the overall deliciousness of your Southern Coca-Cola Cake Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Southern Coca-Cola Cake Recipe that makes it a beloved classic worth keeping in your dessert repertoire. It’s simple to make, yet rich in flavor and texture that can bring joy to any occasion. So go ahead, gather these humble ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of Southern hospitality. You won’t regret it!
Print
Southern Coca-Cola Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Southern Coca-Cola Cake is a classic, old-fashioned chocolate sheet cake that combines the rich flavors of cocoa and Coca-Cola for a moist, tender crumb. Topped with a luscious cocoa frosting infused with cola and crunchy pecans, this dessert brings a nostalgic Southern charm perfect for gatherings or cozy nights.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup Coca-Cola (not diet)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup Coca-Cola
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, baking soda, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined.
- Prepare cocoa mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the unsalted butter, Coca-Cola, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to blend the ingredients. Remove from heat once boiling.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the hot cocoa and cola mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until combined. Then add buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until you get a smooth, homogenous batter.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make the frosting: While the cake bakes, prepare the frosting by combining unsalted butter, Coca-Cola, and cocoa powder in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Stir in chopped pecans if desired.
- Frost the cake: As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, pour the warm frosting evenly over the top. Spread it gently to cover the entire surface.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool completely with the frosting on top before slicing and serving to set the frosting perfectly.
Notes
- This rich, old-fashioned cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a smoother, less textured frosting, omit the chopped pecans.
- Use regular Coca-Cola, not diet, to achieve the traditional texture and taste.
- Make sure not to overbake; the cake should remain moist.
