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
Scale
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.
