Coca-Cola Cake Recipe

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Coca-Cola Cake is a moist, chocolatey cake topped with warm fudgy frosting and a crunchy pecan finish. It’s made using everyday ingredients along with a good pour of Coke, and bakes up perfectly for birthdays, potlucks, or any sweet tooth emergency.

This cake is proof that Coke belongs in more than just a glass with ice.

Slice of coca cola cake being taken out of the whole cake.

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I’ve been making Coca-Cola Cake since the late 80s, back when Southern cookbooks were filled with recipes that called for a splash of soda.

The Coca-Cola Company started promoting its own version in the 90s, and Cracker Barrel helped launch it into full-on classic status with a scoop of ice cream on top.

I’ve tasted a lot of versions, but this one delivers every time. It’s rich, chocolatey, ridiculously moist, and still light enough to go back for more.

And yes, I always crack open a second Coke while it bakes. Call it quality control.

Tray of sliced coca cola cake, with spatula under one slice.

You don’t need cake flour or any fancy tricks, just our simple method and pantry staples.

It travels well, feeds a crowd, and holds its own next to any chocolate sheet cake out there.

For another rich, crowd-pleasing chocolate bake, try our Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe with its brownie-like base and marshmallow-studded topping.

Or go for a batch of Chocolate Decadence Cookies for a dense, fudgy bite that always goes fast at parties.

Table of Contents:

Ingredients

Gather the ingredients to prepare our Coca-Cola cake recipe. Culinary professionals call this the “Mise en Place,” which means “everything in its Place.”

Setting up your ingredients not only helps speed up the cooking process but also ensures you have all the necessary ingredients on hand to make the recipe.

Can I Make Adjustments to the Recipe?

Absolutely. We made ours with regular Coke, but you can swap in Cherry Coke or even Dr. Pepper if you want a slightly different flavor. Just make sure it’s a dark soda with sugar, not diet or zero versions, since the sugar helps create the texture.

For the frosting, pecans add a nice crunch, but you can skip them or use walnuts or peanuts if that’s what you’ve got.

You can also leave the frosting off entirely and just dust the top with powdered sugar once the cake cools.

If you’re out of buttermilk, mix whole milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes. It gives you the same tang and helps the baking soda do its job.

How to Make a Coca-Cola Cake

Follow along with my simple step-by-step instructions to learn how to make a Coca-Cola cake in your home kitchen.

Grease a 9×13-inch pan and set aside until needed.

Collage showing how to begin the recipe.

Add the granulated sugar and all-purpose flour to a large bowl.
Whisk to combine.
Add the buttermilk and baking soda to a small bowl.
Mix to combine.
Add the unsalted butter, Coca-Cola, and cocoa to a small saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Stirring frequently,
Remove the pan from the heat and pour the mixture over the flour mixture. Stir to combine.

Collage showing the next steps in the recipe.

Pour the cocoa mixture into the dry ingredients.
Mix just enough to combine.
Add the buttermilk mixture to the batter.
Stir just enough to combine.
Add the marshmallows to the batter.
Continue stirring (the marshmallows won’t melt). Then, add the large eggs and vanilla extract.

Stir just enough to combine.
Pour the batter into the prepared 9 x 13-inch pan.
Place the pan on the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Add the butter, cocoa, and Coca-Cola to a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
Bring the mixture to a boil and remove the pan from the heat.
Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar to the mixture.

Collage showing how to finish the recipe.

Mix until the frosting is spreadable.
Spread the frosting over the hot cake.
Sprinkle with chopped pecans.
Let the cake cool completely, then slice into squares.

Slice of coca cola cake on a white plate with a fork taking a piece out.

This is the perfect chocolate cake to bring to your next get-together, family dinner, or anytime you need a guaranteed crowd pleaser on the table.

The only complaint you’ll hear is that you didn’t bring two, because this moist chocolate cake disappears faster than a cold Coke on a hot day!

How to Store and Reheat

Let the Coca-Cola Cake cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay moist at room temperature for 2 to 3 days, or up to 5 days in the fridge.

To warm it back up, heat individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds.

You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months, wrapped well in plastic and foil. Thaw at room temperature and warm gently before serving.

Recipe FAQs

Does the cake actually taste like Coke?

Not really. You won’t taste it like you do from a glass, but you’ll get the benefit of the pre-blended sugar, spice, and a bit of tang that Coke brings to the mix. Think citrus oils like orange or lime, a little cinnamon, maybe some vanilla, nutmeg, and cardamom. All of it works quietly in the background to make the chocolate taste even better.

Does the carbonation in Coke help the cake rise?

Yes, it does, and it’s part of what makes this recipe so clever. The bubbles work with the baking soda to lift the batter and keep the texture light. It helps the cake stay soft and moist, even days later.

What’s the deal with marshmallows in the batter?

Those marshmallows puff up and melt into the top as the cake bakes. They create a soft, sticky layer that adds a little chew and a brownie-like texture around the edges. It’s part of what makes this cake feel like more than just a regular chocolate sheet cake.

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