Get ready to experience a slice of Southern comfort that feels like a warm hug: Coca Cola Cake. This unique recipe hails from the Southern States, where Coca Cola is almost considered a staple food group. The cake is a testament to the inventive spirit of Southern home cooks, who cleverly incorporated the beloved soda into their baking. The result is an indulgent chocolate cake that’s wonderfully moist, thanks to the effervescence of Coca Cola, and it pays homage to the deep-rooted connection between Southern cuisine and the iconic soda.
This show-stopping dessert is rich and sweet, making it a perfect pairing with a simple side of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the flavors. If you’re serving it as part of a larger meal, opt for lighter, less sweet sides to complement the cake’s decadence—think of a refreshing fruit salad or a citrusy arugula salad to cut through the richness and add a touch of brightness to your spread.
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
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
For the Coca Cola frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup Coca Cola
4 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure that the cake doesn’t stick and comes out easily.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. This mixture provides the base for your cake and ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed.
Create the Cocoa Mixture
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder and Coca-Cola. Bring this mixture just to a boil, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The Coca-Cola adds a distinctive flavor and the cocoa powder deepens the chocolate taste.
Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the hot cocoa mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. Stir until well combined. The heat from the mixture will help to dissolve the sugar and incorporate the flour.
Add Buttermilk Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add this mixture to the batter and stir until fully combined. This will add moisture and richness to the cake.
Fold in Marshmallows
Gently fold in the mini marshmallows. They will melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of sweet, gooey goodness throughout the cake.
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so check for doneness a few minutes early.
Prepare the Frosting
While the cake is baking, you can prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder and Coca-Cola. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat.
Finish the Frosting
Gradually whisk in the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and well combined. If you’re using pecans, stir them into the frosting at this stage.
Frost the Cake
As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, pour the warm frosting over the top. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. The frosting will set as the cake cools.
Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool completely before serving. The frosting will firm up as it cools, creating a perfect, spreadable texture.
Variations & Tips
- Reduced Sweetness
If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the granulated sugar in the cake by 1/4 cup. This will make the cake slightly less sweet without compromising its texture. - Buttermilk Substitution
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. - No Marshmallows?
If you don’t have mini marshmallows, you can leave them out. The cake will still be delicious, though you’ll miss the delightful gooey pockets. - Chocolate Chips
For added texture and chocolate flavor, fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips along with the marshmallows into the batter. - Spice It Up
A pinch of cinnamon added to the dry ingredients can add a warm, spicy note to the cake’s flavor. - Frosting Timing
It’s best to pour the frosting over the cake while it’s still warm, but not piping hot. If the cake hasn’t finished baking, wait until it’s ready to frost. - Presentation
For a classic presentation, cut the cake into squares while it’s still in the pan. This gives it that traditional down-home look.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
Southern Coca-Cola Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration in every bite. The rich chocolate flavor combined with the unique twist of Coca-Cola makes this cake stand out from the rest. The marshmallows melt into sweet pockets of goodness, and the warm, glossy frosting adds an irresistible finishing touch. It’s a cake that’s easy to make, fun to share, and sure to bring smiles to everyone who tries it.
Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a holiday feast, or just as a special treat, this cake is bound to impress. Its nostalgic charm and delicious flavor make it a standout recipe that will become a beloved part of your baking repertoire. Enjoy the process of making it and the delight of savoring each decadent bite!
