Southern Coca Cola Cake Recipe

Introduction

Southern Coca Cola Cake is a moist, rich chocolate cake with a unique twist thanks to the addition of Coca Cola. This classic dessert combines deep cocoa flavors with a sweet, creamy frosting, making it a beloved treat for gatherings or any special occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1 cup butter or margarine (2 sticks or 16 tablespoons)
• 1 cup Coca Cola (regular)
• 3 tablespoons 100% pure cocoa
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine (1 stick or 8 tablespoons) for frosting
• 3 tablespoons 100% pure cocoa for frosting
• 6 tablespoons Coca Cola for frosting
• 1 pound powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
• 1 cup pecans or nuts of your choice (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, and cinnamon until well combined.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup butter, 1 cup Coca Cola, and 3 tablespoons cocoa. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
3. Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat and pour the hot mixture over the flour mixture. Stir with a spoon until combined.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix buttermilk and baking soda together, then pour this into the cake batter. Add miniature marshmallows, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until evenly mixed. Note that the marshmallows will not melt completely.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into a sprayed 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool slightly before frosting.
6. Step 6: For the frosting, bring 1/2 cup butter, 3 tablespoons cocoa, and 6 tablespoons Coca Cola to a boil in a saucepan. Remove from heat, then stir in vanilla and powdered sugar until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
7. Step 7: Optionally mix nuts into the frosting or sprinkle them on top. Spread the frosting evenly over the warm cake.

Tips & Variations

• Adding the optional cinnamon enhances the chocolate flavor and adds warmth to the cake’s profile.
• Use regular Coca Cola for the best traditional flavor; diet or flavored sodas may alter the taste.
• For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower if desired.
• If you prefer a richer cake, substitute some of the all-purpose flour with cake flour for a softer crumb.

Storage

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, let the cake come to room temperature before serving for best texture. Reheat slices gently in the microwave to soften the frosting if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use diet or flavored cola in this cake?

For the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to use regular Coca Cola. Diet or flavored sodas may affect the sweetness and moisture of the cake.

Will the marshmallows melt completely in the batter?

No, the miniature marshmallows soften but do not melt completely during baking, adding small pockets of sweetness and texture throughout the cake.

Southern Coca Cola Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 85 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

This Southern Coca Cola Cake is a classic, moist chocolate cake infused with the unique flavor of Coca Cola, enhanced by a hint of cinnamon and marshmallows. Topped with a rich Coca Cola chocolate frosting and optional pecans, this dessert offers a perfect combination of sweetness, texture, and nostalgic charm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1 cup butter or margarine (2 sticks or 16 tablespoons)
• 1 cup Coca Cola (regular)
• 3 tablespoons 100% pure cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter or margarine (1 stick or 8 tablespoons)
• 3 tablespoons 100% pure cocoa powder
• 6 tablespoons Coca Cola (regular)
• 1 pound powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup pecans or nuts of your choice (optional)

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Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine sugar, flour, and cinnamon (if using). Whisk together thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
2. Boil cocoa mixture: In a pot on the stove, combine butter, 1 cup Coca Cola, and cocoa powder. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring often to prevent burning.
3. Combine wet and dry: Remove the pot from heat and pour the hot cocoa mixture over the flour mixture. Stir with a spoon until well combined.
4. Add soaked ingredients and eggs: Mix buttermilk and baking soda, then pour into the cake batter. Add miniature marshmallows and continue to stir (the marshmallows won’t melt). Incorporate beaten eggs and vanilla extract, mixing gently.
5. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into a sprayed 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Test for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
6. Prepare frosting: On the stove, bring butter, cocoa powder, and 6 tablespoons Coca Cola to a boil. Remove from heat, then stir in vanilla extract and powdered sugar until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency. Fold in pecans or nuts if desired.
7. Frost the cake: Spread the warm frosting over the hot cake evenly. If nuts were not mixed in, sprinkle them on top as a garnish.

Notes

• Use regular Coca Cola for the best flavor; other varieties may not produce the same results.
• The cinnamon is optional but can enhance the chocolate flavor.
• The marshmallows add a unique texture but do not melt fully into the batter.
• Ensure the cake is still warm when frosting to achieve a smooth spread.
• Test the cake early at 30 minutes as ovens vary.
• Can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Keywords: Southern Coca Cola Cake, chocolate cake, Coca Cola dessert, marshmallow cake, chocolate frosting, classic Southern dessert