This classic Coca Cola Cake is a rich, fudgy, thick chocolate cake with deep flavor and a delicious frosting that sets up on top. It's the perfect cake to share with friends and family and serves a crowd!
Prep Time30 minutesmins
Cook Time30 minutesmins
Total Time1 hourhr
Course: Cake
Cuisine: American
Keyword: coca cola cake recipe, coke cake, cola cake, cracker barrel coca cola cake, old fashioned coca cola cake recipe
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13x9 baking dish with baking spray (or use our homemade cake release). Set aside.
In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a small saucepan, heat Coca-Cola on low until it reduces to about 1/2 cup. Use a measuring cup to accurately measure (and discard the extra).
Add the butter and cocoa to the saucepan with the Coke and whisk until the butter is melted and the cocoa is dissolved completely. Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes.
Once cooled, combine the Coke mixture to the flour mixture. Add in eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla. Use a mixer and beat until well blended.
Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a small saucepan over medium heat, pour in the second can of Coca cola. Reduce to 1/2 cup (discard excess).
Add butter, vanilla, and cocoa to the coca cola and whisk until butter is melted and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.
Add in powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, whisking until dissolved. Repeat until all the sugar has been added.
Pour the frosting over the baked cake (cake can be slightly warm still).
Cool completely before serving.
Notes
The carbonation from the soda gives the coke and extra light texture and a bit of a lift. It adds a deep flavor that you will recognize, but can't quite tell what it is! You can substitute diet, sugar free cola or even root beer if you prefer.
Store cake at room temperature in baking dish and cover with plastic wrap. Can also be stored in the refrigerator. Will keep fresh for about 4-5 days.
Leftover cake. Obviously freezing and eating the cake is an option. BUT, did you know you can make a chocolate cake shake? Toss slices of chocolate cake in a blender with chocolate ice cream for a unique treat.