The Ultimate Coca-Cola Cake Recipe: A Southern Classic Made Easy at Home

Have you ever craved a dessert that's moist, rich, and utterly unforgettable? This coca cola cake recipe brings together the nostalgic flavor of America's favorite soda with the comforting warmth of chocolate cake. Making this easy homemade coca cola cake at home is not only rewarding but also surprisingly simple. This Southern dessert has been passed down through generations, and now you can master it in your own kitchen without any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. The combination of cocoa and Coca-Cola creates a uniquely tender crumb and deep chocolate flavor that store-bought cakes simply can't replicate.

Ingredients List

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 2 cups granulated sugar
    • 1 cup unsalted butter
    • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 1 cup Coca-Cola (regular, not diet)
    • 1/2 cup buttermilk
    • 2 large eggs, beaten
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows

For the Frosting:

    • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
    • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 6 tablespoons Coca-Cola
    • 4 cups powdered sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 cup chopped pecans (Optional: for added crunch and flavor)

Timing / Cooking Schedule

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 35 minutes

Total time: 50 minutes

This classic chocolate dessert comes together faster than most layer cakes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or weeknight treats when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan thoroughly. Pro tip: Use cooking spray with flour for even coverage and easier release.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and sugar until well combined. This ensures even distribution and prevents lumps in your batter.

Step 3: Create the Coca-Cola Mixture In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, cocoa powder, and Coca-Cola. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once boiling, immediately pour over the flour mixture and stir until smooth.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients Quickly mix in the buttermilk, beaten eggs, baking soda, and vanilla extract. The batter will be thin—this is exactly what creates that signature moist texture in your coca cola cake recipe. Fold in the marshmallows gently; they'll melt during baking, creating pockets of sweetness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should spring back when lightly touched.

Step 6: Make the Frosting About 5 minutes before the cake is done, prepare the frosting. In a saucepan, combine butter, cocoa powder, and Coca-Cola. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Gradually whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Stir in pecans if using.

Step 7: Frost While Warm Pour the warm frosting over the hot cake immediately after removing it from the oven. This allows the frosting to soak slightly into the top layer, creating an irresistibly fudgy finish that makes this easy homemade coca cola cake so special.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 12):

    • Calories: 520
    • Protein: 4g
    • Carbohydrates: 78g
    • Fat: 23g
    • Fiber: 2g
    • Calcium: 4% DV
    • Iron: 8% DV

Tips, Variations, or Cooking Advice

Dietary Substitutions: For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You can substitute the buttermilk with dairy-free milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for a vegan-friendly alternative.

Flavor Variations: Try adding a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor, or swap pecans for walnuts or almonds. For a cherry-cola twist, add a cup of chopped maraschino cherries to the batter.

Make-Ahead Option: This cake actually tastes better the next day as flavors meld together. Bake it a day ahead for stress-free entertaining.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Diet Soda: Regular Coca-Cola is essential for proper sweetness and texture. Diet versions lack the sugar needed for structure and moisture.

Overmixing the Batter: Stir just until combined to avoid developing too much gluten, which creates a tough, dense cake instead of a tender crumb.

Letting the Cake Cool Before Frosting: The warm-on-warm technique is crucial. If the cake cools, the frosting won't absorb properly and will remain too firm.

Skipping the Marshmallows: While they seem optional, marshmallows add moisture pockets that contribute to the cake's signature texture.

Overbaking: Check at 30 minutes. An overbaked cake will be dry despite the Coca-Cola moisture.

Storage / Leftovers Tips

Store your finished coca cola cake recipe covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week in an airtight container. The cake stays remarkably moist thanks to the soda and frosting combination. To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 2 hours. This easy homemade coca cola cake reheats beautifully—microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven taste. Avoid storing near strong-smelling foods as the cake can absorb odors. The frosting may firm up when cold but will soften again at room temperature.