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Coca-Cola Chocolate Cake

This Coca-Cola chocolate cake is a classic Southern-style dessert known for its incredibly moist texture and rich chocolate flavor. Made with real Coca-Cola, the cake develops a deep, slightly caramelized taste, while the warm, fudgy frosting poured over the top creates a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth finish. It’s simple, nostalgic, and irresistibly delicious.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Servings: 15

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 1 can 12 oz Coca-Cola (regular, not diet)
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting

  • 1 can 12 oz Coca-Cola
  • ½ cup unsalted butter cubed
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 4 cups confectioners’ sugar sifted

Instructions

Prepare the Batter

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 baking pan with foil. Lightly grease.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour and sugar.

Heat the Chocolate Mixture

  • In a saucepan, combine butter, oil, cocoa powder, and Coca-Cola.
  • Bring to a gentle boil, whisking frequently.
  • Pour the hot mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until combined.

Finish the Batter

  • In a small bowl, mix baking soda with buttermilk.
  • Add this mixture to the batter and stir well.
  • Add eggs and vanilla extract, then mix until smooth.

Bake

  • Pour batter into prepared pan.
  • Bake for 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Make the Frosting

  • While the cake bakes, boil Coca-Cola in a saucepan until reduced to about ½ cup.
  • Add butter and cocoa powder, stirring until melted and smooth.
  • Pour mixture over sifted confectioners’ sugar and whisk until smooth.

Finish

  • Pour warm frosting over the warm cake.
  • Let it set before slicing and serving.

Notes

Extra moist: Do not overbake; check early to keep the cake soft.
Smooth frosting: Sift powdered sugar to avoid lumps.
Flavor boost: Add a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Storage: Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Serving idea: Serve slightly warm for the best texture and flavor.