Coca-Cola cake has been around in Southern kitchens since the 1950s, and for good reason. The Coke and buttermilk in the batter make an ultra-moist cake every time. Plus, it’s a chocolate lover’s dream! Chocolate Coca-Cola cake is essentially a lighter version of devil’s food cake with subtle soda flavors. It’s absolutely divine! Pouring a bottle of soda into a cake mix meant saving time and money in most cases. In fact, many cake + soda recipes omit eggs, oil, and sometimes even baking soda. In this recipe, we’re adding this classic carbonated drink, not to replace those classic cake ingredients but to enhance their effect.
Ingredient List
How to Make Coca-Cola Cake
Make the Cake
Preheat oven to 350℉ (175℃). Dry Ingredient Base – In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon. (Photo 1) Reduce – Pour the Coca-Cola into a small saucepan and cook for about 15 minutes until it reduces to 1½ cups. (Photo 2) Add butter and cocoa powder. Bring to barely a boil, stirring occasionally. (Photos 3-4) Pour the Coca-Cola mixture into the flour mixture and stir until just combined. (Photos 5-6) Assemble – In a small bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla, then whisk them into the Coca-Cola batter until just combined. (Photos 7-9)
Bake and Frost
Bake – Pour the cake batter into a greased 9″x13″ sheet pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. (Photo 10) Glaze – While baking the cake, pour Coca-Cola into a small saucepan and simmer until reduced to ½ cup (about 10 minutes). Then, stir in butter, salt, and cocoa until the butter melts. Remove from heat. Stir in the confectioners’ sugar until the glaze is smooth. (Photos 11-14) Serve – Pour immediately over the hot cake. Let cool slightly, then serve warm, room temperature, or chilled.
Recipe Twists
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Coca-Cola cake is perfect for making ahead. After it cools, the cake will last at room temperature for 3-4 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure to cover it to prevent it from drying out—the same works for leftovers. The cake also freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours.
What Goes With Coca-Cola Cake
This simple yet delicious cake is a great follow-up dessert for almost any meal. Take the presentation to the next level by decorating each slice with homemade whipped cream and maraschino cherries. I like to serve it with a nice hot drink like coffee, ginger tea, or a chai tea latte. ☕️
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Watch How to Make It
