This Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake recipe is a Southern classic that’s unexpectedly rich, incredibly moist, and completely nostalgic. It’s the kind of retro dessert that feels instantly familiar — sweet, tender, and full of joyful memories.
Using real Coca-Cola in both the batter and the warm poured frosting, this cake has a deep chocolate flavor with a unique caramel-like sweetness. If you love old-fashioned, crowd-pleasing cakes, you might also enjoy our Mississippi Mud Cake, another Southern favorite that’s decadently rich and perfect for gatherings.
Perfect for potlucks, birthdays, and family dinners, it’s a beloved retro dessert that delivers joy in every bite. And if you’re looking for a lighter, fresh dessert to balance the table, our Strawberry Salad offers a bright, refreshing contrast.
Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 12–16 slices
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240ml) Coca-Cola (not diet)
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) baking soda
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
For the Warm Chocolate Coca-Cola Frosting:
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup (80ml) Coca-Cola
- 4 cups (480g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
- 1 cup (100g) chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
Make the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch (23×33cm) baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine sugar and flour. Set aside.
- In a saucepan, bring the Coca-Cola, butter, and cocoa to a gentle boil. Stir until smooth, then pour over the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Stir in buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Make the Frosting:
- While the cake bakes, combine butter, cocoa, and Coca-Cola in a saucepan. Heat until the butter melts and the mixture just simmers.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
- Fold in pecans, if using.
- Pour the warm frosting over the hot cake as soon as it comes out of the oven. Let cool and set before slicing.
Notes
- Pouring the warm frosting over a hot cake helps it soak in and creates a fudgy top layer.
- Use regular Coca-Cola — not diet or zero.
- Toasted pecans add great crunch and flavor, but can be left out if preferred.
Variations & Add-ons
- Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon to the batter for a spiced twist.
- Replace buttermilk with sour cream for a denser texture.
- Top with mini marshmallows or chocolate chips before frosting for extra decadence.
Estimated Nutrition Information (Per Slice, 1 of 16)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 60g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 44g
- Protein: 4g
The Story Behind Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake
This cake has its roots in mid-century Southern kitchens, where Coca-Cola was often used to add moisture and depth to baked goods.
It became a staple of potluck tables and Sunday dinners, beloved for its crackly icing and impossibly tender crumb.
Even today, it remains a uniquely American recipe with a strong nostalgic pull — rich, moist, and easy to love.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices at room temperature with a cold glass of milk or coffee.
It’s also delicious slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Perfect for casual gatherings, barbecues, or just as a sweet surprise for your family.
FAQs
Can I use a different soda?
Yes — Dr. Pepper or root beer can be fun twists, but Coca-Cola gives the best traditional result.
Does the cake taste like cola?
Not directly — it enhances the chocolate and adds a hint of caramel sweetness.
Can I bake this in a Bundt pan?
You can, but reduce the temperature slightly and bake a little longer — check with a skewer after 40 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake is a throwback dessert that still holds its own — moist, rich, and unapologetically sweet.
With its shiny chocolate icing and tender crumb, it’s one of those recipes that instantly feels like home.
