Introduction

Southern Coca Cola Cake is a moist, chocolatey delight that brings a nostalgic taste of the South to your table. Sweetened with Coca Cola and topped with a rich, fizzy frosting, this cake is perfect for any occasion that calls for a comforting homemade dessert.

Southern Coca Cola Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1 cup butter or margarine (2 sticks or 16 tablespoons)
1 cup Coca Cola (regular)
3 tablespoons 100% pure cocoa
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup butter or margarine (1 stick or 8 tablespoons) for frosting
3 tablespoons 100% pure cocoa for frosting
6 tablespoons Coca Cola for frosting
1 pound powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
1 cup pecans or nuts of your choice (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, and cinnamon until well combined.
Step 2: In a medium pot, combine the 1 cup butter, 1 cup Coca Cola, and 3 tablespoons cocoa. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
Step 3: Remove the pot from heat and pour the hot mixture over the flour mixture. Stir with a spoon until blended.
Step 4: In a small bowl, mix the buttermilk and baking soda together until it fizzes. Pour this into the cake batter along with the miniature marshmallows. Stir until marshmallows are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Add the beaten eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the batter and mix well.
Step 6: Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a saucepan, bring 1/2 cup butter, 3 tablespoons cocoa, and 6 tablespoons Coca Cola to a boil.
Step 8: Remove from heat and stir in the powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
Step 9: If using, stir in the pecans or sprinkle them on top of the cake after frosting.
Step 10: Spread the warm frosting over the hot cake. Allow to cool before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a deeper chocolate flavor, the optional cinnamon adds a subtle warmth that complements the cocoa well.
You can substitute regular Coca Cola with Cherry Coke or a caffeine-free version for a slight twist.
Try adding chopped walnuts, almonds, or your favorite nuts instead of pecans for different textures.
If you prefer a denser frosting, chill it slightly before spreading on the cake.

Storage

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave to soften the frosting before serving if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use diet soda or a sugar-free cola?

Diet or sugar-free colas may alter the texture and sweetness of the cake, so it is best to use regular Coca Cola for the classic flavor and moistness.

Will the marshmallows melt completely during baking?

The miniature marshmallows soften but do not fully melt, adding little pockets of sweetness and moisture throughout the cake.

Southern Coca Cola Cake Recipe

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5 from 69 reviews

This Southern Coca Cola Cake is a moist, rich chocolate cake that uses Coca Cola to enhance the chocolate flavor and create a unique, tender crumb. With a luscious cocoa-infused frosting and optional pecans for added texture, this classic Southern dessert combines nostalgic flavors with simple ingredients for an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

1 3/4 cups sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1 cup butter or margarine (2 sticks or 16 tablespoons)
1 cup Coca Cola (regular)
3 tablespoons 100% pure cocoa
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
2 eggs (beaten)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients

1/2 cup butter or margarine (1 stick or 8 tablespoons)
3 tablespoons 100% pure cocoa
6 tablespoons Coca Cola
1 pound package powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup pecans or nuts of your choice (optional)

Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon. Whisk well to evenly distribute all dry ingredients.
Prepare Cocoa Mixture: In a pot over the stove, combine 1 cup of butter, 1 cup of Coca Cola, and 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to prevent burning and to fully dissolve the cocoa.
Combine Wet and Dry: Remove the hot cocoa mixture from the heat and pour it over the flour and sugar mixture. Stir with a spoon until well incorporated.
Add Buttermilk Mixture, Marshmallows, Eggs, and Vanilla: In a separate small bowl, mix buttermilk with baking soda until combined. Pour this into the cake mixture, then add miniature marshmallows. Stir to distribute. Add beaten eggs and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until combined. The marshmallows will not melt at this point.
Bake the Cake: Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking pan and pour the batter evenly into it. Place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Use a toothpick or cake tester to check doneness; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
Prepare the Frosting: While the cake bakes, melt 1/2 cup butter, 3 tablespoons cocoa powder, and 6 tablespoons Coca Cola together in a pot on the stove. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and gradually add powdered sugar until the frosting reaches a smooth and spreadable consistency.
Frost the Cake: When the cake is done, while still warm, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Optionally, stir chopped pecans into the frosting before spreading or sprinkle them on top for added texture and flavor.

Notes

Using regular Coca Cola is recommended for the best flavor; other varieties may alter the taste and texture.
Ground cinnamon is optional but enhances the chocolate flavor.
Do not worry if the marshmallows do not melt into the batter; they add a unique texture to the cake.
The frosting is best spread on a warm cake to ensure it seeps into the surface for added moistness.
You can substitute nuts with your preferred variety or omit them entirely.
Ensure the cake is properly cooled before cutting to avoid crumbling.

Keywords: Southern Coca Cola Cake, chocolate cake, cola cake, Southern dessert, moist chocolate cake, Coca Cola dessert