Double Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake
This Double Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake is one of those classic Southern desserts that surprises everyone — in the best way possible. The Coca-Cola doesn’t make the cake taste like soda, but instead adds incredible moisture, enhances the cocoa flavor, and creates a soft, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
Paired with a rich, fudgy chocolate frosting poured on while the cake is still warm, this cake becomes irresistibly gooey, glossy, and deeply chocolatey. It’s perfect for potlucks, birthdays, family dinners, or anytime you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
- Ultra-moist texture thanks to the Coca-Cola
- Deep, rich chocolate flavor in both cake and frosting
- Easy one-pan recipe — no layers required
- Perfect for feeding a crowd
- Classic Southern comfort dessert
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 cup Coca-Cola
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 3/4 cups confectioner’s (powdered) sugar
How to Make Double Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 13×9-inch baking pan and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cola Mixture
In a medium saucepan, combine the Coca-Cola, oil, butter, and cocoa powder. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once the butter is fully melted and the mixture is smooth, remove from heat.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Carefully pour the hot Coca-Cola mixture over the dry ingredients and beat until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Add Remaining Ingredients
Add the eggs, buttermilk, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Beat again until the batter is silky and fully blended.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before frosting.
How to Make the Frosting
Step 1
In a saucepan, combine the butter, cocoa powder, and milk. Heat gently until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth.
Step 2
Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract and powdered sugar until the frosting is glossy and spreadable.
Step 3
Spread the frosting over the cake while it is still warm so it seeps slightly into the cake, creating that signature fudgy finish.
Pro Tips
- Use full-fat buttermilk for best texture and flavor.
- Do not overbake — this cake is meant to be moist.
- Frost the cake while warm for maximum fudginess.
- Add chopped pecans on top for a classic Southern twist.
- Serve slightly warm with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Storage
Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat slices briefly in the microwave before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Double Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake is rich, nostalgic, and unbelievably moist. It’s the kind of recipe that gets passed down, requested again and again, and never fails to impress.
If you love deep chocolate flavor, easy preparation, and desserts that feel like a warm hug — this cake belongs in your recipe collection.
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