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    Home » Recipes » Dessert Recipes

    Published: Nov 4, 2024 · Modified: Feb 14, 2025 by AshleyFreeman ·

    Old Fashioned Southern Chocolate Coca Cola Cake

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This old fashioned Coca Cola cake recipe is quite possibly the easiest chocolate cake ever.  It doesn't even require an electric mixer! Coca Cola is the not-so-secret ingredient in both the chocolatey cake and the fudgy icing, providing the ultimate tender texture and crave-able topping.

    My favorite part about this moist chocolate cake though is that you pour the chocolate frosting over the top of the warm cake and let it cool; no fussy decorating necessary.

    Old Fashioned Coca Cola Cake in a red handled casserole dish with squares on white scalloped plates and a red and white checkered napkin.

    I'm a Georgia girl, so you better believe Coca-Cola is my soda of choice. Add that to a dessert recipe, and I'll be the first person in line to try it. I grew up eating this cake; my mom would make it for us at home and for the bed and breakfast she and my dad owned.

    Sometimes she would add chopped pecans and sometimes she made it like the recipe here. Either way, this is one of my favorite chocolate cake recipes of all time, and I'm pretty sure it'll be yours too.

    This cake is a fantastic option to bring to a potluck, and you'll be very popular if you do. Other great get-together recipes for the holidays or anytime of year are my baked macaroni and cheese, bacon and blue cheese potato salad, and homemade banana pudding recipes.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Tasty Tip
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Related
    • Pairing
    • 🍽Get the recipe
    • Recipe guidelines and test kitchen tips
    • Food safety

    Ingredients

    Before we get started, let's gather the ingredients we need for this Coca-Cola cake recipe:

    Ingredients for old fashioned coca cola cake recipe.
    • all-purpose flour
    • granulated sugar
    • baking soda
    • salted butter
    • Coca Cola
    • whole buttermilk
    • cocoa powder
    • large eggs
    • vanilla extract
    • powdered sugar

    (See recipe card for quantities.)

    Instructions

    Now that we've got our ingredients, it's time to get baking!

    Mixing the chocolate batter in a large mixing bowl with a medium saucepan and wooden spoon off to the side.
    1. First, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, and baking soda in a large bowl. Bring the butter, cola, buttermilk, and cocoa powder to a bowl in a medium saucepan. Add to the flour mixture in the bowl and stir to combine.
    Whisking the eggs into the chocolate batter.
    1. Next, whisk in the eggs and vanilla until the batter is smooth.
    Pouring the batter into a red handled baking dish with the mixing bowl and red rubber spatula off to the side.
    1. Then, pour the batter into a 13- x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350°F for 32 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
    Making the fudge frosting in a medium saucepan.
    1. Finally, make the frosting: Bring the butter, cola, and cocoa to a boil in a medium saucepan. Whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth. Pour the warm frosting over the hot cake. Let the cake cool to room temperature before cutting into squares and serving.

    Hint: Sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the frosting ingredients to prevent lumps. If you forget to do this step and your frosting is lumpy, pulse it in a food processor or blender until smooth.

    Substitutions

    Looking for some ways to change up this recipe? Check out these substitution options:

    • Coca Cola - I'm from Georgia, so of course I'm a Coca-Cola girl. (Coca-Cola headquarters is in Atlanta.) If you want to substitute another cola, like Dr. Pepper or Cheerwine, go for it. The cake will just differ in flavor.
    • Buttermilk - For this recipe, I use whole buttermilk. Use low-fat buttermilk if you prefer.
    • Butter - I prefer to use salted butter to balance the sweetness of the cake. If you only have unsalted butter, that's okay. Just add ½ teaspoon kosher salt to the cake batter and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt to the frosting.
    • A la Mode - This decadent chocolate cake is also fantastic with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of each serving.

    Variations

    Here are some more fun twists for this delicious chocolate cake recipe:

    • Nuts - Sprinkle the top of the cake with toasted pecans or walnuts to add a nutty crunch.
    • Mississippi Mud Cake - Sprinkle the top with miniature marshmallows and nuts to make this a Mississippi Mud Cake.
    • Cherry Cola Cake - Cherry Coke is a great twist for this recipe. You can also garnish with maraschino cherries.
    • Coffee Cola Cake - Espresso powder naturally brings out the flavor of chocolate. Add 1 tablespoon of espresso powder to the cake batter to add more richness and a delicate coffee flavor.

    Equipment

    Here's the equipment you'll need to make this recipe:

    • dry measuring cups
    • liquid measuring cup
    • measuring spoons
    • whisk
    • sifter
    • medium saucepan
    • large mixing bowl
    • 13- x 9-inch baking pan
    • rubber spatula

    Storage

    Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    Freeze the cake in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months.

    Tasty Tip

    Don't be tempted to use diet Coke or other diet soda for this recipe. Heating aspartame will cause it to turn into toxic chemicals that are very harmful to consume.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the history of Coca-Cola cake?

    Coca-Cola has been a household staple for a long time. Not only were people enjoying it as a refreshing beverage, but it also made its way into recipes. The first Coco-Cola cake was made in the 1950s and then became a popular menu item in the 1990s at Cracker Barrel.

    What does adding soda to this cake do?

    The carbonation in Coke gives the cake a better rise and delicious tender texture. It also helps activate the baking soda while adding unique flavor. Using it in the frosting also makes it fudgy.

    What was the original name of Coca-Cola?

    Coca-Cola was discovered on accident when John Pemberton was creating a medicinal tonic. It was originally called "Pemberton's French Wine Coca" but changed to Coca-Cola in 1886, referring to the two main ingredients in the soda: coca leaves and kola nuts.

    What makes this cake fluffier baking soda or baking powder?

    Because this cake has buttermilk in it (an acidic ingredient), baking soda is needed to counteract and lift the cake.

    Is Coca Cola cake the same as Texas sheet cake?

    While the flavors of this cake are similar to what you use to make Texas sheet cake, this cake is taller and doesn't have nuts in it.

    What's the difference between sheet cake and regular cake?

    The main difference is the size of the pan you use to bake the cake. A sheet cake is made in a rimmed baking sheet while this cake is made in a 13- x 9-inch baking dish or pan so it's a taller cake.

    Related

    Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

    • Mini s'mores pies on a blue baking sheet.
      How to Make the Easiest Mini S'mores Pies
    • Chewy Chocolate Chip, Marshmallow, and Pretzel Cookies on a wire cooling rack and a few cookies on parchment paper squares off to the side.
      Chewy Chocolate Chip, Marshmallow, and Pretzel Cookies
    • Plum upside down cake on a round metal pan.
      The Best Summertime Plum Upside Down Cake Recipe
    • Three white-rimmed aqua plates of double-dipped chocolate French toast dusted with powdered sugar and garnished with fresh cherries on an aqua background.
      Double-Dipped Chocolate Brioche French Toast Recipe

    Pairing

    These are my favorite dishes to serve with chocolate Coca Cola cake:

    • Two glass mugs of Bourbon Black Tea Hot Toddy on a wooden board.
      The Best Spiced Bourbon Black Tea Hot Toddy Recipe
    • Homemade Vanilla Iced Coffee with Stok Cold Brew in a tall-ice filled glass with a pink glass straw on a wooden tray alongside a small pink plate, pink pitcher of vanilla simple syrup, cream-colored pitcher of milk, and pink striped napkin.
      Homemade Vanilla Iced Coffee with Stok Cold Brew
    • Mini cast-iron dishes filled with Creamy Baked Cheddar and Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese with wooden handled forks off to the side.
      Creamy Baked Cheddar and Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
    • A white enamel plate with a Heinz Chili Sauce Sloppy Joe and crinkle cut French fries with a platter of sloppy joes, bowl of French fries, and bowl of pickle slices in the background.
      The Best Homemade Sloppy Joes with Heinz Chili Sauce

    🍽Get the recipe

    Old Fashioned Coca Cola Cake in a red handled casserole dish with squares on white scalloped plates and a red and white checkered napkin.

    Old Fashioned Southern Chocolate Coca Cola Cake

    This old fashioned Coca Cola cake may be the easiest chocolate cake ever--it doesn't even require a mixer! The tender and moist chocolatey buttermilk cake is made in a baking pan and is topped with a fudgy frosting, also flavored with the popular soda.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American, Southern
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Servings: 12

    Equipment

    • dry measuring cups
    • liquid measuring cup
    • measuring spoons
    • whisk
    • sifter
    • medium saucepan
    • large mixing bowl
    • 13- x 9-inch baking pan
    • rubber spatula

    Ingredients

    For the Coca-Cola cake:

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 2 cups granulated sugar
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 cup salted butter
    • 1 cup Coca Cola
    • ½ cup whole buttermilk
    • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 3 large eggs
    • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract

    For the chocolate fudge frosting:

    • ¾ cup salted butter
    • ¾ cup Coca Cola
    • ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 6 cups powdered sugar, sifted

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat a 13- x 9-inch baking dish or baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Combine the flour, granulated sugar, and baking soda in a large bowl.
    • Combine 1 cup of butter, 1 cup Coca Cola, the buttermilk, and ¼ cup cocoa in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil. Add to the flour mixture and stir until smooth.
    • Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, whisking until the yellow disappears after each addition. Whisk in the vanilla.
    • Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 32 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
    • Meanwhile, make the frosting: Bring the butter, cola, and cocoa to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Remove from the heat and gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth.
    • Pour the warm frosting over the hot cake. Let stand at room temperature until cooled. Cut into squares to serve.

    Recipe guidelines and test kitchen tips

    When developing and testing recipes, here are some key things that I do for more success in the kitchen:

    • Be sure to use dry measuring cups for things like flour, sugar, and mayonnaise and a liquid measuring cup for things like water, milk, and broth.
    • When measuring dry ingredients like flour and powdered sugar that can pack down, spoon the ingredient into a dry measuring cup and level with a knife as opposed to scooping the measuring cup into the ingredient.
    • I test and develop recipes using a standard electric oven and standard gas stovetop. Be aware that if you use an electric stovetop or convection oven, your bake times will be different.
    • When recipes call for kosher salt, I use Diamond Crystal kosher salt.

    Food safety

    Keep these few food safety things in mind when making this recipe

    • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw eggs
    • Wash hands after touching raw eggs
    • Don't leave leftovers sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

    More Dessert Recipes

    • White platter with carrot cake pound cake with orange cream cheese glaze and candied orange slices as garnish along with a stack of plates with a pink napkin on top and three pink glasses in the background.
      Carrot Cake Pound Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Glaze
    • Coconut cake on a white cake stand topped with purple mums, purple veronica, and chamomile flowers.
      How to Make the Best Ever Coconut Layer Cake
    • White ceramic platters topped with Maple Cupcakes with Candied Bacon and a red checked towel off to the side.
      Cupcakes with Maple Frosting and Candied Bacon
    • Four teal plates with squares of Chocolate Eclair cake with a bite taken out of the front plate that's on the fork on the plate.
      The Most Delicious No Bake Chocolate Éclair Cake

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ramona says

      December 13, 2024 at 2:39 pm

      5 stars
      This chocolate and Coca-Cola cake is divine. My daughter helped me make it and really tucked in when it was ready. All she said was, "Wow! It is very nice indeed."

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        December 17, 2024 at 12:32 pm

        Yay! I'm so glad y'all liked it!

        Reply
        • April disharoon says

          February 14, 2025 at 12:20 pm

          Ashley we do this cake with Dr pepper as well also live in Georgia and as you would say here in the south we know what to do with some food bbq is outta this world as well low country boils for family get togethers and the long summer nights with sweet tea or fresh made lemonade sweet childhood memories with this one thanks

          Reply
          • AshleyFreeman says

            February 18, 2025 at 5:18 pm

            Hi April! I love the idea to use Dr. Pepper. I'll have to try that! And love that we share all those Georgia things 🙂

            Reply
    2. Juyali says

      December 06, 2024 at 7:05 pm

      5 stars
      Growing up in Venezuela, we used to make a cake with sprite. This recipe remind me of that, so I had to try it! Glad I did. 🙂 Yummy.

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        December 08, 2024 at 11:10 am

        So fun! I'm so glad this brought back a happy memory. Thanks for giving it a try!

        Reply
    3. Kim Beaulieu says

      December 05, 2024 at 7:10 pm

      5 stars
      The kids went crazy for this cake. It's so easy to make and the flavor was outstanding!

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        December 08, 2024 at 11:08 am

        Yay! I'm so glad to hear that!

        Reply
    4. Nora says

      December 05, 2024 at 2:02 pm

      5 stars
      Chocolate and coke combined in a cake. So good!

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        December 08, 2024 at 11:08 am

        The best!

        Reply
    5. Nicole Kendrick says

      December 05, 2024 at 10:42 am

      5 stars
      This is one of the best chocolate cakes I've ever made. The Coca Cola gives it such a great texture.

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        December 08, 2024 at 11:08 am

        It really does! Thanks so much for your kind words! 🙂

        Reply
    5 from 5 votes

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    Photo of Ashley Strickland Freeman in a kitchen.

    Hi, I'm Ashley, "your best friend in the kitchen." I'm a food stylist, culinary producer, editor, travel junkie, and author of The Duke's Mayonnaise Cookbook from Charleston, SC. Thanks for stopping by Little Black Skillet!

    More about me →

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