Classic Southern Coca-Cola Cake Recipe: A Nostalgic Dessert
A fizzy twist and glossy glaze turn a simple dessert into a memorable family favorite.
Classic Coca-Cola Cake: The Ultimate Southern Chocolate Sheet Cake
If you are looking for a nostalgic dessert that combines rich chocolate goodness with the fizzy flair of soda, the Classic Southern Coca-Cola Cake is an unbeatable treat. Loved for its moist texture, decadent homemade chocolate glaze, and a hint of tang from buttermilk, this cake has become a staple at family gatherings and Southern celebrations alike. Follow this guide to create a memorable dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.
What Makes Coca-Cola Cake Unique?
Originating from the American South, Coca-Cola cake gets its signature taste from the inclusion of the iconic soda in both the batter and the glaze. The carbonation helps tenderize the crumb, while the caramel flavor in the cola enhances the chocolatey richness. With a topping of glossy glaze and the traditional maraschino cherry garnish, it’s a sheet cake that’s both simple to prepare and visually appealing.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- Nonstick baking spray
- 2 (4-oz.) semisweet chocolate bars, chopped
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup full-fat buttermilk
- 1 cup Coca-Cola (regular, not diet or zero sugar)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Glaze
- 12 oz. can Coca-Cola
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 lb. powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Garnish
- 18 red maraschino cherries with stems
- White sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking pan generously with nonstick baking spray and set aside.
- Melt the Chocolate:
- Place chopped semisweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is almost melted but still has a few small lumps. Remove from the microwave. The residual heat will finish melting it; stir until smooth. Microwave for an extra 15 seconds if needed.
If you’re looking to bake another crowd-pleaser alongside this Coca-Cola cake, check out how to Bake This Irresistible Chocolate Sheet Cake Today—You Won't Regret It. This recipe ensures you achieve that perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience, bringing joy to chocolate lovers everywhere. - Cream Butter & Sugar:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about four minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the melted chocolate until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and kosher salt.
- Add one-third of the flour mixture to the wet mixture and beat on low just until blended. Then add half the buttermilk, mixing again on low. Repeat with another third of the flour and the remaining buttermilk. Finish with the last third of the flour mixture. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Heat the Coca-Cola:
- Pour 1 cup Coca-Cola into a medium, microwave-safe bowl and microwave until hot and bubbling, about 45 seconds. With the mixer on low, slowly stream the hot cola into the batter. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top if needed. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Transfer pan to a wire rack.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- While the cake is finishing baking, start the glaze. In a saucepan, bring 12 oz. Coca-Cola to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil until reduced to about 1/2 cup (this takes about 20 minutes).
- Remove from heat, then whisk in the butter, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract until smooth and melted. Pour into a medium, heatproof bowl and whisk in the powdered sugar until the glaze is completely smooth.
- Glaze and Cool:
- As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, pour the warm glaze evenly over the hot cake. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack; this takes about one hour.
- Garnish:
- Once the cake is cool, slice it into 15 pieces. Top each piece with a maraschino cherry and a sprinkle of white sprinkles for that classic retro presentation.
Secrets to Coca-Cola Cake Success
- Do not overmix the batter, especially after adding the flour. Overmixing can make the cake dense and tough.
- Use full-fat buttermilk: It offers the right tang and moisture, balancing the sweetness of the cola and sugar.
- Pour glaze on the hot cake: This allows the glaze to sink in slightly, giving a fudge-like texture on top.
- Let the cake cool fully before slicing: The glaze sets up as the cake cools, for clean, neat squares.
Why Use Coca-Cola in Cake?
While Coca-Cola adds a distinct caramel flavor and moist texture, it also provides a gentle lift to the cake. The carbonation acts as a tenderizer, leading to a fluffy, soft crumb that’s never dry. Paired with chocolate and buttermilk, the soda’s sweetness is balanced with a slightly tangy aftertaste, making every bite irresistible.
Tips, Variations, and Substitutions
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute: mix just under 1 cup of whole milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar. Stir and let it sit for five minutes before using.
- For a nuttier finish, stir a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts into the glaze before pouring it over the cake. This is popular in some Southern versions.
- Add mini marshmallows: Some traditional cooks fold mini marshmallows into the batter before baking, creating pockets of gooey sweetness.
- Try different sodas: While Coca-Cola is classic, you can substitute other colas or even use cherry cola for a twist.
- Garnishing with cherries and white sprinkles gives the cake a retro, diner-style look, but they’re optional.
Serving Suggestions
- Best served at room temperature, though leftovers are excellent chilled.
- For special occasions, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Store leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or longer in the refrigerator.
Nutritional Snapshot
| Serving Size | Calories | Total Fat | Sugar | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 slice (1/15 of cake) | ~400 | 15g | 44g | 3g |
*Nutrition estimates are approximate and will vary based on serving size and ingredient brands.*
History and Origin of Coca-Cola Cake
Coca-Cola cake first rose to popularity in the American South during the mid-20th century, soon after the brand became a national phenomenon. Home bakers discovered that adding Coca-Cola to cake not only enhanced sweetness but also produced a uniquely soft, almost sticky crumb. Over time, it became synonymous with potlucks, church gatherings, and Sunday suppers. Its enduring popularity comes as much from nostalgia as from the unbeatable moist texture and deep chocolate flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What kind of Coca-Cola should I use?
Always use classic, full-sugar Coca-Cola for authentic flavor and proper cake texture. Avoid diet versions; the lack of sugar and different sweeteners can affect the cake’s rise and moisture.
Can I make Coca-Cola cake ahead of time?
Absolutely. Coca-Cola cake retains its moisture very well thanks to the soda and glaze. Bake it the day before your event, glaze it as directed, and cover tightly once cooled. It remains fresh for several days.
Is it possible to freeze Coca-Cola cake?
Yes. Allow the cake to cool completely, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I use a hand mixer if I don’t have a stand mixer?
Certainly. While a stand mixer is convenient for creaming butter and sugar, a hand mixer or even a sturdy wooden spoon and some elbow grease will achieve good results if mixed thoroughly.
Why is my glaze grainy?
This usually means the powdered sugar wasn’t fully dissolved or the glaze cooled too rapidly. Sift powdered sugar before adding, and always pour the glaze while it’s still warm for the smoothest finish.
Are there gluten-free or dairy-free versions?
Consider swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and using dairy-free butter and a plant-based buttermilk substitute. The resulting texture will vary slightly but will still yield a delicious cake.
Pro Tips for Perfect Sheet Cakes
- Warm glaze over a hot cake creates a slightly molten, fudge-like layer on top.
- Always use room temperature eggs—they incorporate more evenly into the batter.
- Do not skip reducing the Coca-Cola for the glaze; this intensifies both color and flavor.
- Check cake doneness at the 35-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
- Slicing with a damp, sharp knife prevents glaze from sticking and yields neat squares.
Classic Coca-Cola Cake Recipe Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy to Intermediate |
| Preparation Time | 30 minutes |
| Baking Time | 35–40 minutes |
| Total Time | About 1 hour 40 minutes (including cooling) |
| Yields | 15 servings |
| Main Flavors | Chocolate, caramel, cherry |
Conclusion: Why Every Home Baker Needs This Cake in Their Repertoire
The Coca-Cola cake is more than a dessert—it’s a celebration of Southern baking tradition, hospitality, and ingenuity. Whether you’re baking for a potluck, birthday, or just to enjoy a rich chocolate treat, this cake promises to deliver comfort, nostalgia, and a crowd-pleasing finish every time. With easy instructions, forgiving ingredients, and irresistible flavor, there’s always a reason to bake another Coca-Cola cake.
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