If there’s one recipe that will steal the show at any Southern potluck or family gathering, it’s this Southern Coca-Cola Cake. With its fudgy texture, swoon-worthy chocolate frosting, and the unmistakable hint of cola dancing through every bite, this cake is pure nostalgia served on a plate. It’s the cheerful, crowd-pleasing kind of dessert that always has folks asking for seconds—and begging for the recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, but every ingredient has a purpose. Each one adds something special, whether it’s chewiness, richness, or that classic drizzle-on-the-spot frosting. Here’s how the parts come together in this unforgettable Southern Coca-Cola Cake.
- Granulated sugar: Gives the cake its signature sweetness and helps with that tender crumb.
- All-purpose flour: The reliable base for a sturdy-yet-moist sheet cake texture.
- Mini marshmallows: They melt into gooey pockets, creating that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Unsalted butter: Adds lovely richness to both cake and frosting—use unsalted to control the flavor.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake extra moist and soft for days.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings deep chocolate flavor; Dutch-process or natural both work.
- Coca-Cola (not diet): The star ingredient! Its sweetness and fizz give a unique flavor and a perfectly tender bite.
- Buttermilk: Adds tang and reacts with baking soda for perfect lift.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and hold the cake together beautifully.
- Baking soda: Leavens the cake for a light, fluffy crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with warm, aromatic notes.
- Powdered sugar (for frosting): Creates a creamy, pourable icing that sets up with a beautiful gloss.
How to Make Southern Coca-Cola Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. A generous coat of nonstick spray or a swipe of butter ensures nothing sticks, and you’ll get those neat, clean slices everyone adores.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients & Marshmallows
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and flour, then toss in the mini marshmallows. This is where the fun begins: the marshmallows will float through the batter and melt as it bakes, turning into heavenly little pockets throughout the cake.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate-Cola Mixture
In a medium saucepan, combine the unsalted butter, vegetable oil, unsweetened cocoa powder, and Coca-Cola. Heat the mixture over medium, stirring often. Bring it just to a boil so everything is thoroughly melted and combined. The aroma alone here is an absolute treat!
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Carefully pour that warm, chocolatey Cola mixture right over the flour mixture. Stir gently and thoroughly. The heat will begin to soften those marshmallows, creating a uniquely luscious batter for your Southern Coca-Cola Cake.
Step 5: Finish the Batter
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla. Pour this into the batter, and mix until smooth and glossy—don’t overmix, just until it’s all incorporated.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared dish, smoothing the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be puffed and just starting to pull away from the edges. The house will smell amazing!
Step 7: Prepare the Frosting
While the cake bakes, grab a clean saucepan. Combine the butter, cocoa powder, and Coca-Cola. Gently bring this mixture to a simmer, then take it off the heat and stir in vanilla and powdered sugar until smooth. This frosting should be pourable and silky—but don’t delay, it goes on hot!
Step 8: Frost the Cake
As soon as you pull the cake from the oven, pour the warm frosting all over the top. It will slowly seep in, mingling with the cake’s airy crumb. Let your Southern Coca-Cola Cake cool at room temperature so the glaze sets with a lustrous finish.
How to Serve Southern Coca-Cola Cake
Garnishes
Top your Southern Coca-Cola Cake with a sprinkle of chopped pecans for an extra Southern touch, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Dollops of whipped cream or even a cherry on top make it festive and special.
Side Dishes
This cake is perfect with a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk. For a true nostalgic spread, serve alongside fresh strawberries, macerated berries, or even a bowl of peach slices for a real Southern dessert table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the Southern Coca-Cola Cake into bite-sized squares for a fun party platter, or stack slices and serve parfait style with layers of whipped cream. For casual gatherings, simply serve it warm right from the baking pan—it’s all about homey charm!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any cake left, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It will keep at room temperature for about two days, or up to five days in the refrigerator. The cake stays moist, and the flavor only deepens over time.
Freezing
Southern Coca-Cola Cake freezes like a dream. Cut cooled, frosted cake into squares and wrap each one well before placing in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and it’s ready to serve—just as soft and chocolatey as day one.
Reheating
For that freshly-baked warmth, pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. The frosting gets wonderfully glossy again, and the marshmallowy crumb turns melt-in-your-mouth even after a few days.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
You can, but using classic Coca-Cola is key for both flavor and texture. Other sodas may alter the cake’s signature taste or change how the marshmallows melt.
Why do you pour the frosting on while the cake is hot?
The warm cake absorbs some of the frosting, making every bite decadently moist and allowing the icing to form a beautiful, glossy layer on top.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans in the frosting give it extra Southern charm, or add mini chocolate chips for a richer, chocolate-forward treat.
Is it okay to substitute regular milk for buttermilk?
If you’re in a pinch, add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and let it sit for a few minutes to mimic buttermilk’s tang and acidity for the rise.
Can I make Southern Coca-Cola Cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake actually improves after a day as the flavors mingle and the crumb becomes even fudgier. Just keep it tightly covered until you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a reason to bake this Southern Coca-Cola Cake, but I promise it’ll make any day a little more delightful. It’s the kind of homemade treat that turns strangers into friends and family into lifelong fans. I can’t wait for you to share a slice with someone you love!
Print
Southern Coca-Cola Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, decadent flavors of Southern Coca-Cola Cake. This moist and chocolatey sheet cake, infused with the unique taste of Coca-Cola, is topped with a luscious cocoa-Cola frosting. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat anytime!
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup Coca-Cola (not diet)
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 tablespoons Coca-Cola
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ¾ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the cake batter: In a large bowl, whisk together sugar and flour. Stir in mini marshmallows. In a saucepan, combine butter, oil, cocoa powder, and Coca-Cola. Pour over flour mixture. Mix buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla; add to batter and mix.
- Bake the cake: Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Make the frosting: In a saucepan, combine butter, cocoa powder, and Coca-Cola. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Frost the cake: Pour warm frosting over the hot cake. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- This cake is best served slightly warm or at room temperature.
- You can add chopped pecans to the frosting for extra Southern flair.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 52g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
