Southern Coca-Cola Chocolate Cake
Indulge in this rich Southern Coca-Cola Chocolate Cake—a decadent dessert that delights both chocolate lovers and cola fans! This cake is perfectly moist and infused with the unique flavors of Coca-Cola, topped with a luscious cocoa frosting that will leave your taste buds singing. Ideal for gatherings or a sweet weeknight treat, this cake combines classic ingredients into an unforgettable dessert experience. Share it with friends and family, and watch it disappear in no time!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
2 cups (sifted)
sugar
2 cups (granulated)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
cocoa powder
2 tablespoons (unsweetened)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (none)
margarine
1 1/2 cups (divided)
Coca-Cola
1 1/2 cups (divided)
buttermilk
1/2 cup (none)
miniature marshmallows
1 1/2 cups (none)
eggs
2 (beaten)
chopped nuts
1 cup (optional, for frosting)
confectioners' sugar
1 box (none)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x12 inch baking pan.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, cocoa powder, and baking soda until well combined.
3
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the 1 cup of margarine with 1 cup of Coca-Cola, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
4
Pour the hot margarine and Coca-Cola mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined.
5
Add the buttermilk, beaten eggs, and miniature marshmallows to the mixture. Stir until everything is well incorporated; the batter will be thin.
6
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7
While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a small saucepan, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of margarine, 6 tablespoons of Coca-Cola, and 1 tablespoon of cocoa. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
8
In a mixing bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar and the boiled mixture, stirring until smooth. Add the chopped nuts and vanilla extract, and mix well.
9
Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and poke holes all over the top with a toothpick. Pour the hot frosting over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
10
Let the cake cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious Southern Coca-Cola Chocolate Cake!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Coca-Cola Chocolate Cake?
It is a rich, decadent dessert infused with Coca-Cola for a moist texture, topped with a boiled cocoa frosting and often pecans.
What does Coca-Cola do for the cake?
Coca-Cola adds a unique flavor profile and acts as a leavening agent and moisture source, resulting in an exceptionally tender crumb.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking pan is required?
You will need a 9x12 inch baking pan for this recipe.
How do I prepare the baking pan?
The pan should be greased and floured before pouring in the batter to prevent sticking.
What dry ingredients are needed for the batter?
The dry ingredients include sifted flour, granulated sugar, salt, unsweetened cocoa powder, and baking soda.
How do I incorporate the Coca-Cola into the batter?
Melt 1 cup of margarine with 1 cup of Coca-Cola in a saucepan, bring to a gentle boil, and then stir into the dry ingredients.
Why are marshmallows used in the cake?
Miniature marshmallows are stirred into the batter to add sweetness and contribute to the cake's unique, moist texture.
Is the cake batter supposed to be thin?
Yes, once the buttermilk, eggs, and marshmallows are added, the batter will have a thin consistency.
How long should the cake bake?
The cake typically bakes for 45 to 60 minutes.
How can I tell if the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
When should I start making the frosting?
You should prepare the frosting while the cake is still in the oven so it is ready to pour while the cake is hot.
What ingredients are in the frosting?
The frosting consists of margarine, Coca-Cola, cocoa powder, confectioners' sugar, chopped nuts, and vanilla extract.
How do I cook the frosting base?
Combine 1/2 cup margarine, 6 tablespoons Coca-Cola, and 1 tablespoon cocoa in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
What kind of sugar is used for the frosting?
This recipe uses one box of confectioners' sugar (powdered sugar) for the frosting.
Are nuts mandatory in this recipe?
No, the chopped nuts are optional and are added to the frosting if desired.
Why do I need to poke holes in the cake?
Poking holes with a toothpick allows the hot frosting to soak into the cake, making it even moister.
Should the frosting be hot or cold when applied?
The frosting should be hot when poured over the freshly baked cake.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
While the recipe specifies margarine, butter is a common substitute that can be used in equal amounts.
What type of flour is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
Is the cocoa powder sweetened?
No, you should use unsweetened cocoa powder for both the cake and the frosting.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe requires 2 eggs, which should be beaten before adding to the batter.
Does the frosting contain vanilla?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is added to the frosting mixture for extra flavor.
How much buttermilk is used?
The batter requires 1/2 cup of buttermilk.
What is the total amount of Coca-Cola needed?
You will need a total of 1 1/2 cups of Coca-Cola, divided between the cake and the frosting.
Can this cake be served immediately?
It is best to let the cake cool slightly after frosting so the icing can set before slicing.
Is this a traditional Southern recipe?
Yes, Coca-Cola cake is a classic Southern dessert staple often served at potlucks and family gatherings.
What makes this cake so moist?
The combination of Coca-Cola, buttermilk, and the method of pouring hot frosting over the cake ensures a very moist result.
Can I omit the marshmallows?
The marshmallows are a signature part of this recipe's texture, but the cake will still bake without them though the texture will change.
What is the serving size for this cake?
Since it is baked in a 9x12 pan, it typically serves 12 to 15 people depending on how large the slices are cut.