Decadently sweet and perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this moist chocolate Coca-Cola cake is made with the iconic soda, mini marshmallows, and unsweetened cocoa powder for extra rich chocolate flavor. It’s so chocolatey, you wouldn’t even know that there’s soda in it! This has been a longtime Southern classic, and I’m sure it’ll become a family favorite in your house too.
Super Easy Coca-Cola Cake Recipe
Who knew that the famous soft drink would make a perfect chocolate cake? Not only do all those bubbles act as a leavening agent to make a super fluffy cake, but the sugars caramelize and bring out the different notes from the chocolate. Not to mention it adds enough moisture to keep it soft and fluffy. It’s an amazing combo!
This cake is pretty sweet thanks to the fudgy icing and mini marshmallows, which dissolve completely into the cake, so I like to pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance all that sweetness. If you prefer a thicker frosting, try my homemade double chocolate fudge frosting on top.
This is similar to a marshmallow topped chocolate cake, except the marshmallows sink right into the cake instead of staying on top. You’ll also find it to be similar to a homemade Texas sheet cake but it’s taller and has a distinct flavor that only Coca Cola can add.
It’s incredible as a birthday cake or at any other celebratory event! You’ll also find it served at cook-outs and potlucks.
This cake has been around for generations, but came to national popularity thanks to Cracker Barrel restaurant in the 90’s! Classic Southern cakes and cupcakes never go out of style.
Ingredients For Coca-Cola Sheet Cake
You’ll need a lot of the same ingredients for the frosting as you do for the cake. Check the recipe card below for a full list.
How To Make a Chocolate and Coca-Cola Cake
Step One: Whisk
Step Two: Make Cola Mixture
Step Three: Complete the Batter and Bake
Step Four: Make Icing
For best results, the icing should be warm when added to the cake.
Step Five: Frost Cake
This frosting will thicken as it cools, so if it’s too thick by the time the cake is out of the oven, you can add a tablespoon of Coca-Cola and gently heat it until it’s spreadable. Sprinkle the top with pecans while the frosting is still warm and gently press them in. Let the cake cool completely before cutting.
What to Serve with a Coca-Cola Cake
This is the cake to serve for a family cookout with bbq ribs or crispy smash burgers. Add some baked mac and cheese for a full Southern spread. It also works great for potlucks, it feeds a crowd but can also be left out in the heat without the frosting melting.
Don’t Forget!
Like and review this post – it helps our website grow so we can give you more delicious Southern recipes!
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 cup Coca-Cola
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 eggs slightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows
- ICING
- ½ cup butter softened
- 1/3 cup Coca-Cola
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 4 cups powdered sugar 1 pound
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup pecans chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350º. Butter a 9 x 13 baking pan.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk the flour and sugar together.
- In a medium saucepan, add butter, Coca-Cola, cocoa, and buttermilk and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Pour it over the flour mixture.
- Add baking soda, eggs, vanilla, and mix on low speed until well combined. Add marshmallows and mix until combined. Pour into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with an offset spatula. Make sure the marshmallows are evenly disbursed and not all in the center.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean in the center. (If you go through a marshmallow it will be sticky, so try to find a spot without a marshmallow. The center should be set)
- With 10 minutes left of the cooking time, make the frosting. It should be warm when added to the cake.
- In a saucepan, heat the butter, Coca Cola, and cocoa over medium heat until it comes to a boil. Remove from the heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Then add the chopped pecans.
- Once the cake is done, pour the warm frosting over the warm cake. If the frosting has cooled and is too thick, add a tablespoon of Coca Cola and gently heat it so that it can be spread over the top. It will thicken as it cools.
- Let it cool completely before cutting.
Notes
- Try using Cherry Coke, Dr. Pepper, or root beer instead! Just avoid sugar-free or Diet Coke.
- Use high-quality ingredients! Especially when it comes to the cocoa powder. With such a simple flavor profile, you really want the flavors to shine.
- Make sure the frosting is warm and that you add it as soon as the cake comes out of the oven.
Can I leave the marshmallows out of the cake.
You can not leave them out in this recipe.