Old Fashioned Coca Cola Cake Recipe (Coke Cake)

This old-fashioned Coca-Cola cake recipe is everything you want in a vintage Southern dessert. It’s wonderfully rich, flavorful, chocolatey, and oh-so-satisfying, thanks to the unexpected addition of a bubbly can of Coca-Cola. 

Coca Cola Cake Ingredients

Substitutions And Additions For A Coke Cake

COCA-COLA: For this easy recipe, any brand of cola, whether generic or name brand, should equally well.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping regular Coca-Cola for cherry cola.

This switch can introduce a subtle fruity undertone to the cake, creating a delightful fusion of flavors.

COFFEE: For a bold and rich flavor variation, you can replace Coca-Cola with strongly brewed coffee.

The coffee’s deep notes can add a wonderful complexity to the cake, making it a coffee lover’s dream.

COCOA POWDER: While the recipe calls for unsweetened cocoa powder, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a slightly different flavor profile.

Dutch-processed cocoa is less acidic and has a smoother, milder taste.

ORANGE ZEST: For a citrusy surprise, incorporate finely grated orange zest into the batter.

The zesty brightness can balance out the sweetness and provide a refreshing twist.

MIX-INS: While the classic recipe doesn’t include mix-ins, you can certainly add walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

Just be sure to fold them in gently at the end of the mixing process.

GARNISH: Sprinkle some powdered sugar or cocoa powder on top for a refined look.

You can also add some fresh berries or mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

How To Make A Buttermilk Substitute

This recipe calls for a half cup of buttermilk. If you don’t have any store-bought buttermilk on hand, you can make your own with:

• ½ tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar
• Milk (enough to make up the ½ cup when combined with the acid)

1. Pour a half tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into a measuring cup.
2. Add milk to the measuring cup until you reach the half-cup line.
3. Stir the mixture well and let it sit for about five to ten minutes. During this time, the milk will curdle slightly, which is the desired effect.
4. After the resting time, your homemade buttermilk substitute is ready to use! If you’re not using it immediately, store it in the refrigerator.

How To Make This Old Fashioned Coca-Cola Cake Recipe

Our step-by-step instructions will walk you through making this yummy Coke cake:

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

STEP TWO: In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the sugar, salt, and flour. Set the dry ingredients aside.

STEP THREE: In a medium saucepan, combine the oil, butter, Coca-Cola, and cocoa powder. Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat.

STEP FOUR: Once the Coca-Cola mixture boils, carefully dump the flour mixture into it. Beat with a hand mixer or using a large wooden spoon until well combined.

STEP FIVE: Mix in the buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, and baking soda. The batter will form small bubbles.

STEP SIX: Pour batter into the prepared pan.

STEP SEVEN: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

It’s essential not to overbake to maintain the cake’s moist texture.

STEP EIGHT: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for five to ten minutes before preparing the frosting.

STEP NINE: To make the frosting, combine the butter, cocoa powder, and cream (or milk) in a saucepan.

Heat over medium until the butter melts. Add the vanilla and powdered sugar to the pan and beat with a hand mixer until well combined.

STEP TEN: Pour the frosting over the warm cake and spread it with an offset spatula.

How To Serve Coca-Cola Cake

While the cake is delicious when served warm, especially with the frosting slightly melted, it’s equally delightful at room temperature.

If you’ve stored it in the refrigerator, consider letting it come to room temperature before serving or warming it slightly in the oven.

The cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can provide a cool and creamy complement to this super moist chocolate cake.

Add a drizzle of hot fudge sauce or caramel sauce on top for even more decadence.

You could serve it alongside a piping hot cup of coffee, tea, or a warm mug of hot chocolate to drink.

When To Serve A Coca-Cola Dessert

BIRTHDAY PARTIES: Given its delightful chocolatey flavor and gooey frosting, it can be a great alternative to the usual birthday cakes.

POTLUCKS: Its intriguing ingredient list can make it a topic of discussion and a standout dish at community or friend gatherings.

BBQs AND PICNICS: Given its Southern roots, it pairs well with classic BBQ dishes and can be a sweet ending to an outdoor meal.

HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS: Whether it’s Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter, the Coca Cola cake can add a unique touch to the festive spread.

If you enjoy this cake, our orange soda cake and Pepsi cupcakes are two more recipes for soda cakes that result in a fantastic light and fluffy dessert.

Storing A Coke Cake

Whether you’re planning to enjoy it over a few days or save some for later, here’s what you need to keep in mind:

MAKE AHEAD: This Coca-Cola cake can be made a day in advance, which can be especially handy for events or gatherings.

If you choose to make it ahead, prepare the cake as directed, but hold off on the frosting.

Once the cake has cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature.

The next day, prepare the frosting and spread it over the cake before serving.

IN THE FRIDGE: If you have leftovers or if you’ve frosted your cake in advance, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator.

Place the cake in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

The cake will remain fresh and moist in the fridge for up to five to seven days.

IN THE FREEZER: For longer storage, the Coca-Cola cake can be frozen. If you’re freezing the entire cake, it’s best to do so without the frosting.

Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This will ensure it remains moist and fresh. Store in the freezer for up to three months.

Make sure that you label the cake with the use-by date to ensure you enjoy it while it is at its best.

When you’re ready, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight and then frost as desired.

Why We Love This Coca Cola Chocolate Cake Recipe

VINTAGE SOUTHERN DESSERT: This old-fashioned Coca-Cola cake recipe captures the essence of a traditional Southern dessert. It’s rich, chocolatey, and deeply satisfying, with the unique twist of incorporating a bubbly can of Coca-Cola.

UNIQUE: The Coca Cola cake is a delightful blend of traditional baking with the unexpected twist of a popular soft drink, resulting in a dessert that’s both nostalgic and innovative.

GREAT FLAVOR: The addition of the Coca-Cola not only adds moisture — but also a subtle caramelized undertone — that enhances the chocolatey profile of the cake.

This old-fashioned Coca-Cola cake recipe creates an ultra-moist cake that will surely hit the spot. It has a light chocolate flavor and stays moist for days, even on the countertop.

All you need is a can of your favorite soda and a few pantry staples, and you’ll end up with the perfect dessert.

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• Icebox Cake (Chocolate)
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