Name: Cola Chocolate Cherry Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Cake:; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup cola soda (not diet); 3/4 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling; For the Glaze (optional):; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 cup cola soda; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly moist and flavorful thanks to cola soda.
Combines chocolate and cherries for a classic flavor pairing.
Simple to prepare—no complicated techniques required.
Perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or casual family desserts.
Stays soft and delicious for days.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cake:

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Baking soda
Salt
Cola soda (regular, not diet)
Vegetable oil
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Cherry pie filling (canned)

For the glaze (optional):

Butter
Cola soda
Cocoa powder
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add cola, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
Gently fold in cherry pie filling.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake cools slightly, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, melt butter with cola and cocoa powder. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
Pour warm glaze over the cake. Allow to cool before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12–15 servings. Prep time is 15 minutes, baking time is 40 minutes, for a total of around 55 minutes.

Variations

Add mini chocolate chips for extra richness.
Use Dr Pepper or cherry cola for a deeper fruity flavor.
Top with whipped cream instead of glaze for a lighter finish.
Bake in a Bundt pan for a more elegant presentation.
Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. This cake is best enjoyed at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use diet cola?

No, diet soda won’t give the same sweetness or texture as regular cola.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Yes, but the cake will be less sweet—consider adding extra sugar or cherry preserves.

Do I need a glaze?

The glaze adds richness, but you can serve it plain or with whipped cream.

Can I bake this as cupcakes?

Yes, bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.

What type of cocoa powder works best?

Unsweetened natural or Dutch-process cocoa both work.

Can I substitute butter for oil?

Yes, melted butter works but will make the cake slightly denser.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, it stays moist for several days and can be made a day or two in advance.

Why is my cake dense?

Overmixing the batter or using cold ingredients can make it heavy—mix just until combined.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I add frosting instead of glaze?

Yes, chocolate buttercream or cream cheese frosting pair wonderfully.

Conclusion

Cola Chocolate Cherry Cake is a fun, nostalgic dessert that brings together chocolate, cola, and cherries in a moist and flavorful cake. With its tender crumb and decadent glaze, it’s perfect for gatherings, holidays, or whenever you want a dessert that feels special but is easy to make. Whether served plain, glazed, or topped with whipped cream, this cake is always a hit.