Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Grandma’s Coca-Cola Cake is more than just a cake; it’s an experience. The unique combination of Coca-Cola in both the cake and the icing adds a subtle sweetness and depth that makes it stand out from your average chocolate cake. The cake itself is incredibly moist, and the rich icing is to die for. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just because, this cake will quickly become a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 cup of Coca-Cola (regular, not diet)
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
For the icing:
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup of Coca-Cola (regular)
- 3 1/2 cups of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of chopped pecans (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
For the Cake:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the Coca-Cola, butter, vegetable oil, and cocoa powder. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Slowly pour the warm Coca-Cola mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring to combine. Once mixed, add the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan while you prepare the icing.
For the Icing:
- Prepare the icing: In a saucepan, combine the butter, cocoa powder, and Coca-Cola. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add powdered sugar: Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is smooth and well combined.
- Frost the cake: While the cake is still warm, pour the icing over the top. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, allowing it to melt slightly into the cake for an extra gooey texture. If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the icing.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. The icing will firm up as the cake cools.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 12-16 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 50-60 minutes
Variations
- Nut-free: If you’re not a fan of nuts or want to make it nut-free, simply omit the pecans in the icing.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of this cake.
- Frosting options: For a lighter frosting, you can use a cream cheese frosting instead of the chocolate icing, though it will change the flavor profile of the cake.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover Coca-Cola Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.
- Reheating: To reheat individual slices, warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or heat in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use diet Coca-Cola for this recipe?
It’s best to use regular Coca-Cola, as diet sodas can affect the texture and taste of the cake due to the artificial sweeteners.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cake a day ahead. Just store it covered at room temperature or in the fridge, and it will taste even better after the flavors have had time to develop.
3. Can I make this cake without buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with 1/2 cup of regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.
4. Can I freeze Coca-Cola Cake?
Yes, you can freeze this cake. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
5. What kind of cocoa powder should I use?
Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results. Avoid using sweetened cocoa powder as it will affect the overall sweetness of the cake.
6. Can I add other mix-ins to the cake?
Yes, you can add chocolate chips or crushed candy bars to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
7. Can I make the icing ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the icing ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat it slightly in the microwave before spreading it on the cake.
8. Can I make this cake in a different size pan?
Yes, you can bake this cake in a round cake pan or a different size, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly. A 9-inch round pan will bake for about 25-30 minutes.
9. Can I use a different soda flavor?
While Coca-Cola is traditional in this recipe, you could experiment with other sodas like Dr. Pepper or root beer for a different flavor twist, but Coca-Cola is preferred for the best texture and flavor.
10. Is this cake better warm or at room temperature?
Grandma’s Coca-Cola Cake is delicious both warm and at room temperature. If you like your icing gooey, warm slices are perfect, but it also holds up well at room temperature.
Conclusion
Grandma’s Coca-Cola Cake is a rich, decadent treat that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its moist chocolate cake, gooey icing, and the unique flavor of Coca-Cola, it’s a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it at a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or simply because you crave something sweet, this cake will always hit the spot. Enjoy a slice (or two) of this classic Southern dessert!
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Grandma’s Coca-Cola Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50-60 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Grandma’s Coca-Cola Cake is a classic Southern dessert that brings together the rich flavors of chocolate and Coca-Cola in a moist cake topped with a fudgy, gooey icing, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
- For the cake:
- 1 cup of Coca-Cola (regular, not diet)
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- For the icing:
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup of Coca-Cola (regular)
- 3 1/2 cups of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the Coca-Cola, butter, vegetable oil, and cocoa powder. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Slowly pour the warm Coca-Cola mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring to combine. Once mixed, add the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan while you prepare the icing.
- Prepare the icing: In a saucepan, combine the butter, cocoa powder, and Coca-Cola. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add powdered sugar: Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is smooth and well combined.
- Frost the cake: While the cake is still warm, pour the icing over the top. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, allowing it to melt slightly into the cake for an extra gooey texture. If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the icing.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. The icing will firm up as the cake cools.
Notes
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
- If you prefer a lighter frosting, you can use cream cheese frosting, though it will change the flavor profile.
- This cake can be made a day ahead of time for better flavor development.
- Feel free to add chocolate chips or crushed candy bars to the batter for added texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 50g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
