Ultimate Coca-Cola Cake (from scratch)

In this post I’m going to share my tips and tricks for pulling off the Ultimate Coca-Cola cake! This one is rich with chocolate and the bubbly, effervescent cola adds a whole new experience, adding a feather-lightness to this rich dessert!

Coca-Cola in Cake?

I know that many of you are probably asking yourselves the obvious question: Can I use cola in cake? The answer is a resounding yes! The carbonation from the Coke adds air to the batter and makes for a light texture.

Something else happens, too. The mergence of cola and chocolate is simply divine. And because my recipe adds a bit of espresso powder (instant coffee) that chocolate flavor is really pumped up! (Coffee always amps up chocolate flavor.)

The History of Coca-Cola Cake

I live in the south and we’re more than a little addicted to our Coke down here. In other parts of the country you’ll hear folks say things like, “Grab me a pop from the fridge” or “Hey, would you bring me back a soda?”

Here in the south, however? We say, “Grab me a Coke while you’re up.” That should tell you something right there!

Coca-Cola was birthed in the south (in Atlanta) so it should come as no surprised that Coca-Cola cake originated in the south, as well. Recipes incorporating this yummy soft drink started appearing in print in the 1950s.

Cracker Barrel (a well-known restaurant chain in the south) created their own version, one that doubled the amount of chocolate. Folks used to write to Cracker Barrel for the recipe.

Some of the recipes for this decadent cake include miniature marshmallows. Some do not. I opted for the “do not” version but you’re more than welcome to add a cup and a half to this recipe if you like.

And while I added a full cup of Coke to the frosting, you might opt for half a cup so that your icing is slightly thicker. You’ll find recipes for this cake making those suggestions and more. That’s the joy of this recipe. It’s versatile, (like us southerners)!

Coca-Cola Cake Ingredients

You’ll find a full printable recipe card for this southern classic at the bottom of this post, but here’s a quick peek at what you’ll need.

These are all simple ingredients you probably have on hand. If you don’t happen to have buttermilk you can add a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of whole milk.

• white sugar
• all-purpose flour
• room temperature butter (salted or unsalted, your choice)
• room temperature Coke or Pepsi cola
• espresso powder (or instant coffee) (optional)
• unsweetened cocoa powder
• room temperature eggs
• room temperature buttermilk
• baking soda
• vanilla extract

Icing Ingredients

• room temperature butter
• room temperature Coke or Pepsi
• unsweetened cocoa powder
• powdered sugar
• chopped pecans

Let’s Make this Rich Coca-Cola Cake!

This came together so easily! I truly enjoyed the process and you will, too.

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray (or coat with a light layer of butter or oil).

How to Make the Cake

Combine flour and sugar in a mixing bowl and set aside.

Place butter, cup of coca-cola, espresso powder, and unprocessed cocoa powder in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring well. Immediately remove from heat.

While it’s still hot, pour this cola mixture over the flour mixture and stir well. You can do this by hand or with a hand mixer. I opted for my stand mixer with paddle attachment.

Now it’s time to add the buttermilk, room temperature eggs, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. This is a thin batter. If you prefer a thicker one you can cut back a little on the soda.

Check out those bubbles from the carbonation!

Pour cake batter into the prepared dish.

Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 40 minutes.

How to Make the Coca-Cola Icing

While your cake is baking, make your cola icing.

Place confectioners sugar in a large bowl.

In a small saucepan, combine your room temperature butter, Coke, and unprocessed cocoa powder. Bring to a light boil. (See my note above about the amount of Coke to add. I used a full cup but next time I’ll probably cut back to half a cup so the finished icing isn’t as runny.)

Remove chocolate liquid from heat and pour over the powdered sugar.

Add teaspoon vanilla extract and chopped pecans.

Stir well and cool.

Pour icing over the top of the cake (while cake is still warm). Cool for one hour before serving.

Store in airtight container at room temperature. This cake is also great chilled.

What to Expect from This Cake

I was blown away by the depth of flavor and the texture in this rich cake. Talk about the perfect dessert!

First of all, I get it. At first I wasn’t sure why I should pour a liquidy icing over a hot cake that hadn’t been poked. (I was tempted to poke holes, trust me!)

But now I get it! The carbonation makes for a porous cake, one that quickly absorbs liquid. So much of that ooey-gooey chocolate icing absorbed directly into the cake. What was left on top did firm up, which surprised me. (I honestly envisioned it remaining in a liquid state.)

How, then, could such a moist chocolate cake be so light and fluffy? We’re talking feather-light in places, rich and moist in others. And the crumb is so tender and flaky!

The crunch of the pecans was pure perfection, as well. This chocolate coca-cola cake reminded me of my mama. . .in a thousand ways. Maybe it’s the similarity to the Texas Sheet Cake she made. Maybe it was the notion that it reminded me of her homemade fudge.

I don’t know. I just know that everything about this cake screamed “Home!” and “Family.” It also reminded me of the hundreds of church potlucks I attended as a child. How many times did I eat this familiar chocolate cake without realizing it was loaded with Coke?

I highly recommend this rich chocolatey cake–for the holidays, for an ordinary day, for an afternoon treat, or even for breakfast. (Hey, nuts are healthy. . .right?)

Variations on this Recipe

I loved making this delicious cake and (at first) couldn’t think of any ways to change it up. Then the ideas started coming. Here are a few of my favorites:

Mini Marshmallows: Many Coca-Cola cake recipes call for a cup and a half of mini marshmallows to be stirred into the batter. I’m not sure why but I couldn’t make myself do it.

Mint Chocolate Chips: Skip the nuts and cocoa powder. Add a cup of mint chocolate chips in place of the cocoa powder in the cake and the frosting. You will end up with a delicious mint chocolate cake.

Espresso Chips: Nestles makes espresso chocolate chips and they would be a fun addition to this recipe. You could use them in place of the cocoa powder or stir a cup of them into the icing once it cools, (leaving them whole).

Cayenne: In place of the espresso powder (or instant coffee) add a pinch of cayenne or other pepper.

Poke Cake: As I mentioned above, my first thought (upon seeing how thin the icing was) involved poking holes in the cake. This might be a fun option to work some of the chocolate and nuts down into the cake.

Root Beer or Dr. Pepper: For a different flavor profile use Root Beer or Dr. Pepper in place of the Coke.

Boxed Cake Mix: Use a boxed cake mix and substitute Coca-Cola for the water in the recipe, adding the eggs and oil (or butter) as usual.

Thicker Icing: As I mentioned above, you can cut way back on the soda in the icing, making a more traditional texture.

8″ Round Pans: You can always bake this cake in round pans. I would suggest covering in my dreamy buttercream (with the addition of a quarter cup of cocoa powder) then pouring the Cola icing on top as a drip.

Other Chocolate Delights from Out of the Box Baking

If you love chocolate desserts, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few fan favorites!

The Best Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake: If you’re looking for a rich, moist cake, loaded with flavor, you’ve come to the right place. This Old Fashioned Chocolate Mayonnaise cake is a southern favorite guaranteed to please everyone on your guest list. 

Chocolate Banana Bread: If you’re in the mood for chocolate and you’ve got some overripe bananas on hand, this is the perfect recipe for you! You can merge those two tasty items into one delectable Chocolate Banana Bread!

Easy Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake: If you love rich, decadent chocolate cake but you’ve sworn off gluten, this is the recipe for you. You can stop searching for the perfect flourless, gluten free chocolate cake, my friend. You’ve found it right here!

The Perfect Texas Sheet Cake: If you’re looking for a classic sheet cake with rich chocolate cake and luscious chocolate-pecan frosting, you’ve come to the right place. This will be a big hit at your next gathering, and you don’t have to live in Texas to enjoy it!

Traditional German Chocolate Cake: If you love the sweet flavor of German Chocolate cake and you’re nuts about coconut pecan frosting, you’ve definitely come to the right place! In this post I’m going to give you my tips and tricks for one of the most classic cakes of all time–German Chocolate! And best of all. . .it starts with a boxed mix!

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Dump Cake: This is a new recipe, one that’s packed with flavor and sweet fruity texture!

Check out this 2-Ingredient Flourless Chocolate Cake from Southern Home Express. Wow!

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Questions People are Asking about Coca-Cola Cake

Why put Coke in cake?

The carbon dioxide bubbles act as a leavening agent, which is a lot of fun! These are unique, conversational cakes, for sure!

Can Coke be used in baking other products?

Yep! Coke not only add learning, it also add moisture to the cake, as well as flavor!

Can I use Dr. Pepper instead of Coke?

Absolutely! Dr. Pepper is another southern favorite, loaded with layers of flavor.

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That’s it for this post! I hope you enjoyed the recipe for this delicious chocolate cake.

See this recipe at

Full Plate Thursday 

Weekend Potluck

Busy Monday

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About the Author

Janice Thompson is an author, baker, and all-around mischief maker! She has overcome a host of baking catastrophes, including a toppled wedding cake, to learn more about the baking process. Janice has published over 150 books for the Christian market but particularly enjoys writing recipes and baking devotions. To learn more about Janice or to drop her a note, visit her About the Author page.