Coca Cola Cake
This Coca-Cola Cake is rich, moist, and topped with a fudgy chocolate frosting made with real Coca-Cola. An easy Southern dessert recipe perfect for potlucks, holidays, family gatherings, and weeknight treats.
Servings: 12
Calories: 625kcal
Cost: $7.92, $0.53 per serving.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1½ cups Coca-Cola
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1½ cups Coca-Cola
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
For the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1½ cups Coca-Cola, 1 cup butter, and ½ cup cocoa powder.
- Heat over medium heat until the butter melts, then bring to a gentle boil, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1¾ cups sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1½ teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt.
- Pour the cocoa mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until smooth. Add ¾ cup sour cream, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla, mixing until fully combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 28–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
For the Frosting:
- While the cake bakes, simmer 1½ cups Coca-Cola in a saucepan over medium-high heat until reduced to about ⅓–½ cup.
- Add ½ cup butter and ¼ teaspoon salt to the reduced cola and heat until the butter is melted. Remove from heat.
- Whisk in 3 tablespoons cocoa powder until smooth, then add 4 cups powdered sugar and whisk until creamy and lump-free.
- Pour the warm frosting over the warm cake and spread evenly.
- Let the frosting set before slicing and serving.
Notes
Do not skip reducing the cola—it intensifies the flavor of the frosting.
Pour the frosting over a warm cake for a smooth, even finish.
Check early to avoid overbaking and keep the cake moist.
Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
Grease or line the pan well to prevent sticking.
Serve with vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 625kcal | Carbohydrates: 95g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 437mg | Potassium: 134mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 74g | Vitamin A: 838IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 2mg
