If you’re craving a classic Southern dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Southern Coca-Cola Cake Recipe is your perfect go-to. This nostalgic chocolate cake blends the unique fizz and sweetness of Coca-Cola with rich cocoa and melting marshmallows to create a tender, moist crumb topped with a luscious, glossy frosting that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering, potluck, or just a cozy night in, this cake brings a little southern charm and a lot of smiles to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step toward baking your own slice of Southern sweetness. Each component plays a special role, from the marshmallows adding softness and moisture to the buttermilk lending a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Granulated sugar: Provides the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the cocoa’s richness.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and body to the cake.
- Miniature marshmallows: Melt into the batter and create a delectably moist texture.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and depth to both the cake and frosting.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake tender and moist.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Infuses the cake with that deep chocolate flavor.
- Coca-Cola (not diet): Adds a subtle caramel note and tenderizes the crumb.
- Buttermilk: Brightens the flavor and keeps the cake tender.
- Large eggs: Help bind ingredients for a light, airy texture.
- Baking soda: Leavens the cake and reacts with buttermilk for lift.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors for a warm finish.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths out the frosting’s texture.
How to Make Southern Coca-Cola Cake Recipe
Step 1: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan to keep that cake from sticking. In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and all-purpose flour to ensure an even blend. Then, gently fold in the miniature marshmallows—they may look small, but they’ll melt wonderfully and give the cake its signature moist and fluffy texture.
Step 2: Preparing the Cocoa and Cola Mixture
Next, in a medium saucepan, combine the unsalted butter, vegetable oil, unsweetened cocoa powder, and Coca-Cola. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat while stirring constantly to achieve a smooth, rich blend bursting with chocolate and caramel notes that form the cake’s heart.
Step 3: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the hot cocoa and cola mixture over your dry ingredients with marshmallows, stirring well to combine the two. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla extract until smooth, then gently stir this into the batter. The baking soda will react with the buttermilk to create a light texture, while the eggs bind everything together beautifully.
Step 4: Baking the Cake
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely tantalizing by this point—almost impossible to resist.
Step 5: Making the Frosting
While the cake bakes, use another saucepan to prepare the frosting by melting together butter, cocoa powder, and Coca-Cola. Bring that to a boil, then remove from the heat and whisk in vanilla extract and powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and creamy. This luscious topping will be poured warm over the hot cake, soaking in to create that signature Southern Coca-Cola Cake finish.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once out of the oven, immediately pour the warm frosting evenly over the cake’s surface, allowing it to seep down every nook and cranny. Let the cake cool before slicing to get perfect, tender pieces loaded with all that gooey, chocolatey goodness.
How to Serve Southern Coca-Cola Cake Recipe
Garnishes
While the cake itself is a delight, a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top adds a lovely crunch and nutty contrast that pairs beautifully with the rich frosting. For an extra Southern touch, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream never fails to elevate the experience.
Side Dishes
This cake shines on its own but is also fantastic alongside a chilled glass of sweet tea or coffee. If you want to turn dessert into a full Southern-inspired treat, fresh berries or a bowl of spiced peaches complement the chocolate and cola flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange slices on a vintage cake stand for a charming, nostalgic vibe at your next gathering. You can also cut the cake into squares and serve it as a grab-and-go treat at picnics or parties. For an unexpected twist, layering smaller portions with fresh fruit in parfait glasses creates an elegant, deconstructed Coca-Cola cake dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep it moist and flavorful. If your kitchen is warm, storing it in the refrigerator wrapped well in plastic wrap helps maintain freshness without drying out the cake.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Southern classic later, the cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, freezing for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, gently reheat slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or until slightly warm. This will revive the cake’s softness and let the frosting melt a bit more to its original, luscious state.
FAQs
Can I use diet soda instead of regular Coca-Cola?
The recipe calls specifically for regular Coca-Cola because the sugar content and caramel notes help achieve the unique flavor and moist texture; diet sodas won’t give the same result.
What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?
You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to ½ cup of milk; let it sit for 5 minutes before using in the recipe.
Are the miniature marshmallows necessary?
Yes! The marshmallows melt into the batter during baking and create a wonderfully moist and fluffy texture that is key to this cake’s signature softness.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
While the original uses all-purpose flour, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend that measures like regular flour, but results may vary slightly in texture.
How should I store the cake if I’m not serving it right away?
Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate it wrapped well to maintain freshness. Avoid leaving it uncovered, as it can dry out quickly due to the frosting.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Southern Coca-Cola Cake Recipe—it’s a delightful mix of nostalgia, comfort, and irresistible flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. If you’re ready to bring a classic Southern treat into your kitchen, this recipe is an absolute must-try that promises sweet memories and delicious moments. Happy baking!
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Southern Coca-Cola Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Southern Coca-Cola Cake is a classic vintage dessert known for its moist, fluffy texture featuring melted marshmallows and a rich chocolatey flavor enhanced by Coca-Cola. The cake is baked to perfection and topped with a warm, fudgy Coca-Cola frosting, delivering a nostalgic treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups miniature marshmallows
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup Coca-Cola (not diet)
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 6 tablespoons Coca-Cola
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3¾ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and all-purpose flour. Stir in the miniature marshmallows, then set this mixture aside for later.
- Prepare chocolate mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the unsalted butter, vegetable oil, unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1 cup Coca-Cola. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat while stirring continuously until it is smooth and fully combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the hot chocolate mixture over the dry ingredients with marshmallows and stir to combine thoroughly.
- Add buttermilk mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Then stir this wet mixture into the cake batter until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Make the frosting: While the cake is baking, combine the butter, cocoa powder, and 6 tablespoons Coca-Cola in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then remove from the heat and whisk in vanilla extract and powdered sugar until you achieve a smooth frosting consistency.
- Frost the cake: As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, pour the warm frosting evenly over the hot cake. Spread it gently to cover the entire surface.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to serve. This cake is best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly warm.
Notes
- This cake is best served at room temperature or slightly warm for optimal flavor and texture.
- For added texture and crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the frosting before it sets.
- The miniature marshmallows melt into the batter during baking, giving the cake its uniquely moist and fluffy consistency.
