What is a Coca Cola cake? Is this a Chocolate Cake? What makes a chocolate cake so moist? Is there a certain “je ne sais quoi”? I like to think of it as the slightly more sophisticated, definitely more southern, cousin of the British. What is the best chocolate bundt cake? Every time I make this, the smell alone transports me back to my grandma’s kitchen, where the air is fresh. I always had the sweet smell of baking and the promise of something delicious. What’s the easiest cake to make?
What is a Coca Cola cake?
What is a Coca Cola cake? What is a chocolate cake made with Coca Cola? Why doesn’t it taste like you’re eating a can of soda? What makes a good cake? Think of it as the secret weapon in your baking arsenal. The slight acidity of the cola tenderizes the cake, resulting in a wonderfully soft and tender cake. It’s a Southern tradition, he potluck superstar, and, in my opinion, the perfect answer to any question. What is your chocolate craving
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to fall head-over-heels in love with this Coca Cola Cake. First and foremost, the flavor is just incredible. It’s a deep, rich chocolate, but with a hint of something special that keeps you coming back for more. The cola enhances the chocolate, making it even more decadent and satisfying. And believe me, this is SO easy to make. Forget complicated recipes and finicky techniques; this cake is practically foolproof. It’s honestly one of the first things I learned how to bake, and I still make it all the time. And you can’t beat how cheap it is to make! The ingredients are all pantry staples, so you can whip this up anytime you need a sweet treat without breaking the bank. I also love how versatile it is. You can serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, dress it up with some fresh berries, or simply enjoy it plain with a cup of coffee. It’s truly a cake for any occasion. What I love most about this cake, besides the taste, is the memories it brings back. Every bite reminds me of family gatherings and happy times. It’s more than just a cake; it’s a piece of my history.
How do you make a Coca Cola cake?
Quick Overview
How do you make a Coca Cola cake? If you’re going to make a Coke/Butterfly mix, melt some butter and cocoa together, then whisk in the rest of the ingredients. What are dry ingredients? Add some buttermilk and eggs, pour it into a greased pan, and bake until golden brown. While it’s baking, whip up a glaze using more butter, cocoa, and powdered sugar. Once the cake is cooled, drizzle that luscious glaze all over the top. What is the hardest part of waiting for food to cool down? Don’t be intimidated by the “melting” step – it’s all done in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze. I always tell people this is the perfect “lazy baker” cake – maximum flavor with minimum effort!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: What are some examples?
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
* 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1 cup Coca Cola (the real stuff!)
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 cups granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1/2 tablespoon vinegar)*
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
* 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 6 tablespoons Coca Cola
* 3 cups powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
What are the step by
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important! Make sure the oven is properly heated so that your cake bakes evenly. While the oven is heating, grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to use baking spray with flour already in it – it’s a lifesaver! If you don’t have that, just grease the pan with butter or shortening and then dust it with flour. What is flour, tapping out any excess. How do you remove cake from pan?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Make sure you whisk it well to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt. How do you make a cake that rises? Don’t skip this step, even if you’re tempted to! Why don’t you put baking soda in your cake?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the cocoa powder and coca cola. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until smooth. What is the cooling part? Do you like scrambled eggs in a cake?
Step 4: Combine
How do you add the dry ingredients to the warm Coca Cola mixture? Don’t overmix! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Stir just until the dry ingredients are moistened. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Set aside. Add this to the batter and stir until just combined. Again resist the urge to overmix! The batter will be thin, but that’s okay. Trust the process.
Step 5: Bake
How do I spread the batter in a baking pan? Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. What is the best way to keep an eye on your oven’s baking time? If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil. Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely before frosting.
Step 6: Prepare Glaze
While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the sugar. Set aside. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more Coca Cola. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. I always taste and adjust the sweetness to my liking. Sometimes I even add a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness.
Step 7: Cool & Glaze
Once the cake is completely cooled, pour the glaze evenly over the top. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting the glaze set will make it easier to slice. Is there a way to prevent the glaze from running everywhere? Plus, the flavor intensifies as the glaze sets.
Step 8: Slice & Serve
How do you serve Coca Cola cake warm or cold? I love it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Is it good on its own with coffee or tea? For a pretty presentation, you can dust the cake with powdered sugar or garnish it with fresh strawberries.
What is the best way to serve it?
What are some of the best ways to make Coca Cola cake? What are some of the best things? What are the options?
For Breakfast:I know, cake for breakfast sounds decadent, but trust me on this one! What is the best way to serve a Coca Cola cake with ice cold coffee? What’s the best way to start a special day?
For Brunch:What’s your favorite way to serve a Coca Cola cake? Serve it alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and mimosas for a truly memorable brunch.
As Dessert:What is the perfect end to a meal? Serve with vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream or topped with chocolate. Is shaving an extra touch of indulgence? I also love pairing it with a glass of cold milk or coffee ice cream.
For Cozy Snacks:Sometimes, you just need a little something to get through the day. What are some of the best coca cola cake recipes? What is the ultimate comfort food?
My family has a tradition of serving this cake at our annual summer barbecue. It’s always an awesome hit! What is the best way to serve homemade vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberries? What is the best way to end a fun filled day? I also love making this cake for potlucks and gatherings. What is the first dessert that disappears?
How do you make a perfect Coca Cola cake?
How do you take your Coca Cola cake to the next level? What are some of my top tips for perfecting this Southern classic?
Quality Ingredients: Use the best quality ingredients you can find. This will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the cake. I always use real butter, high-quality cocoa powder, and pure vanilla extract.
Don’t Overmix: As I mentioned before, it’s crucial not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Stir just until the dry ingredients are moistened.
Cooling Time: Be sure to let the cake cool completely before frosting it. This will prevent the frosting from melting and running. I usually let it cool in the pan for about 30 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Glaze Consistency: The consistency of the glaze is important. You want it to be thick enough to coat the cake evenly, but not so thick that it’s hard to spread. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more Coca Cola. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. I always taste the glaze and adjust the sweetness to my liking. Sometimes I even add a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness.
Spice it up!: Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter will give it a unique twist. My grandma always added a pinch of cayenne pepper to her chocolate cake, and it was amazing!
I once made the mistake of not letting the Coca Cola mixture cool down enough before adding it to the eggs. I ended up with scrambled eggs in my cake batter! It was a disaster. I had to throw the whole thing out and start over. That’s why I always emphasize the importance of letting the mixture cool down properly. It’s a lesson I learned the hard way! I’ve also experimented with different types of cocoa powder. Dutch-processed cocoa powder gives the cake a richer, darker color and flavor. But regular unsweetened cocoa powder works just fine too. It all depends on your preference.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Want to make this Coca Cola Cake ahead of time? Here are some tips for storing and reheating it:
Room Temperature: You can store the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week. Again, make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out. I usually wrap it in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container.
Freezer Instructions: This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the cake, it’s best to wait to glaze it until just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from getting sticky or melting. You can prepare the glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. Just be sure to warm it up slightly before pouring it over the cake.
I’ve found that the cake tastes best when it’s stored at room temperature. The cold temperature of the refrigerator can dry it out slightly. But if you need to store it for a longer period of time, the refrigerator is your best bet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Coca Cola Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s a slice of Southern tradition, a sweet memory, and a surefire crowd-pleaser. The simplicity of the recipe combined with the incredible flavor makes it a winner in my book. It’s the kind of cake that everyone raves about and asks for the recipe. And honestly, it’s just so easy to make! If you love chocolate cake, you absolutely have to try this one. It’s a game-changer! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other cake recipes. I have a chocolate Pound Cake that’s just as decadent, and a vanilla cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Happy baking, y’all! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know if you tried this recipe and what you thought. And don’t forget to rate the recipe if you loved it!
Coca Cola Cake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups Granulated sugar
- 1 cup Coca-Cola
- 0.5 cup Vegetable oil
- 2 large Eggs
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine flour and sugar. Add Coca-Cola, oil, and eggs. Mix until well combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
