Coca Cola Chocolate Cake Recipe, Whats Cooking America (2024)

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Southerners love their Coca Cola Chocolate Cake! Marshmallows and soda pop may seem like odd ingredients to use in a cake, but in the South, they are the real thing. This moist and rich chocolate sheet cake is a regular staple for social gatherings and celebrations. The addition of the cola adds an additional sweetness and the carbonation adds an airiness to the texture of the cake. Since I love all things chocolate, I was ready to dive in head first to try this cake.

The traditional recipes for Coca Cola cakes that I found, use marshmallows and an icing that is supposed to be spread on the hot cake straight out of the oven. The icing partially melts into the hot cake to help create the sticky texture. I found this cake easy to make and after enjoying my first piece, I can definitely see why Southerners love this chocolate, gooey goodness!

Basic Rules For Baking and Secrets Of A Successful Cake. Also check out more great Cake Recipes.

History of Coca-Cola Cake:

In the deep South, drinking Coca-Cola soda pop is a religion. It is such a staple in the Southern culture that most Southerners refer to Coca-Cola and all soda pop for that matter as just “co*ke.” Because of this Coca-Cola love, it seems natural that the Coca-Cola cake also finds its origins in the south. It is very common to go to a church social or family reunion and find a Coca-Cola sheet cake on the dessert section of the buffet table.

“Of all the recipes, the most widespread, according to the Coca Cola Company, is one for a gooey chocolate cake with miniature marshmallows, pecans and probably more calories per square inch than anyone can count.”

It is unclear to researchers if Coca-Cola cake was a created in a home kitchen or a clever way for The Coca-Cola Company to market their soda. Historians have found newspaper articles to confirm that using cola in cake recipes originated in the Southern United States. The earliest reference to a Coca-Cola Cake recipe appears in 1950’s Cookbooks and was brought to the forefront again in the 1990’s.

1952 – First reference found to a published recipe: Chocolate Cola Cake recipe published in the Charleston Gazette, August 8, 1952 (p.20), “Unusual’ dishes awarded second, third place in contest“ Mrs. E.D. Greer or Lillybrook, W.VA. supplied the recipe

1997 – Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, founded in the south, was looking for ways to further incorporate Coca-Cola into their menu. They came across the classic Coca-Cola cake recipe, increased the cocoa ratio and reintroduced it as Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake. They decided to offer this dessert for limited periods on their menu. The cake became so popular with customers that Cracker Barrel would continue to receive requests, letters and phone calls asking for the cake to be on the regular menu all year. Finally in 2009, Cracker Barrel made the Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola cake a permanent menu item and it has become their signature dessert. When you mention Cracker Barrel, people strongly associate the Coca-Cola Cake.

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Coca Cola Chocolate Cake Recipe:

Course:Dessert

Cuisine:Southern

Keyword:Coca Cola Chocolate Cake Recipe

Servings: 8 to 10 servings

Author: What's Cooking America

Ingredients

Coca Cola Chocolate Cake:

  • 1cupCoca Cola soda
  • 1/2cupbuttermilk*
  • 2teaspoonspure vanilla extract
  • 2cups all-purposeflour
  • 1/4cup unsweetenedcocoapowder
  • 1teaspoonbaking soda
  • 1cupsalted butter,softened
  • 1 3/4cups granulatedsugar
  • 2eggs
  • 1 1/2cupsminiature marshmallows

Coca Cola Chocolate Icing:

  • 1/2cupbutter,room temperature or softened
  • 1/3cupCoca Cola soda
  • 3tablespoons unsweetenedcocoapowder
  • 4cupspowdered sugar(confectioners' sugar)
  • 2teaspoonspure vanilla extract

Instructions

Coca Cola Chocolate Cake Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil and dust with flour a 13- x 9-inch baking pan.

  2. In a small bowl, combine coca-cola soda, buttermilk and vanilla extract; set aside.

  3. In medium-sized bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda; set aside.

  4. In large bowl, on low speed, beat together the butter and sugar until combined. Add eggs, one at a time, and beat until blended. Starting with the flour mixture, beat in a little at a time alternating with the Coca-Cola mixture until you have ended with the flour mixture. Continue to beat for 2 additional minutes until the batter is light and fluffy. Stir in the marshmallows. Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. It is normal for the marshmallows to float to the top of the cake batter when cooking.

  5. Coca Cola Chocolate Cake Recipe, Whats Cooking America (3)

  6. Bake approximately 30 to 35 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through the cooking (once you reach 30 minutes, check cake every few minutes until done). Cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean or when theinternal temperatureregisters approximately 205 to 209 degrees F. on yourcooking thermometer.

  7. While the cake is baking, prepare the Coca Cola Chocolate Icing. Do not make the frosting in advance, as you you need to pour it over the cake shortly after baking.

  8. Remove cake from the oven to a cooling rack. While the cake is still hot, pour the prepared Chocolate Icing over cake and spread evenly to cover the cake. Let cake cool completely before serving. Serve alone or accompanied by vanilla ice cream.

  9. Coca Cola Chocolate Cake Recipe, Whats Cooking America (6)

  10. Topping Suggestion: Coarsely-chopped Pecans sprinkled on top of chocolate icing (optional).

  11. Makes 8 to 10 servings.

Coca Cola Chocolate Icing Instructions:

  1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, stir together the butter, Coca-Cola soda, and cocoa powder until butter has melted. Whisk in the powder sugar, one cup at a time, and then add the vanilla extract. Stir until icing is smooth.

Recipe Notes

*For buttermilk substitute: In liquid measuring cup, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, pour in milk to the 1 cup line. Let stand for 5 minutes then use the amount you need for your recipe.

I get many readers asking what cooking/meat thermometer that I prefer and use in my cooking and baking. I, personally, use the Thermapen Thermometer.Originally designed for professional use, the Super-Fast Thermapen Thermometer is used by chefs all over the world. I only endorse a few products, on my web site, that I like and use regularly.

You can learn more or buy yours at:Super-Fast Thermapen Thermometer.

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History References:
FAQs: Cakes- Cola Cakes, by the Food Timeline, Colacake – Yes it’s true, Cooking with co*ke, by Dena Kleinman, New York Times, June 6, 1190 (p.C6)

History of Cracker Barrel’s Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake, by Nora Zelevansky, May 30, 2013

Recipe Source:
I slightly adapted this Coca-Cola cake recipe featured on the Coca-Cola Company website. Recipe contributed by Lee Avery Catts to Atlanta Cooknotes, published by The Junior League of Atlanta.

Related Recipes

Categories:

Baking Cakes History Chocolate Cakes Chocolate Recipes Deep South Dessert Recipes

Comments and Reviews

Coca Cola Chocolate Cake Recipe, Whats Cooking America (2024)

FAQs

Why do you put baking soda in a chocolate cake? ›

Formally known as sodium bicarbonate, it's a white crystalline powder that is naturally alkaline, or basic (1). Baking soda becomes activated when it's combined with both an acidic ingredient and a liquid. Upon activation, carbon dioxide is produced, which allows baked goods to rise and become light and fluffy (1).

Why do people put soda in cake mix? ›

You just need a can of soda pop. The carbon dioxide bubbles in soda pop act as a leavening agent — the element that makes baked goods rise and makes them light and fluffy.

How long does a homemade chocolate cake last? ›

How Long Does Chocolate Cake Last in the Fridge? A traditional chocolate cake made from scratch will stay fresh and soft in the fridge for about 2-3 days. If you use the pectin trick that I describe in this blog post, you can extend the shelf life of baked goods and they will last 5-7 days or longer!

What is Coca Cola cake made of? ›

Ingredients for Coca-Cola Cake

For the cake: all-purpose flour, sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, butter, Coca-Cola, oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla. Want to dress this cake up for a fancy occasion?

What makes cakes fluffier, baking soda or baking powder? ›

Baking soda makes things 'spread' and baking powder makes things 'puff'. This is handy to know when baking things like these cookies.

What happens if you don't put enough baking soda in a cake? ›

Baking soda is a strong leavening agent and it is important to always use the exact amount called for in the recipe. While not enough baking soda will give an inadequate rise and a heavy finished product, adding too much will cause baked goods to fall and leave a metallic, soapy taste behind.

Can soda replace eggs in cake mix? ›

You might not notice too much of a flavor difference. A boxed cake prepared with a can of soda instead of eggs will potentially have a slightly different texture depending on your altitude, mixing level, and other factors; expect it to be a little denser.

What happens if you put too much baking soda in a cake? ›

Know that too much baking soda or baking powder in cakes will not just lead to a metallic and bitter taste, but it can also make a big mess in the oven as it will rise beyond expectations.

Why is it called a 7 up cake? ›

For cooking and ingredient purposes, the 7-Up used in the recipe for 7-Up Cake serves as the substitute for baking soda in the batter of this moist pound cake and additional 7-Up is used for the liquid and flavor agent in the glaze ingredients.

Can you eat 2 week old chocolate cake? ›

Cakes that have been refrigerated properly can last up to one week.

Should I store chocolate cake in the fridge or counter? ›

In brief, refrigerating a cake causes this process to occur significantly faster than at room temperature. So, don't refrigerate your cakes. This is also true of breads and any other baked goods—they all go stale faster in the fridge.

What cake keeps the longest? ›

Cakes that can be preserved for more than three months include:
  • Cakes with marzipan or icing: Can last up to one year in the freezer.
  • Sponge cakes: Can last up to four months in the freezer.
  • Bundt cakes and pound cakes: Can freeze well if they're completely cooled and wrapped tightly.
Oct 10, 2023

What are the 3 main ingredients in Coca-Cola? ›

The main ingredients of co*ke that have remained consistent are: sugar, water, caffeine, coca leaves, and corn syrup (Elmore, 2014).

What's the real Coca-Cola recipe? ›

While several recipes, each purporting to be the authentic formula, have been published, the company maintains that the actual formula remains a secret, known only to a very few select (and anonymous) employees. The recipe for Coca-Cola remains a closely guarded trade secret.

What does sour cream do in cake? ›

How Is Sour Cream Used in Baking? Sour cream is one of the fattiest dairy products; the extra fat content (for example, adding sour cream to a cake instead of milk) will make the cake moister and richer, says Wilk. "Fat, in any form (butter, lard, cream, etc.)

Do you really need baking soda for cake? ›

Yes, yes, yes: baked goods can be leavened (ie: can achieve their lift and height) with egg whites (think angel food cake) or leavened with nothing at all (think dense flourless chocolate cake). But generally speaking, most recipes require baking soda or baking powder - or even both.

What is a substitute for baking soda in chocolate cake? ›

Substitute 1: Baking Powder

Baking powder is used as a leavener whether the recipe has acidic ingredients or not. It will activate once when mixed in with batter in recipes like cakes, cookies, or pancakes and another time when it comes in contact with heat in the oven or on the stovetop.

Can I bake a cake without baking soda? ›

Leaving baking soda out of the cake prevents it from rising, but you can use baking powder as a substitute. Baking soda is a salt that makes food light and fluffy. If you don't have this ingredient at hand, use a baking soda substitute. Without it, your cake won't rise and can turn out flat.

What happens when you add too much baking soda to a cake? ›

Make sure to bake the batter immediately. Baking soda has an indefinite shelf life if stored in a sealed container in a cool dry place. Too much baking soda will result in a soapy taste with a coarse, open crumb. Baking soda causes reddening of cocoa powder when baked, hence the name Devil's Food Cake.

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