Snacks & Dessert

Coca-Cola Chocolate Cake – Simple Food Dishes

Name: Coca-Cola Chocolate Cake – Simple Food Dishes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 15
Ingredients: 12 ounce can of cola soda; 2 cups plain all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cups white granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup unsalted butter, diced into small pieces; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup fresh buttermilk; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder; 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted; 1/2 cup salted butter, diced into cubes; 12 ounce can cola soda; 1 tablespoon dark rum or brandy; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Lisa Schneider July 4, 2025

Servings: 15 Total Time: 1 hr Difficulty: Intermediate

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Before we dive into the delicious depths of Coca-Cola chocolate cake, let’s chat about what you might want to serve alongside this sweet creation. A cake like this deserves some delightful companions.

Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream can elevate the decadence. The cool creaminess complements the rich cake beautifully.

Coffee or Espresso: Feel free to brew a cup of strong coffee. It adds a touch of sophistication and perfectly balances the cake’s sweetness.

Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries tossed in a little sugar can bring a refreshing contrast. Their tartness plays wonderfully with the rich chocolate flavors.

Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds lightness. You can even infuse it with vanilla or a touch of almond for a special twist.

Chocolate Sauce: For the true chocoholics, drizzling melted chocolate sauce can be the cherry on top—quite literally if you want to add cherries, too!

Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this delightful recipe!

What is Coca-Cola Chocolate Cake?

Coca-Cola chocolate cake is a surprisingly simple yet rich dessert that combines traditional cake ingredients with a can of Coca-Cola. This soda enhances the flavor and moisture content, making a cake that is soft and indulgent. Originating from Southern kitchens, this cake showcases how creativity can turn everyday ingredients into something decadent.

The beauty of this cake lies not just in its unique ingredient list but in the ease of preparation. You blend, mix, and bake without any fuss. If a beginner can wield this recipe successfully, I can assure you an experienced baker will enjoy it just as much.

What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?

Imagine biting into a slice of this cake. The first thing you’ll notice is the richness of chocolate enveloped in a moist, tender crumb. But then, the sweetness of cola subtly emerges, giving a dazzling lift to the deep cocoa.

Chocolatey: The unsweetened cocoa powder combines perfectly with the soda, creating a lush chocolate experience.
Sweet: With 2 cups of sugar, this cake doesn’t shy away from sweetness but is balanced.
Subtle Spices: A hint of cinnamon adds warmth and depth, enhancing the overall profile.
Caramel Notes: The cola brings in surprising caramel-like notes, lining the cake with complexity.

Why You’ll Love This?

Let me count the ways! If you love chocolate, enjoy easy-to-follow recipes, and crave something a little daring, this cake is right up your alley.

Simplicity: It’s straightforward. You don’t need fancy tools or techniques.
Flavor Explosion: It’ll leave you and your friends amazed by the flavor combination.
Versatility: Dress it up with frosting or keep it simple, it’s delicious either way!
Great for gatherings: Be it a family gathering, potluck, or birthday party, it’s sure to steal the show.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

12-ounce (340.2 ml) can of cola soda
2 cups (240 g) plain all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups (396 g) white granulated sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, diced into small pieces
2 large eggs
¼ cup (21 g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup (120 ml) fresh buttermilk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional, to deepen the chocolate flavor)

For the Frosting:

4 cups (454 g) powdered sugar, sifted
½ cup (113 g) salted butter, diced into cubes
12-ounce (340.2 ml) can cola soda
1 tablespoon dark rum or brandy (optional for depth)
¼ cup (21 g) unsweetened cocoa powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This prepares the environment for baking, ensuring your cake bakes evenly. Grease and flour your cake pans; for a layered cake, use two 9-inch round pans.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cocoa powder. This mix ensures an even distribution of all components, so no one bite lacks that rich chocolate goodness.

Step 3: Melt the Butter

In a saucepan, combine the cola and diced butter. Heat over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a gentle boil. The carbonation from the cola begins to react with the ingredients, creating a unique batter.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

Once melted, rearrange your focus to a separate bowl. Whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and espresso powder (if using). The espresso often enhances the chocolate flavor, giving it an extra kick!

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Pour the butter and cola mixture into the egg mixture. Stir until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients from Step 2 into this bowl. Mix just until incorporated; avoid overdoing it or sacrifice a tender texture.

Step 6: Bake

Divide the batter equally into your prepared pans. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on your timers; we want cake perfection!

Step 7: Cool the Cakes

Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully remove them and transfer to wire racks to cool completely. This step is essential for the frosting to stick well without melting.

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting

Whip together the sifted powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and room temperature butter in a mixing bowl. Slowly add the cola until you reach your desired consistency—smooth yet spreadable.

Optional: If using rum or brandy, fold it in at this stage.

Step 9: Frost the Cake

Once your cakes are fully cool, it’s time for the fun part! Place one cake layer on a serving platter, generously spread frosting on top, then stack the second layer. Frost the top and the sides generously.

Step 10: Celebrate and Enjoy

Slice the cake, serve, and bask in the joy of your creation. Enjoy delighted reactions as your guests take their first bite!

Tips & Tricks

Here are some expert tips to make your baking experience even smoother:

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures an even batter mix.
Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the ingredients to maintain fluffiness.
Check Doneness with a Toothpick: Pull it out; a few moist crumbs are okay!
Frost at Room Temperature: Helps the frosting spread easily; nobody likes a melted mess!
Let It Rest: If you have time, letting the frosted cake rest enhances flavor.

Nutrition Information

Evaluating the nutrition of this Coca-Cola chocolate cake involves considering the ingredients. Each slice has:

Calories: ~400 per slice
Fat: ~20g
Carbohydrates: ~58g
Protein: ~3g
Sugar: ~35g

Portion sizes vary, so these numbers may shift depending on how generous you are with each slice!

How Can You Store This Coca-Cola Chocolate Cake?

Storing this cake isn’t complicated.

Room Temperature: Keep it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: It lasts about a week. The chilling preserves moisture but can affect the frosting’s creaminess.
Freezer: For longer preservation, wrap slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll freeze well for a couple of months. Just thaw it at room temperature when ready to enjoy!

Ingredient Alternatives

You might find yourself short of a few ingredients. No worries! Here are some substitutes:

Buttermilk: Make your own! Mix ½ cup milk with 1½ teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
Eggs: Flaxseed Meal: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Dutch-process Cocoa Powder: If you have this, it works just fine, but reduce the baking soda by a teaspoon since it’s neutral.

With these alternatives, you’ll be set regardless of what your pantry looks like!

Conclusion

The Coca-Cola chocolate cake isn’t just a novelty; it’s a delicious dessert that holds a little magic. Transforming something as simple as soda into a sweet treat is a testament to creativity in the kitchen.

Whether you’re enjoying it at a summer gathering or celebrating a special occasion, this cake is bound to impress. Pack it, share it, or keep it as your guilty pleasure. Remember, cooking should be fun and adventurous! Enjoy every slice while making memories with your loved ones.

So grab that can of cola, tie on your apron, and let’s make something unforgettable together. Happy baking!

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Print Recipe

Coca-Cola Chocolate Cake – Simple Food Dishes

Author: Lisa Schneider Cuisine: American Courses: Snacks & Dessert

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 40 mins Total Time 1 hr

Servings: 15 Calories: 400 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Have you ever come across a recipe that makes you wonder, "What on earth could this possibly taste like?" That was my first reaction when I stumbled onto the Coca-Cola chocolate cake recipe.

It seemed purely whimsical at first. A cake made from soda? I was intrigued. The blend of flavors gives you a dense, moist chocolate cake with a surprising depth that can make anyone’s taste buds do a happy dance.

This cake doesn't just invite you into the kitchen; it commands your attention and begs for your curiosity. I’ll guide you through creating this wonder, where classic chocolate meets the effervescence of cola. Trust me, it's a culinary adventure worth embarking on—complete with stories, tips, and everything you need to know.