This Double Chocolate Coca Cola Cake is a Southern classic that transforms an everyday soft drink into an extraordinarily moist and rich dessert. The secret lies in the unique combination of Coca Cola’s caramel notes and effervescence, which creates an incredibly tender crumb and deep chocolate flavor that chocolate lovers can’t resist.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 240ml (1 cup) Coca Cola (regular, not diet)
- 120ml (½ cup) vegetable oil
- 115g (1 stick/½ cup) unsalted butter
- 30g (3 tablespoons) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 400g (2 cups) granulated sugar
- 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 2.5g (½ teaspoon) salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 120ml (½ cup) buttermilk
- 5g (1 teaspoon) baking soda
- 5ml (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Fudge Frosting
- 60g (½ stick/¼ cup) unsalted butter
- 30g (3 tablespoons) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 90ml (6 tablespoons) heavy cream or whole milk
- 5ml (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract
- 450g (3¾ cups) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- Pinch of salt
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Chocolate shavings
- Fresh berries
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 23x33cm (9×13 inch) baking pan thoroughly with butter and dust with cocoa powder, tapping out the excess. This prevents sticking and adds extra chocolate flavor to the edges.
Create the Coca Cola Base
In a medium saucepan, combine the Coca Cola, vegetable oil, butter, and 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Place over medium heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally. The mixture will foam up as it heats, so use a saucepan large enough to accommodate this expansion. Once boiling, remove from heat immediately and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt until evenly combined. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients, which will make incorporating the wet ingredients easier and prevent lumps.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the hot Coca Cola mixture over the flour and sugar mixture. Using a large wooden spoon or electric mixer on low speed, stir until just combined. The mixture will be quite thin at this stage, which is exactly what creates the cake’s signature moisture.
Add the Remaining Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs, then whisk in the buttermilk, baking soda, and vanilla extract. The baking soda will react slightly with the buttermilk, creating additional lift for the cake.
Gradually add this mixture to the chocolate batter, stirring continuously until smooth and well incorporated. The batter should be fairly thin and pourable.
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. The cake should spring back lightly when touched in the center.
Avoid overbaking, as this cake’s charm lies in its incredibly moist texture. Start checking at 20 minutes and add time in 2-minute increments if needed.
Prepare the Chocolate Fudge Frosting
While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in the cocoa powder until smooth, then gradually add the cream or milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract. Gradually beat in the sifted confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time, until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. If the frosting seems too thick, add cream one tablespoon at a time. If too thin, add more confectioners’ sugar.
Frost and Finish
Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes before frosting. This cake is traditionally frosted while still slightly warm, which helps the frosting set beautifully. Pour the warm frosting over the cake and spread evenly with an offset spatula.
The frosting will set as it cools, creating a smooth, glossy finish. Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting, approximately 1 hour.
Nutritional Information and Timing
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Serves: 15 pieces
Per Serving:
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 75g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Sugar: 68g
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Flavor Variations
Experiment with different cola varieties for unique flavor profiles. Cherry Coke adds a fruity twist, while Diet Coke creates a slightly less sweet cake. Root beer can be substituted for a completely different but equally delicious result.
Texture Modifications
For extra richness, add 85g (3 oz) of melted dark chocolate to the batter. Mini chocolate chips folded into the batter create pockets of intense chocolate flavor. Chopped pecans or walnuts add delightful crunch.
Frosting Alternatives
Create a cream cheese frosting by beating 225g (8 oz) softened cream cheese with the butter before adding other frosting ingredients. A simple chocolate glaze made with chocolate and cream offers a more elegant presentation.
Dietary Adaptations
For gluten-free versions, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Vegan adaptations can use plant-based butter and milk alternatives, though the texture will be slightly different.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This cake actually improves in flavor after 24 hours, making it perfect for advance preparation. Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to one week. The cake can be frozen unfrosted for up to 3 months.
For transport, this cake travels exceptionally well due to its sturdy texture and protective frosting layer. Cover tightly and keep at room temperature during transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the recipe specifically call for regular Coca Cola instead of diet? Regular Coca Cola contains sugar and caramel coloring that contribute to both flavor and moisture in the cake. Diet sodas lack these elements and won’t provide the same tender texture or rich flavor. The sugar in regular cola also helps create the cake’s signature caramelized notes.
Can I make this cake in different pan sizes? Yes, but adjust baking times accordingly. Two 20cm (8-inch) round pans will take 25-30 minutes, while a bundt pan requires 45-50 minutes. Always test for doneness with a toothpick rather than relying solely on time.
What makes this cake so incredibly moist? The combination of Coca Cola’s acidity, the oil and butter fat content, and the chemical reaction between the soda and baking soda creates an exceptionally tender crumb. The cola also adds extra liquid content that keeps the cake moist for days.
Should I let the Coca Cola go flat before using it? No, use fresh Coca Cola straight from the bottle or can. The carbonation contributes to the cake’s light texture and helps activate the baking soda for additional lift.
How do I know when the frosting is the right consistency? The frosting should be smooth and spreadable but not runny. It should hold its shape when spread but still be fluid enough to create a smooth surface. If it’s too thick to spread easily, add cream one tablespoon at a time.
This Double Chocolate Coca Cola Cake represents the perfect fusion of nostalgic American flavors and serious chocolate indulgence. The unexpected addition of cola creates a cake that’s impossibly moist and rich, with a depth of flavor that keeps people guessing about the secret ingredient. Whether served at birthday parties, church gatherings, or family dinners, this cake consistently delivers the kind of memorable sweetness that becomes a requested favorite for years to come.