My Southern mama passed this to me, and my kids are crazy over it!
Southern Coca Cola Cake
A Southern classic with deep chocolate flavor, fizzy charm, and gooey marshmallow goodness.
This moist, decadent sheet cake gets its signature flavor from Coca Cola, which is used both in the batter and the luscious chocolate glaze. Topped while warm with a pourable frosting and optionally sprinkled with pecans, it’s a time-honored Southern treat that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 2 cups |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | ¼ cup |
| Coca Cola | 1 cup |
| Buttermilk | ½ cup |
| Large eggs | 2 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Mini marshmallows | 1½ cups |
For the Frosting:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | ¼ cup |
| Coca Cola | ½ cup |
| Confectioners’ sugar | 4 cups |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Chopped pecans (optional) | 1 cup |
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Hot Cola Mixture
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the cocoa powder and 1 cup of Coca Cola. Bring the mixture just to a boil, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Mix the Batter
Pour the hot cocoa-cola mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until smooth.
Step 5: Add the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat together the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla. Add this to the cake batter and mix until everything is fully incorporated.
Step 6: Fold in Marshmallows and Bake
Gently fold in the mini marshmallows. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
While the cake bakes, start on the frosting. In a saucepan, melt the ½ cup butter, then stir in ¼ cup cocoa powder and ½ cup Coca Cola. Bring to a boil, then take off the heat.
Step 8: Finish the Frosting
Whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Stir in chopped pecans if you’re using them. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, pour the warm frosting over the hot cake and spread it evenly.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool completely so the frosting can set into a shiny glaze. Slice, serve, and enjoy a taste of Southern tradition!
Tips
- For a richer cake, substitute part of the buttermilk with sour cream.
- No buttermilk? Add 1½ teaspoons of vinegar or lemon juice to ½ cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Marshmallow magic: They’ll melt into the cake as it bakes, adding pockets of gooey sweetness.
