Overview of Old-Fashioned Coca-Cola Cake

This Old-Fashioned Coca-Cola Cake is:

• Ultra moist
• Deeply chocolatey
• Made in one saucepan
• Perfect for sheet pan gatherings
• A true Southern classic

What It Tastes Like

Imagine rich chocolate cake with a slightly caramel undertone from Coca-Cola. The frosting is poured warm over the hot cake, creating a soft fudgy layer that seeps into the top.

It’s not overly sweet — just nostalgic and comforting.

Perfect for:

• Potlucks
• Holidays
• Family reunions
• Sunday dinner

Full Ingredients List (Complete & Detailed)

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For the Cake

• 1 cup Coca-Cola (regular, not diet)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup buttermilk (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

For the Frosting

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 6 tablespoons Coca-Cola
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup chopped pecans (optional but traditional)

Tools Needed

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula

How to Make Old-Fashioned Coca-Cola Cake

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Step 1: Preheat

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13 baking pan.

Step 2: Heat the Cola Mixture

In a saucepan, combine:

• Coca-Cola
• Butter
• Cocoa powder

Bring to a gentle simmer until butter melts. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk:

• Flour
• Sugar
• Baking soda
• Salt

Pour warm cola mixture into dry ingredients. Stir gently.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in:

• Buttermilk
• Egg
• Vanilla

Stir until smooth but do not overmix.

Step 5: Bake

Pour batter into prepared pan.

Bake 30–35 minutes until center is set.

Make the Frosting

While cake bakes:

In saucepan combine:

• Butter
• Cocoa powder
• Coca-Cola

Bring to gentle boil.

Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla.

Stir in pecans if using.

Frost While Warm

Pour warm frosting over hot cake straight from oven.

Spread evenly.

The frosting will slightly sink into the cake — that’s the magic.

What to Serve With Coca-Cola Cake

• Vanilla ice cream
• Fresh whipped cream
• Cold milk
• Strong coffee

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Tips for Making It Perfect

• Use regular Coca-Cola
• Frost while cake is hot
• Do not overbake
• Let cool slightly before slicing
• Store covered to maintain moisture

Storage Instructions

Room temperature (covered): 3 days
Refrigerator: 5 days
Freeze: up to 2 months

Best enjoyed slightly warm.

General Information

Coca-Cola Cake originated in the Southern United States during the mid-20th century when soda companies promoted recipes using their products.

The carbonation adds tenderness, while the cola enhances chocolate depth.

It’s old-school baking at its finest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Diet Coke?

No — it affects texture and sweetness.

Can I make it without pecans?

Absolutely.

Can I use a sheet pan?

Yes — adjust baking time slightly.

Why pour frosting while warm?

It allows the glaze to absorb slightly into cake for that iconic texture.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – 12 Servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	380 kcal
Protein	4g
Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	52g
Sugar	38g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	240mg

Approximate values.

Interactive Element

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