There’s something downright magical about chocolate and Coca-Cola. Chocolate and Coca-Cola are a match made in culinary heaven, and if you’ve never tried it, get ready for your taste buds to explode! This Easy Coca-Cola Cake is a Southern classic that has been passed down through the generations, and it’s as comforting as it is delicious! Picture a rich, moist chocolate cake with the Coca-Cola flavor shining through like a caramel flavor, and topped with an incredible glaze that’s so good, you’ll want to eat it by the spoonful. This is the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or potluck, and it’s extremely easy to make. You don’t have to be an expert baker to create this amazing dessert, and luck is on your side with this Easy Coca-Cola Cake recipe. So let’s grab the mixing bowl and get baking!
Both the story and the flavor of Coca-Cola Cake are rich! Legend even has it that it was created in the South in the mid-twentieth century when home cooks began to play with the iconic soda – producing a moist, tender cake bursting with flavor. What is the secret? The carbonation of Coca-Cola creates a light and airy quality to the cake, and the sugar and caramel notes create rich chocolatey goodness! This delicious dessert is filled with nostalgia and tradition, and just one bite will take you back to a simpler time. Whether serving it at a summer barbecue or a cozy winter dinner, Coca-Cola Cake will create smiles for all.
The one thing I love most about this recipe is its straightforwardness. With a handful of ingredients and very little effort on your part, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a really fancy bakery. The cake comes out beautifully, fin in crumb and tender, with a glaze to finish it off. It is sweet but not overly so and the hint of Coca-Cola gives it a unique flavor that you can’t really get from any other cake. It’s also a great way to use up that bottle of Coke that’s been in your fridge. So for a dessert that is simple to make that tastes like a million bucks, this is it.
One of the greatest things about a Coca-Cola Cake is that there are so many different ways to serve it. You can serve it “as is” or you can dress it up with whipped cream, or ice cream, or even fresh berries! This dessert is so customizable and although the Coca-Cola flavor is divine, it will be a hit no matter how you serve it – at least in our house! Whether you are making it for an occasion or just because, a Coca-Cola Cake is sure to be a big hit at your event. Plus, you probably have most, if not all, of the ingredients to make this cake in your pantry. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get baking and make some memories with this Easy Coca-Cola Cake.
Why This Easy Coca-Cola Cake
So, what makes this Easy Coca-Cola Cake so great? First of all, it’s super simple to actually make. You can prep in 15 minutes and bake in 30 minutes, so your total time is just under an hour. It uses pantry staples. You probably have most of the ingredients already, so no last-minute grocery store trips either. It’s moist, tender, and full of flavors. And let’s be honest: the combination of Coca-Cola and chocolate is off-the-charts delicious. The glaze gives it wonderful finishing touch; this is an incredibly beautiful, rich, decadent, and addictive dessert.
Yet another reason to love this cake recipe is the versatility as you can serve it as a dessert, snack or even a breakfast treat (we won’t tell!). It can be served for any event whether it’s a birthday, holiday or just because – it’s sure to be a winner! It also keeps well meaning you can make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. If you want to be daring, you can even make it different ways by adding nuts, marshmallows or even a splash of rum in the batter, the sky’s the limit so have fun and enjoy! It’s why this recipe is a must-make for any home baker.
But the best thing about the Easy Coca-Cola Cake is its nostalgia. This is a dessert that many have enjoyed over the years, and we share family memories together each time we taste it. You remember the summer family dinners or winter nights with family. A taste of the past that is still relevant. It will be a household favorite. So, whether it is a birthday or special occasion or just because, this is a great cake to enjoy. Rich flavor, quick to prepare, and timeless appeal is why this cake has never gone out of style.
American Food
This Easy Coca-Cola Cake is a real American dessert, from the South where it has been loved for generations. This is a perfect dessert that captures the true essence of Southern hospitality with its delicious, simple-to-make and rich flavors. If you’ve had no previous experience with Southern Food or if you are a true enthusiast of Southern Food, you must try this cake.

Tips For Easy Coca-Cola Cake
For the best results, make sure to use regular Coca-Cola, not diet. The sugar in the soda is crucial for both the cake’s texture and flavor. Also, don’t overmix the batter—just stir until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Finally, let the cake cool slightly before adding the glaze, as this will help it set properly.
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This will give your cake the same tender crumb as buttermilk. And remember, the glaze is optional, but it really takes this cake to the next level.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up, try adding 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a bit of crunch. You could also fold in 1/2 cup of mini marshmallows for a gooey, sweet surprise. For a more adult version, consider adding a splash of rum or bourbon to the batter—it’s a great way to enhance the cake’s flavor.
For a different twist, try using Dr. Pepper or root beer instead of Coca-Cola. Both sodas will give the cake a unique flavor profile that’s just as delicious. And if you’re a fan of spice, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for a surprising kick.
Make a Healthier Version
To make a healthier version of this cake, consider using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit in place of granulated sugar. You can also use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber. For the glaze, try using a sugar-free powdered sugar alternative.
Another option is to reduce the amount of butter in the recipe by half and use unsweetened applesauce as a substitute. This will lower the fat content while still keeping the cake moist. And if you’re looking to cut calories, skip the glaze and dust the cake with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar instead.
Closing For Easy Coca-Cola Cake
For this easy coca-cola cake don’t forget to let us know how your dish turns out, and consider checking out some of our other Recipes: Deep-Fried Bacon Cheeseburger Corn Dogs and more!
Are you curious about anything else? Take a look at the most frequently asked questions we get about this recipe:
Easy Coca-Cola Cake
Description
Indulge in the rich and moist decadence of an Easy Coca-Cola Cake. This simple yet flavorful dessert combines the fizz of Coca-Cola with a tender chocolate cake, topped with a luscious Coca-Cola icing for a truly irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
-
In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of Coca-Cola, 1/2 cup butter, and 1/4 cup cocoa powder. Heat over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
-
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the Coca-Cola mixture, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and egg. Stir until well combined.
-
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
While the cake is baking, make the glaze. In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup Coca-Cola, 1/4 cup butter, and 2 tablespoons cocoa powder. Heat over medium heat until the butter is melted. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
-
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Pour the glaze over the cake while it’s still warm. Let it set for about 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 4115.72kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 154g237%
- Saturated Fat 94.13g471%
- Cholesterol 565.24mg189%
- Sodium 1957.06mg82%
- Potassium 972.65mg28%
- Total Carbohydrate 680.3g227%
- Dietary Fiber 16.72g67%
- Sugars 514.77g
- Protein 37.39g75%
- Vitamin A 4722.55 IU
- Calcium 288.23 mg
- Iron 14.68 mg
- Vitamin D 5.11 mcg
- Vitamin E 4.7 mg
- Vitamin K 13.78 mcg
- Thiamin 1.58 mg
- Riboflavin 1.59 mg
- Niacin 11.99 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.25 mg
- Folate 387.81 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1.29 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 2.31 mg
- Phosphorus 711.15 mg
- Magnesium 220.23 mg
- Zinc 4.84 mg
- Selenium 92.8 mcg
- Copper 1.6 mg
- Manganese 2.54 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.