Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, fudgy chocolate flavor
- Incredibly moist texture
- Easy one-pan cake
- Classic Southern dessert
- Perfect for potlucks and gatherings
- Thick chocolate frosting poured over warm cake
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup Coca-Cola
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional, for authentic Southern style)
For the Chocolate Frosting
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 6 tablespoons Coca-Cola
- 3½ cups (420 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Large saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl combine:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Salt
Whisk together and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Coca-Cola Mixture
In a saucepan over medium heat combine:
- Butter
- Cocoa powder
- Coca-Cola
Bring just to a gentle simmer, stirring until the butter melts completely.
Do not boil vigorously.
Remove from heat.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Pour the warm Coca-Cola mixture over the flour mixture.
Stir until smooth.
In a separate bowl whisk together:
- Buttermilk
- Eggs
- Baking soda
- Vanilla extract
Add to the batter and mix until fully incorporated.
Fold in marshmallows if using.
The batter will be thin.
Step 5: Bake
Pour batter into the prepared pan.
Bake for:
30–35 minutes
or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Do not overbake.
Step 6: Prepare the Frosting
About 10 minutes before the cake finishes baking, prepare the frosting.
In a saucepan combine:
- Butter
- Cocoa powder
- Coca-Cola
Heat until smooth.
Remove from heat.
Gradually whisk in:
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
Whisk until glossy and lump-free.
Step 7: Frost the Warm Cake
As soon as the cake comes out of the oven:
- Poke a few small holes across the surface with a skewer.
- Pour the warm frosting evenly over the hot cake.
- Spread gently with a spatula.
The frosting will seep slightly into the cake, creating an extra moist, fudgy texture.
Optional Toppings
- Chocolate curls
- Chopped pecans
- Toasted walnuts
- Mini marshmallows
- Vanilla ice cream
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream
- Hot coffee
- Cold milk
Storage
Room Temperature
- Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Refrigerator
- Up to 1 week.
Freezer
- Up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight before serving.
Chef’s Tips
✔ Use real Coca-Cola, not diet soda, for the authentic flavor.
✔ Buttermilk adds tenderness and balances sweetness.
✔ Frost the cake while both the cake and frosting are warm.
✔ For an extra-rich version, add ½ cup chocolate chips to the batter.
✔ The cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
Yield
12–15 servings
Prep Time
20 minutes
Bake Time
35 minutes
Total Time
55 minutes
This Cracker Barrel Coca-Cola Cake is moist, chocolatey, and topped with a luscious fudgy frosting, making it one of the most beloved Southern desserts ever served.
