This Coca Cola Cake is a nostalgic treat that combines rich, fudgy chocolate with a hint of caramel-like sweetness. The cake’s moist, tender crumb is perfectly complemented by a velvety frosting that melts in your mouth. In just 45 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of baking, you’ll create a dessert that’s as indulgent as it is effortless.
Every bite offers a symphony of flavors—deep cocoa, subtle cola tang, and a buttery richness that’s utterly irresistible. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, this cake serves up pure comfort. With 12 generous servings, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients for Coca Cola Cake
- For the Cake:
- 12 oz (354 ml) Coca Cola
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup (50 g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (190 g) sour cream
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten (room temperature preferred)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Frosting:
- 12 oz (354 ml) Coca Cola
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 Tablespoons natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 cups (500 g) powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13” (23x33cm) baking pan with baking spray.
- Prepare the cola mixture: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine 12 oz Coca Cola, butter, and cocoa powder. Heat over medium heat until the butter melts (the mixture may separate, which is fine). Bring to a boil, stirring frequently, then remove from heat and let cool.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the cooled cola mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until smooth. Add sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract, and stir again until the batter is smooth.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 28-30 minutes (35-38 minutes for glass or ceramic pans) or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs or clean.
- Prepare the frosting: While the cake is baking or cooling, pour 12 oz Coca Cola into a clean saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat until reduced to ⅓-½ cup (79-118ml). Add butter and salt, and cook until the butter melts. Remove from heat, whisk in cocoa powder, then add powdered sugar and whisk until smooth.
- Frost the cake: Immediately pour or spread the frosting over the warm cake. Allow the cake to cool and the frosting to set before slicing and serving. Enjoy as is or with vanilla ice cream!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This Coca Cola Cake is a showstopper on its own, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to the next level. The creamy ice cream complements the rich, chocolatey flavors beautifully. For a fun twist, try serving it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture.
Keep It Fresh: Storage and Reheating Tips
Store your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you prefer it warm, pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back that just-baked goodness. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Mix It Up: Recipe Variations
Want to experiment? Swap out the Coca Cola for Dr. Pepper or root beer for a unique flavor twist. You can also add chopped pecans or mini chocolate chips to the batter for extra crunch and richness. For a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Quick Tips: Time-Saving Hacks
To save time, prepare the frosting while the cake is baking. Use a stand mixer to whisk the frosting ingredients together for a smoother, faster result. If you’re short on time, you can also use a pre-made chocolate frosting and add a splash of reduced cola for that signature flavor.
Essential Tools: Equipment Guidance
For best results, use a 9×13-inch metal baking pan for even baking. A heatproof liquid measuring cup is essential for checking the reduced cola volume for the frosting. Don’t forget a whisk and rubber spatula for smooth mixing and easy pouring.
Coca Cola Cake
Ingredients
- 12 oz Coca Cola 354 ml
- 1 cup unsalted butter 226 g, cubed
- ½ cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder 50 g, see note
- 2 cups all-purpose flour 250 g
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar 350 g
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup sour cream 190 g
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten, room temperature preferred
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Frosting
- 12 oz Coca Cola 354 ml
- ½ cup unsalted butter 113 g, cut into pieces
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 Tablespoons natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 cups powdered sugar 500 g
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and spray a 9×13” (23x33cm) baking pan with baking spray.
- Combine 12 oz cola, butter, and cocoa powder in a medium-sized saucepan and heat over medium-heat until butter has melted (the mixture may separate in the saucepan, that is OK). Bring to a boil, stirring frequently then remove from heat and allow to cool while you prepare your dry ingredients.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Pour cola mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until smooth.
- Add sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract and stir again until the batter is smooth.
- Pour batter into prepared 9×13 (23x33cm) baking pan and transfer to 350F (175C) oven. Bake for 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs or clean. Baking time given is for a metal baking pan, glass or ceramic will take longer to bake (approximately 35-38 minutes).
- While cake is in the oven or is cooling you can prepare the frosting.
- Pour cola into a clean medium-sized saucepan and cook over medium-high heat until it has reduced in volume so that it is between ⅓ and ½ cup (79-118ml). You will need to carefully pour the cola into a heatproof liquid measuring cup to check if it has been reduced enough.
- Once cola has been reduced enough, add butter and salt and continue to cook over medium/low heat until the butter is melted (if the mixture looks a bit separated this is fine, it will come together in the next step).
- Remove from heat and add cocoa powder, whisking until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and whisk again until frosting is smooth and lump free and immediately pour/spread over warm cake.
- Allow cake to cool and frosting to set before slicing and serving. This cake is great served by itself or with vanilla ice cream!