Coca-Cola Cake

Sometimes, you just need a dessert that feels like a warm hug—sweet, moist, and utterly indulgent. Coca-Cola Cake delivers all that and more. With its rich chocolate flavor and an unexpected ingredient, this classic Southern dessert is easy to make and a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck, this cake is good to the last crumb!

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The Coca-Cola Cake is the best of comfort food desserts. Its rich chocolate flavor, moist texture, and fudgy icing make it an unforgettable treat. Topped with marshmallows and a glossy glaze, this Southern classic is as fun to make as it is to eat.

My husband has a huge sweet tooth, and he adores this cake. I’ll make the cake then freeze it and cut it into squares so he can nibble on it whenever the craving strikes.

The soda gives it such an amazing texture. The cake is light, but has plenty of chocolate flavor. And the mini marshmallows on top make it look so cute!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• Marshmallows – Use mini marshmallows, and for the topping, use some of those tiny dehydrated marshmallows.
• Coca-Cola soda – You can use a generic brand instead.
• Buttermilk – Don’t do the funny thing with adding vinegar to milk. It’s not the same. Use real buttermilk for this cake.
• Vanilla extract – Use good vanilla. You really can taste the difference between artificial and real extract.
• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder – For the best chocolate flavor, use unsweetened Dutch process cocoa powder.
• Baking soda
• Salted butter – There’s a lot of butter in this cake!
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs – You’ll need 2 large eggs.

For The Icing:

• Butter – You melt the butter in a pan so the butter can be cold.
• Coca-Cola soda – Yup, you’ll need more!
• Cocoa powder – More Dutch process cocoa powder.
• Powdered sugar – Also called icing sugar or confectioners sugar.
• Vanilla extract – I cook almost entirely with artificial vanilla extract; you have my permission to use the cheap stuff.

How To Make Coca-Cola Cake

Scroll down for the full recipe card with exact measurements and printable instructions.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 13×9-inch baking pan. Combine Coca-Cola, buttermilk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Set aside.

Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda in a medium bowl.

Beat softened butter and sugar in a large bowl on low speed until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Alternately add the flour mixture and Coca-Cola mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing at medium speed until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Fold in the marshmallows. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Bake for 30–35 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Cool completely in the pan.

To make the Icing, heat butter, Coca-Cola, and cocoa powder in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts.

Whisk in powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until smooth and glossy. Stir in vanilla extract.

Spread the warm icing over the cooled cake. Let it set, and garnish with chopped nuts or additional marshmallows if desired.

Chef Jenn’s Tips

• Use softened butter to ensure a smooth batter and lump-free icing.
• Rotate the cake halfway through baking for even cooking.
• Sift powdered sugar before adding it to the icing for a smoother texture.
• Add a pinch of salt to the icing to balance the sweetness.
• For an extra twist, substitute marshmallows with mini chocolate chips.

Make It A Meal

Serve Coca-Cola Cake as the finale to a Southern-inspired meal. Pair it with fried chicken, creamy mac and cheese, and collard greens for a comforting, hearty dining experience. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent touch.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for a warm, gooey treat.