This Classic Coca-Cola Cake is a wonderfuly rich and chocolatey cake with coca cola in both the cake and icing. This delicious southern chocolate cake always gets rave reviews.

Slice of Classic Cocoa Cola Cake on a plate.

This cake is so easy to make and has so much great chocolate flavor. The cake batter itself is fabulously moist and dense. It’s made with a cup of coke, buttermilk, unsweetened cocoa powder and mini marshmallows.

On top is a wonderful Chocolate Icing that turns out like a thin coating of fudge on top. Over time it melts a little into the top of the cake keeping it wonderfully moist and fresh tasting for days.

Coca Cola Cake dates back to the mid-20th century, but became much more widely known when Cracker Barrel added it to their menu in the mid-1990s. It’s very much like Texas Sheet Cake in flavor and texture, but with the addition of Coke.

The cake batter itself is perfectly moist and dense.

Cake in cake pan with a slice cut out.

Classic Coca-Cola Cake Recipe Tips:

  • You can use Dr. Pepper or Root Beer instead of Coke.
  • Some people like to add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to their cake batter.
  • If you like nuts, try sprinkling 1/2 cup of toasted chopped pecans over the glaze.
  • Leftovers can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator for about 4 days.

This delicious chocolate cake always gets rave reviews and it is sure to bring back childhood memories.

Slice of Coca Cola Cake on a white plate with remaining cake in the background.

Try These Other Southern Desserts Made with Soft Drinks:

Watch the short video below to see how easy this recipe is to make.

Classic Coca Cola Cake

4.97 from 32 votes
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Servings: 18
This Classic Coca-Cola Cake is a wonderfuly rich and chocolatey cake with coca cola in both the cake and icing. This delicious southern chocolate cake always gets rave reviews.
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Ingredients

  • 1 cup Coca-Cola
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup salted butter,, softened
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows

Coca-Cola Icing

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with baking spray.
  • Combine Coca-Cola and buttermilk in a glass measuring cup. Set aside.
  • Using an electric mixer (either stand or hand-held) beat butter until creamy.
  • Gradually beat in sugar.
  • Add eggs and vanilla and beat on low speed until blended.
  • In a bowl, combine flour, cocoa, and baking soda.
    Add flour mixture to butter mixture in 3 additions, alternating with buttermilk mixture in 2 additions. Beat just until blended.
  • Stir in marshmallows. Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
    Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before adding icing.
  • To make icing, combine butter, coke, and cocoa in a large saucepan and place over medium heat until butter is melted, stirring frequently.
    Remove from heat. Whisk in confectioners' sugar and vanilla. Pour on top of cake.

Nutrition

Calories: 398kcal

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Coca Cola Cake in a 9x13-inch pan.

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48 Comments

  1. April says:

    Can this be made into cupcakes?

  2. Terrie says:

    Is the icing suppose to be thick or runny?

    1. Connie says:

      Can you use diet coke?

      1. Tina says:

        I absolutely would NOT use Diet Coke! It will not taste the same at all.

  3. Vicki says:

    Can this cake be made into a bundt cake?

  4. Ann Morgan says:

    Just wondering if I can use marshmallow fluff instead of marshmallows? Thanks

  5. Charlene says:

    This is the best chocolate cake recipe. So good and moist. We loved it

    1. JJ says:

      Made this cake with Dr Pepper! May try Pepsi next!
      Truly good for family and any supper or gathering!
      Best tasting choc cake around…o, I also add 1/2 teasp. Coffee powder…brings out choc flavor even more!

      1. Carol says:

        I’m so happy to hear your Dr. Pepper cake turned out well. I am going to make one myself tomorrow morning.

  6. Jerrika says:

    I made a sugar free version of this cake for Motherโ€™s Day! Turned out great! Followed the recipe, but replaced sugar with Splenda and confectionery sugar with swerve confectionery sugar! The cake was a little flatter than the picture but it was realllly good!

  7. Carlene says:

    Always a big hit! Had three experienced cooks ask for the recipe.

  8. Carol Williams says:

    Wonderful. My granddaughter loves it

  9. Jody says:

    Love this recipe

  10. GMunden says:

    The frosting makes it look perfect!!! It is a chocolatey chocolate cake! Yum!