There’s something downright magical about a Southern Coca-Cola Cake—a beloved Southern tradition that marries the nostalgia of classic cola with rich chocolate and gooey marshmallows. Moist, decadent, and topped with a swoon-worthy fudgy frosting, this cake is a showstopper for potlucks, holidays, or any time you crave a dessert that’s both crowd-pleasing and heartwarming. If you love cakes that taste like childhood and instantly get everyone talking, you’re about to fall for this recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Southern Coca-Cola Cake lies in its handful of pantry staples, each playing a crucial role in creating layers of flavor and texture. Don’t be tempted to skip a single one—every ingredient has a purpose, from the marshmallows’ gooey charm to the subtle tang of buttermilk.
- Granulated Sugar: Classic sweetener for a moist, tender crumb.
- All-purpose Flour: The structure that holds our cake together—no substitutions here!
- Miniature Marshmallows: They melt into the cake, adding gooey pockets and unbeatable softness.
- Unsalted Butter: Gives the cake its rich flavor and the frosting its glossy shine.
- Coca-Cola (not diet): The real star—adds moisture, sweetness, and a hint of caramel undertone.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Deep chocolate flavor without making things too sweet.
- Buttermilk: Provides tang and tenderizes the crumb for that signature Southern softness.
- Large Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- Baking Soda: Ensures the perfect rise and a wonderfully light texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors for a warm finish.
- Powdered Sugar: Used in the frosting for a silky-smooth topping.
- Chopped Pecans (optional): For nutty crunch and Southern flair (just skip if you prefer nut-free!).
How to Make Southern Coca-Cola Cake
Step 1: Gather and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this is essential for easy cake removal later. Set out all your measured ingredients to ensure everything is at your fingertips, making for smooth sailing.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and miniature marshmallows. Give them a quick stir. The marshmallows will melt during baking for that signature soft chew in every bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate-Cola Mixture
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt your unsalted butter with the Coca-Cola and unsweetened cocoa powder, whisking until you have a glossy, smooth mixture. This step unlocks deep chocolate and caramel notes, truly defining the heart of Southern Coca-Cola Cake.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Carefully pour the hot chocolate-Cola mixture over your dry ingredients, and stir until everything is just blended. This is where the mixture will start to look rich and irresistible—so tempting, but resist sneaking a taste just yet!
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the batter, and stir until smooth. The reaction between buttermilk and baking soda gives the cake its signature fluffy lift.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. As it bakes, your kitchen will fill with the intoxicating aroma of chocolate and nostalgia.
Step 7: Make the Fudgy Frosting
While the cake is in the oven, start your frosting. In a saucepan, melt unsalted butter with cocoa powder and Coca-Cola. Give this mixture a quick boil, then remove from heat. Whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and pecans if using. This icing is poured while warm for that signature, smooth, fudge-like finish over the cake.
Step 8: Frost While Hot
As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, immediately pour the warm frosting over the hot cake. This helps the topping flow right into the cake, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s unmistakably Southern Coca-Cola Cake. Let it cool completely before slicing (if you can wait that long!).
How to Serve Southern Coca-Cola Cake
Garnishes
For a classic look, scatter more chopped pecans on top after frosting. A few curls of chocolate or a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a touch of elegance. If you’re feeling playful, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is always a good idea with Southern Coca-Cola Cake!
Side Dishes
This cake is rich, so serve it alongside fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to brighten each bite. For a true Southern spread, pair it with homemade vanilla ice cream, or even a little bowl of spiced peaches. These light, juicy sides help balance the deep chocolatey goodness of Southern Coca-Cola Cake.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into neat squares for easy sharing, or use a round biscuit cutter to create mini dessert rounds, perfect for parties or potlucks. For a decadent twist, try layering slices with whipped cream and sliced bananas in parfait glasses—a fun Southern Coca-Cola Cake trifle everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Southern Coca-Cola Cake tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors get even richer with a day’s rest, so don’t be afraid to make it ahead or enjoy those next-day slices!
Freezing
To freeze, cut the cake into individual portions and wrap each securely in plastic and then foil. Place the pieces in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature when the craving strikes.
Reheating
If you like your Southern Coca-Cola Cake warm, just zap an individual piece in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. It brings back some of that just-baked gooeyness, making the frosting melt a bit and the cake taste bakery-fresh.
FAQs
Can I make Southern Coca-Cola Cake without pecans?
Absolutely! The pecans in the frosting are completely optional. Omitting them will give you the same luscious cake and silky frosting, just minus the nutty crunch.
Do I have to use Coca-Cola or can I substitute another soda?
For authentic flavor, classic Coca-Cola delivers the caramel sweetness and acid balance needed. You could use another cola, but the taste may shift. Avoid diet sodas, as their artificial sweeteners can affect both texture and flavor.
What’s the secret to an extra moist cake?
The combination of buttermilk, marshmallows, and pouring warm frosting over a hot cake is what keeps Southern Coca-Cola Cake perfectly moist. Don’t skip these steps, and always measure your flour for lightness!
Can I make this cake ahead for a party?
Definitely! Southern Coca-Cola Cake actually tastes even better after a day, so feel free to bake and frost it in advance. Just store it covered at room temperature, and slice it right before serving.
Is there a gluten-free version?
You can try using a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, but this classic recipe adapts fairly well for gluten-free diets.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for an unforgettable, easy dessert, Southern Coca-Cola Cake deserves a spot in your baking rotation. It’s everything you want in a homemade treat: comforting, fudgy, and filled with the cheerful spirit of Southern kitchens. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to celebration cake!
Print
Southern Coca-Cola Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, nostalgic flavors of a Southern Coca-Cola Cake. This classic dessert features a moist, cocoa-infused cake topped with a decadent Coca-Cola frosting, perfect for any special occasion or sweet craving.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup Coca-Cola (not diet)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup Coca-Cola
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix dry ingredients: Combine sugar, flour, and marshmallows in a mixing bowl.
- Prepare cocoa mixture: Melt butter with Coca-Cola and cocoa powder, then pour over dry ingredients.
- Combine wet ingredients: Whisk buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla; add to batter.
- Bake: Pour batter into dish and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Make frosting: Melt butter with cocoa and Coca-Cola, then mix in sugar, vanilla, and pecans.
- Finish cake: Pour warm frosting over hot cake and let cool before serving.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit pecans from the frosting.
- This cake tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 52g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 75g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
