If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate moist chocolate cake, this Coca-Cola Chocolate Cake is the one. It’s rich, fudgy, nostalgic, and guaranteed to disappear in seconds. Made with real Coca-Cola (yes, the classic red can!) and topped with a warm, silky chocolate frosting, this old-fashioned Southern dessert will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Coca-Cola Cake
Years ago, my sister-in-law made this unforgettable Coca-Cola chocolate cake. She wasn’t known for her cooking, but she could bake—and her chocolate cake with Coca-Cola was out of this world.
Every time I asked for the recipe, she’d sweetly respond, “Just call me, I’ll make you a cake anytime.” I now realize that was her very polite way of saying, “This recipe is staying in the vault.”
Eventually, I had a serious craving for her cake and decided it was time to figure it out myself. After several attempts and a lot of taste-testing (my favorite part), I cracked the code—and dare I say, this version might even be better than the original.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting Sunday dinner, or just want a decadent dessert that’s easy to make, this chocolate Coca-Cola cake is a showstopper.
Coca-Cola Chocolate Cake
For the Cake:
- 1 cup Coca-Cola (original, not diet)
- ½ cup oil
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
- 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Warm Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 ¾ cups powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar)
How to Make Coca-Cola Chocolate Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Mixture
In a medium saucepan, combine Coca-Cola, oil, butter, and cocoa powder. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Once it starts bubbling, remove from heat.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, stir together sugar, flour, and salt. Pour the hot Coca-Cola mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until well combined.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated. Then stir in the buttermilk, baking soda, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Bake
Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before frosting.
How to Make the Warm Chocolate Frosting
While the cake is cooling slightly, melt the butter, cocoa powder, and milk in a saucepan over low heat—just until the butter is melted. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt. Slowly whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy (about 2–3 minutes).
Pro tip: Pour the frosting over the warm cake so it soaks in just a little. It creates that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture!
Serving & Storing Tips
- This cake is delicious warm or at room temperature.
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- It also freezes beautifully—just wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze in an airtight container.
There’s something special about a recipe that brings back memories and creates new ones. This Coca-Cola Chocolate Cake is all that and more—easy to make, decadent, and destined to be requested over and over again.
If you try this recipe, leave a comment and let me know what you think! I love hearing your stories and seeing your bakes!
