Coca-Cola Cake
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When it comes to comfort food, few desserts can compete with the nostalgic charm of Coca-Cola Cake. It’s rich, moist, and brings a delightful blend of chocolatey goodness enhanced by the effervescence of Coca-Cola. I remember the first time I tasted this cake at a family gathering—its unique combination of flavors left us all scrambling for seconds. Perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and festive celebrations, this cake is a true crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking to bring something special to your dessert table, this recipe will surely leave everyone raving.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Why settle for an ordinary dessert when you can create a Coca-Cola Cake? This cake isn’t just about the delicious chocolate flavor; it’s a piece of Southern tradition that’s been embraced by many. It’s an easy, budget-friendly treat that takes little time to prepare and uses common pantry ingredients—perfect for those spontaneous baking days. Imagine serving a slice of this fluffy cake topped with a rich glaze and a cherry to your family or guests; they won’t just enjoy it—they’ll remember it.
“I made this Coca-Cola Cake for my son’s birthday party, and it won over every guest! It was incredibly easy, and the glaze was the icing on the cake—literally. I’ve never seen a dessert disappear so fast!”
Step-by-Step Overview
You might be wondering how this indulgent treat comes together. The process is as delightful as the cake itself. You’ll start by melting chocolate and creaming sugar with butter. Then it’s all about combining dry and wet ingredients and bringing in that magical fizzy touch of Coca-Cola! After baking and glazing, your creation will be ready to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this mouthwatering Coca-Cola Cake, gather the following ingredients:
- Nonstick baking spray
- 2 4-oz. semisweet chocolate bars, chopped
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 cup full-fat buttermilk
- 1 cup Coca-Cola
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 12 oz. can Coca-Cola (for glaze)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for glaze)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for glaze)
- 1 lb. powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract (for glaze)
- 18 red maraschino cherries with stems (for garnish)
- White sprinkles (for garnish)
You can substitute the buttermilk with milk mixed with a splash of vinegar if needed. Also, choose between different brands of chocolate based on your preference, though semisweet works best for that rich flavor.
Directions to Follow
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Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick baking spray. -
Melt the Chocolate
Place the chopped semisweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, and microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each interval, until nearly smooth. -
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the melted chocolate. -
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. -
Incorporate the Mixtures
Alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. -
Add the Coca-Cola
Microwave 1 cup of Coca-Cola until hot and gradually stir it into the batter until well combined. -
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. -
Prepare the Glaze
In a saucepan, boil the remaining 12 oz. can of Coca-Cola. Remove it from heat and whisk in the butter, cocoa powder, and vanilla. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until smooth. -
Glaze the Cake
Once the cake is baked, pour the glaze over the top while the cake is still warm. Let it cool completely. -
Garnish
Cut the cake into 15 pieces and top each slice with a maraschino cherry and white sprinkles for that festive touch!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serving Coca-Cola Cake can be as creative as you’d like! You could slice it into squares and place them on a colorful cake stand for an inviting display. Consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast. This cake also shines when offered alongside a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If you’ve got leftovers (though I doubt they’ll last long!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also refrigerate it for a longer shelf life, but be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving again to maintain its moist texture.
Pro Chef Tips
- Do Not Overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking.
- Customize the Glaze: Feel free to add a hint of espresso powder to the glaze for an extra depth of flavor.
Creative Twists
Feel adventurous? Why not add nuts like pecans or walnuts for some texture? Or you could mix in chocolate chips for an even sweeter treat. For a festive touch, try adding coconut flakes or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top before serving. Tailor the flavors to your liking and make this classic recipe uniquely yours.
Your Questions Answered
-
How long does it take to make this cake?
From prep to baking, expect around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, plus cooling time. -
Can I use diet Coke instead of regular?
Absolutely! Using diet Cola will reduce the sugar content while still maintaining that iconic flavor profile. -
Is this cake suitable for freezing?
Yes! This Coca-Cola Cake freezes well. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag to preserve freshness.
This Coca-Cola Cake is not just a dessert; it embodies joy, nostalgia, and unforgettable flavors. After trying this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s adored by so many. Happy baking!
Coca-Cola Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick baking spray.
- Place the chopped semisweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, and microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each interval, until nearly smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the melted chocolate.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and kosher salt.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Microwave 1 cup of Coca-Cola until hot and gradually stir it into the batter until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- In a saucepan, boil the remaining 12 oz. can of Coca-Cola. Remove it from heat and whisk in the butter, cocoa powder, and vanilla. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until smooth.
- Once the cake is baked, pour the glaze over the top while the cake is still warm. Let it cool completely.
- Cut the cake into 15 pieces and top each slice with a maraschino cherry and white sprinkles for that festive touch!
