Double Chocolate Coca Cola Cake
The Double Chocolate Coca Cola Cake is a Southern-inspired classic where nostalgia meets indulgence. The cola creates an ultra-moist, tender crumb while cocoa and chocolate frosting double the decadence. Rich, fudgy, and irresistibly sweet, this cake is perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or anytime you want to bring smiles to the table.
Why People Will Love This Recipe
Ultra-moist texture – Coca Cola and buttermilk keep the cake tender and soft.
Double the chocolate – Cocoa in both the batter and frosting makes it intensely chocolatey.
Old-fashioned charm – A vintage recipe that feels both nostalgic and timeless.
Simple ingredients – Pantry staples come together to make a showstopper cake.
Crowd-pleasing dessert – Perfect for sharing at family gatherings, holidays, or potlucks.
Key Ingredients
Coca Cola – The secret ingredient that adds sweetness, depth, and moisture.
Cocoa powder – Brings rich, chocolatey intensity to both the cake and frosting.
Buttermilk – Balances sweetness and keeps the cake tender.
Butter – Adds richness and helps create a silky frosting.
Confectioner’s sugar – Gives the frosting its smooth, creamy texture.
How to make Double Chocolate Coca Cola Cake
Ingredients
1 cup Coca Cola (real thing, not diet)
1/2 cup oil
1 stick butter
6 Tablespoon cocoa
2 cups sugar
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla
Frosting:
1 stick butter
3 Tablespoon cocoa
6 Tablesppons of cream or milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 3/4 cups confectioner’s sugar
Directions
In a saucepan, mix Coca Cola, oil, butter and cocoa and bring to a boil.
In another bowl, combine the sugar, flour and salt.
Pour the boiling Cola mixture over the flour mixture and beat well.
Add the eggs, buttermilk, soda and vanilla and beat well.
Pour mixture into a greased and floured 13 x 9 inch baking pan and bake at 350 degrees or 20 to 25 minutes.
Remove pan. Cool for about 10 minutes before frosting.
Frosting:
In a saucepan, combine the butter, cocoa, and milk. Heat until the butter melts. Beat in the remaining ingredients and spread on the cake while it’s still warm. Enjoy!
Important Notes
Don’t skip real Coca Cola – Diet sodas or substitutes won’t yield the same flavor or moisture.
Frost while warm – Pour frosting over the cake while it’s slightly warm so it seeps in beautifully.
Check for doneness – At 20 minutes, test with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Storage – Keep covered at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Enhance the flavor – Add a pinch of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate notes.
Nutrition Information
(per serving, approx. 1 of 12)
Calories: 435 kcal | Total Fat: 20 g | Saturated Fat: 11 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g | Cholesterol: 65 mg | Sodium: 270 mg | Total Carbohydrates: 63 g | Dietary Fiber: 2 g | Sugars: 47 g | Protein: 4 g
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Why use Coca Cola in a cake?
It adds moisture, sweetness, and a unique depth of flavor while helping the cake rise light and fluffy.
2. Can I make this without buttermilk?
Yes, substitute with ½ cup milk mixed with 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice.
3. Does the cake taste like Coca Cola?
Not directly—the cola blends into the chocolate, enhancing flavor without standing out.
4. Can I use a different soda?
Yes, Dr. Pepper or root beer works, but Coca Cola is traditional for the best result.
5. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the frosting seeps into the cake.
6. Do I have to boil the cola mixture?
Yes, boiling activates the cocoa and helps the sugar dissolve, creating a richer batter.
7. How do I keep the frosting smooth?
Sift confectioner’s sugar before adding and whisk quickly while the frosting is warm.
8. Can I bake this in a different pan?
Yes, it works in a bundt pan or round cake pans; just adjust the baking time.
9. What if my cake turns out dry?
Be careful not to overbake; pull it out once a toothpick has a few moist crumbs.
10. Can I double the frosting for extra richness?
Absolutely! For a thicker, fudgier topping, double the frosting recipe.