If you’ve ever wished for a cake that’s both nostalgic and unexpectedly delightful, you’re going to adore this Southern Coca-Cola Cake Recipe. This cake blends the rich sweetness of Coca-Cola with classic Southern flavors to create a moist, tender crumb and a glossy, luscious frosting that seeps into every bite. It’s a perfect mix of comfort and novelty, making it a beloved dessert around Southern tables and one you’ll find yourself craving again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Southern Coca-Cola Cake Recipe right starts with a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that pack a powerful punch together. Each item plays an essential role, from creating the tender cake texture to delivering that iconic, slightly caramelized frosting glaze.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for a tender, fluffy cake.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a moist crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent to help the cake rise perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and depth to the cake batter.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Contributes tang and tenderizes the crumb for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- 1/2 cup Coca-Cola: The secret ingredient that brings a subtle caramel flavor and keeps the cake incredibly moist.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add a light, airy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, aromatic notes.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and helps with tenderness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for frosting): The base for the luscious frosting glaze.
- 1/4 cup Coca-Cola (for frosting): Intensifies the signature flavor in the glaze.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Creates a smooth, creamy texture for the frosting.
- 4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds a pleasant depth to the glaze.
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and classic Southern touch as a garnish.
How to Make Southern Coca-Cola Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Preheat Oven
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking dish so the cake won’t stick and will come out perfectly clean when you slice.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. This dry blend forms the backbone of your cake and ensures even leavening and sweetness throughout.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the buttermilk, Coca-Cola, eggs, vanilla extract, softened butter, and vegetable oil until everything is smoothly combined. These liquids introduce richness, moisture, and that unmistakable Coca-Cola magic.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Carefully pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Don’t overmix here—this keeps the cake tender and light, avoiding any unwanted toughness.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour your batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface so it bakes evenly. Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma at this stage is already a thrilling preview of what’s to come.
Step 6: Make the Signature Coca-Cola Frosting
While the cake bakes, start the frosting by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in Coca-Cola and heavy cream, cooking until the mixture simmers gently. Slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, whisking until the frosting is smooth and slightly thickened. This glossy glaze is what sets the Southern Coca-Cola Cake Recipe apart from any other dessert out there.
Step 7: Pour the Hot Frosting Over the Cake
The moment the cake comes out of the oven, pour the hot frosting evenly across the warm surface. The heat helps the frosting seep deeply into the cake, creating a sticky, sweet-southern bliss in every bite.
Step 8: Add Pecans and Let Cool
Sprinkle chopped pecans on top for that classic Southern crunch, if you’d like. Allow the cake to cool just a bit so the frosting sets, but don’t wait too long or you’ll miss out on that luscious molten texture.
How to Serve Southern Coca-Cola Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped toasted pecans make the perfect garnish, offering a nutty contrast that complements the sweet frosting and rich cake. For a simple yet elegant touch, a light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a bit of visual charm without overpowering the flavors.
Side Dishes
This cake shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. A fresh fruit salad with berries can add a bright, refreshing balance that contrasts beautifully with the cake’s deep and sweet notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or potluck, try serving the cake in individual glass jars with separate whipped cream and pecan layers for a fun and portable dessert. Or cut it into small squares and serve on a rustic wooden platter garnished with fresh mint leaves for a charming Southern presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Southern Coca-Cola Cake Recipe leftovers keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, where the frosting remains sticky and delicious. If your kitchen feels warm, storing it in the refrigerator is a good idea to maintain freshness, just bring it back to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake either frosted or unfrosted. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying so all those flavors can come back to life perfectly.
Reheating
If you like your cake served slightly warm, heat a slice gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. The frosting will soften and become even more decadent. Just be careful not to overheat and dry out the tender crumb.
FAQs
What makes this cake a “Southern Coca-Cola Cake Recipe”?
The combination of Coca-Cola in both the cake batter and frosting, along with the pecan garnish and simple Southern flavors, defines this cake’s unique identity rooted in Southern baking traditions.
Can I substitute the buttermilk in the recipe?
Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. This DIY buttermilk works just as well in the cake for tenderizing and flavor.
Is it necessary to use Coca-Cola, or can I use another soda?
Coca-Cola is key for its signature caramel and slightly spicy notes. While you could experiment with other colas, Coke’s flavor profile delivers the classic taste expected from this Southern Coca-Cola Cake Recipe.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
With a suitable 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend, you can make a gluten-free version. Just be sure to choose a blend that works well for cakes to keep the texture light and fluffy.
How soon can I serve this cake after baking?
This cake is best enjoyed once it’s had some time for the frosting to set, about 30 minutes after baking. Still slightly warm is ideal, as the frosting will be soft and gooey, delivering maximum indulgence.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that brings together nostalgia, Southern charm, and a touch of surprise, this Southern Coca-Cola Cake Recipe is calling your name. It’s the kind of cake that sparks joy with every forkful and creates memories at the table. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to recipes to share with friends and family.
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
Description
This Southern Coca-Cola Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines the classic taste of Coca-Cola with a rich buttery cake topped with a creamy, sweet frosting. Enhanced with buttermilk and a hint of vanilla, this cake is perfect for gatherings and special occasions, delivering a nostalgic Southern treat with a delightful texture and a touch of pecan crunch.
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup Coca-Cola
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup Coca-Cola
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well blended.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, Coca-Cola, eggs, vanilla extract, softened butter, and vegetable oil until fully combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Pour Batter: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and use a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
- Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Prepare Frosting: While the cake is baking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the Coca-Cola and heavy cream, stirring occasionally until the mixture starts to simmer.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to cook the frosting for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is finished baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the hot frosting over the warm cake, allowing it to absorb the glaze.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped pecans over the frosted cake if desired. Let the cake cool slightly before slicing and serving for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake fluffy and tender.
- The cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Bring ingredients like butter and eggs to room temperature before starting for better mixing and texture.
