Southern Coca-Cola cake

The Southern Coca-Cola cake is a decadent delight that transports you straight to the heart of down south dining. It stands out from the chocolate cake crowd with its rich chocolate frosting and a texture reminiscent of the lunch lady brownies of bygone days. This old-fashioned confection is akin to the indulgent chocolate pound cake often devoured during family gatherings, yet it holds its own as a one-of-a-kind showstopper. Echoing the sweetness of an old-fashioned sweet chocolate pie, the cake’s depth of flavor is a tribute to the true taste of Southern nostalgia.

It’s a cherished memory of mine, reminiscent of the days I spent as a young girl with my Big Mama on weekends. We’d gather around, our hands eagerly mixing the rich cocoa powder, smooth butter, and mini marshmallows in large bowls, watching as they transformed into a thick, dark batter. The anticipation built until it was time to wipe the spoon clean and pour the mix into a well-buttered pan. On those extra special days, the anticipation was heightened by the presence of an extra liter of coke waiting in the refrigerator he perfect accompaniment to this moist and fudgy slice of Southern nostalgia. 

This decadent treat, not unlike the rich chocolate pound cake, embodied the essence of good ole fashioned country baking a symbol of happiness and celebration for Southern folk. The Coke Cake recipe stands as a culinary pillar in long, traditional Southern baking, ensuring that all celebratory moments are capped with happy memories over desserts that continue to stir the soul.

What is Coca-Cola Cake?

Growing up in a traditional Southern home, the recipe book passed down through generations brimmed with homemade treasures, among which the Coca-Cola chocolate cupcakes held a spot of honor. These cupcakes, a decadent spin-off of the beloved Coca-Cola cake, would often take center stage on our family menu, especially during Sunday dinners. While some might recall their encounters with this fudgy confection on visits to Cracker Barrel, nothing compares to the ones with a warm, loving touch straight from a homemade oven.

As a modified version of the classic chocolate cake, this double chocolate sensation is truly special. Memories of gooey cakes paired with vanilla bean ice cream find their roots in this fudgy delight. While some fervently follow the copycat versions trying to replicate that freshly-made goodness, I have always found solace in the chocolate pound cake that my mother expertly crafted. No doubt, those looking to recreate a bit of that magic can find solace in turning traditional chocolate cupcakes into a distinct Southern experience one where the cake becomes synonymous with home.

Why we love this cake

In the heart of Southern baking traditions, the Southern Coca-Cola cake stands as a monument to old-fashioned indulgence. This rich chocolate cake, with its moist and fudgy texture, evokes happy memories with each decadent bite, much like the comfort found in a chocolate pound cake or old-fashioned sweet chocolate pie.

It’s an old recipe reminiscent of childhood days spent in the kitchen, where the aroma of cocoa powder and butter filled the air, and the sight of mini marshmallows melting into a dark, thick batter signaled a treat to come. This dream dessert, complete with a glossy, cocoa-infused Coke frosting, is a celebration of true Southern nostalgia, a cherished classic that continues to stir the soul at family gatherings and speaks to the heart of chocolate lovers everywhere.

 Ingredients

• Granulated sugar
• Standard flour
• Cinnamon powder (optional) (Cinnamon enhances the chocolate taste)
• Unsalted butter
• Regular Coca-Cola (Avoid using diet versions)
• Natural unsweetened cocoa powder
• Cultured low-fat milk
• Bicarbonate of soda
• Tiny marshmallows
• Fresh eggs
• Pure vanilla essence

Frosting Ingredients

As a young girl in the South, nothing quite compared to the anticipation of my Big Mama pulling out her coveted Coca-Cola cake from the oven. This rich chocolate cake, deeply infused with the signature soda, was always a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings, where its fudgy texture akin to lunch lady brownies and decadent chocolate frosting reminiscent of an old-fashioned sweet chocolate pie brought everyone a taste of Southern nostalgia.

 Even now, the memory of mixing cocoa powder, butter, and mini marshmallows in large bowls, the ceremonial pouring of the thick, dark batter into a well-buttered pan, and the special treat of an extra liter of Coke to accompany the moist slice of heaven evoke a sense of home. This decadent dessert, much like a cherished chocolate pound cake, continues to be a symbol of celebration and happiness for Southern folk, a true testament to the long, traditional Southern baking roots that always ended with happy memories over sumptuous desserts.

Substitutes

Growing up with the traditional Southern Coca-Cola cake, a family favorite, I’ve seen it used with various colas to great success. My Aunt Georgia, ever the rebel, once swapped the classic Coke with Cherry Coke, resulting in a different but equally loved flavor that had all the cousins begging for seconds. Another time, for a lighter twist, Sprite was used which subtly enhanced the cake’s texture while keeping that signature moistness we all adore.

Can I use a box cake mix with the same result?

Absolutely, a classic box cake mix can be the starting point for this Southern delight, akin to the Mud cake; but let me tell you, from personal experience, the homemade recipe has its own unmatched charm. When I first experimented, I skipped all the frills and stirred in mini marshmallows and nuts directly into the mix, angling for that dense, moist texture. After baking, the icing on the cake (quite literally) was a homemade Coca-Cola frosting that transported me back to my grandma’s kitchen where no scratch was too small to fill with love and flavor.

How  to make

Baking this cake is as easy as recalling the warmth of my Big Mama’s kitchen. Pull out your trusty mixer, and let’s begin crafting a Southern classic.

Cooking

Step 1:

In a large bowl, mix together sugar, flour, and a pinch of cinnamon. I find using a wire whisk really helps to get everything well-combined.

Step 2:

Place butter, 1 cup of Coca-Cola, and cocoa in a pot on the stove. Keep stirring as you bring to a boil.

Step 3:

After removing from heat, immediately pour the hot cocoa mixture over the flour blend. Use a spoon to combine them gently; this is where the magic starts.

Step 4:

Into the cake mixture, whisk in buttermilk and baking soda, ensuring there are no lumps. Then, add eggs and vanilla extract. Throw in some marshmallows, continuing stirring until they melt into the batter.

Step 5:

Now, pour the batter into a sprayed 9 x 13 inch pan and place in a preheated 350-degree oven. It takes about 30 to 35 minutes, so keep testing for doneness.

Frosting instructions

For the frosting, heat margarine, cocoa, and Coca-Cola to a boil on the stove. Once done, remove from heat, mix in vanilla and powdered sugar until it reaches spreading consistency. For a nutty crunch, stir in some nuts and then sprinkle over the cake. Ensure to spread the frosting on the hot cake; it helps it soak in better.

Tip

Always frost your cake right after it comes out of the oven while still baking hot. This way, the frosting can seep into the cake, making every bite finger-licking good. When done right, the frost on a warm cake is a game changer.

How To Store

When I store my cherished Southern Coca-Cola cake, a recipe that instantaneously transports you back to the gates of heaven, I ensure the leftovers are wrapped securely to maintain that fresh from the oven feel. Notably, the cake must cool completely post the pouring of the warm frosting on the hot cake; an advance patience of 24 hours is crucial before you cut into it to ensure the flavors have melded perfectly. 

To keep it moist and delicious for the next day, when I plan to serve it with a twist of vanilla ice cream and sprinkled with not traditional but irresistibly toasted pecans, it’s essential to wrap it neatly and store it in the fridge, where it will retain its charm for up to five days, a significant improvement over mere three days at room temperature. Lastly, to capture the best flavor, always ensure the use of top-quality cocoa powder, and if not consumed when at its peak, I find it’s better not to pour time into a less than divine culinary experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Southern Coca-Cola cake is not just a dessert it’s a sweet slice of tradition. Fusing the classic flavors of a rich chocolate cake with the iconic soda, this indulgent treat encapsulates the warmth and nostalgia of Southern cuisine. As it continues to grace dinner tables during gatherings, the Coca-Cola cake remains a testament to the art of old-fashioned baking and the memories that are baked within. 

Whether it’s the crackly corner pieces that everyone vies for or the fudgy center slices that melt in your mouth, this cake is a shared joy, reminiscent of childhood days and family celebrations. With the ability to adapt the recipe with substitutes or even a box mix, there’s a version of this timeless delight for every preference and palate. Yet, it is the tried-and-true homemade version with its moist crumb, fudge-like texture, and glossy frosting that truly honors the past and brings everyone together in sweet, Southern harmony.

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