Of course! The Double Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake is a legendary Southern dessert. It’s incredibly moist, rich, and has a unique depth of flavor from the Coke. The cola doesn’t make it taste like soda; instead, it enhances the chocolate flavor and creates an ultra-tender crumb.
Here’s a classic recipe that includes the iconic fudgy frosting made right in the pan.
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Double Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake
This cake is famously made in a 9×13 inch pan, making it perfect for potlucks and parties.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
· 2 cups all-purpose flour
· 2 cups granulated sugar
· 1 teaspoon baking soda
· ½ teaspoon salt
· 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
· 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (natural, not Dutch-process)
· 1 cup Coca-Cola (do not use diet)
· ½ cup buttermilk (see note for substitute)
· 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Fudgy Coca-Cola Frosting:
· ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
· 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
· 6 tablespoons Coca-Cola
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· 3 ½ – 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
· ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
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Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
· Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
· Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or spray it with baking spray with flour.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
· In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
· In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the 1 cup of butter, 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, and 1 cup of Coca-Cola. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
· Important: Once it just begins to boil, immediately remove it from the heat.
· Pour the hot Coca-Cola mixture over the dry flour mixture. Stir with a whisk until just combined.
· In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the buttermilk, beaten eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla.
· Add the buttermilk mixture to the batter and whisk until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain.
3. Bake:
· Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
· Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
· Do not overbake. The cake should be springy to the touch.
· About 10 minutes before the cake is done, start making the frosting.
4. Make the Fudgy Frosting:
· In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the ½ cup butter, 3 tablespoons cocoa powder, and 6 tablespoons of Coca-Cola. Bring to a gentle boil, then immediately remove from heat.
· Whisk in the vanilla extract.
· Gradually whisk in the sifted powdered sugar, about a cup at a time, until the frosting is smooth and pourable. It should be thin enough to pour but thick enough to coat a spoon. (You may not need all 4 cups of sugar).
· Stir in the chopped nuts if using.
5. Frost the Cake:
· As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, pour the warm frosting evenly over the top of the hot cake.
· Use a spatula to spread it gently to the edges if needed. The heat from the cake will help the frosting soak in slightly and set into a fudgy, glossy layer.
6. Cool and Serve:
· Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares. This allows the frosting to set properly.
· Serve at room temperature. This cake is even better the next day!
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Recipe Notes & Tips for Success:
· Buttermilk Substitute: No buttermilk? No problem! Place 1½ teaspoons of white vinegar or lemon juice in a measuring cup. Add enough regular milk to make ½ cup total. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it curdles slightly.
· The Coca-Cola: Use regular, full-sugar Coca-Cola for the best flavor and texture. Diet soda will not work as it changes the chemical reaction and flavor profile.
· Don’t Overbake: This is key for a moist cake. Start checking at the 25-minute mark.
· Sifting Powdered Sugar: Sifting the powdered sugar for the frosting is highly recommended to avoid lumps.
· Storage: Cover the pan with foil or plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. The frosting may become sticky in humid environments, but the cake will stay deliciously moist.
· Ice Cream!: This cake is absolutely divine served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Enjoy this decadent, Southern classic! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.