Coca-Cola Chocolate Cake with Broiled Peanut Butter Frosting
This moist chocolate cake gets its unique flavor and tender crumb from Coca-Cola, which adds subtle sweetness and helps create an incredibly soft texture. The mini marshmallows folded into the batter create pockets of sweetness throughout. Topped with a rich peanut butter frosting that's broiled until golden and bubbly, this cake combines nostalgic flavors in an unexpected way. Perfect for potlucks, birthday parties, or any gathering where you want to serve something memorable. The broiled frosting develops a slightly caramelized top while staying creamy underneath, creating an irresistible contrast of textures.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flourgluten-free flour blend1:1gluten_freegluten-free
use certified gluten-free blend
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup salted butter, melted
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup Coke
- ½ cup buttermilknon-dairy milk + vinegar1/2 cup plant milk + 1/2 tbsp vinegarvegandairy_free
let sit 5 minutes before using
Full guide → - 2 large eggs, lightly beatenflax eggs2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water eachveganeggs-free
mix and let sit 15 minutes until gel-like
Full guide → - 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- ⅝ cup smooth peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons milknon-dairy milk + vinegar1/2 cup plant milk + 1/2 tbsp vinegarvegandairy_free
let sit 5 minutes before using
Full guide → - ½ cup peanuts, chopped
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with baking spray
- 2
Whisk together flour and sugar in a large bowl
- 3
Whisk together melted butter, cocoa powder, and Coke in a medium bowl, then pour into flour mixture and stir until well mixed
- 4
Add buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla and mix well
- 5
Stir in mini marshmallows and pour into prepared pan
- 6
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes
- 7
Let cake cool for 10 minutes before frosting
- 8
Beat butter, brown sugar, and peanut butter with an electric mixer until blended
- 9
Beat in the milk and then stir in the peanuts
- 10
Spread frosting on cake
- 11
Place cake under the broiler for a minute or two until the frosting just starts to get browned
Tips
Make sure the melted butter isn't too hot when mixing with the Coke to prevent curdling the mixture
Don't overbake - the cake should spring back lightly when touched but still be moist
Watch carefully during broiling as the frosting can go from golden to burnt very quickly
Good to Know
Cover and store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week
Cake can be baked 1 day ahead and frosted just before serving, or freeze unfrosted cake for up to 3 months
Serve at room temperature, cut into squares
Common Mistakes
Don't add hot melted butter to prevent curdling the batter
Don't skip cooling time before frosting or the frosting will melt
Don't walk away during broiling as frosting burns quickly
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
let sit 5 minutes before using
Full guide →Vegan Options
mix and let sit 15 minutes until gel-like
Full guide →Gluten-Free Swaps
use certified gluten-free blend
Nut-Free Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use diet Coke instead of regular Coke?
Regular Coke works best as the sugar content contributes to the cake's texture and moisture. Diet versions may result in a drier cake.
What if I don't have a broiler?
You can serve with unbroiled frosting, or bake the frosted cake at 400°F for 3-5 minutes until lightly golden on top.
How long will this cake keep?
Covered at room temperature for 3 days, or refrigerated for up to 1 week. The broiled frosting may soften slightly when stored.