Coca-Cola Chocolate Cake with Rich Frosting

Prep: 30 minCook: 20 minmediumAmerican
Coca-Cola Chocolate Cake with Rich Frosting

This moist chocolate cake gets its unique flavor from Coca-Cola in both the batter and frosting. The soda adds subtle sweetness and helps create an incredibly tender crumb, while cocoa powder provides deep chocolate flavor. The recipe includes two frosting options - a simple Coca-Cola frosting that pairs the soda with chocolate, or a richer chocolate cookie frosting made with melted unsweetened chocolate and butter. Perfect for birthday parties, potlucks, or any time you want to surprise guests with an unexpected ingredient that a classic chocolate cake.

VegetarianNut-Free

Ingredients

  • ½ cup buttermilk
    regular milk + lemon juice1:1none

    mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice

    Full guide →
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ pound unsalted butter, cut into large chunks
  • 1 cup Coca-Cola
    Pepsi or other cola1:1none

    slightly different flavor

  • ¼ cup unsweetened alkalized cocoa powder
  • 2 cups bleached all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups superfine sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 ¾ cups confectioners sugar
  • 2 tablespoons confectioners sugar
  • 1 large pinch salt
  • 1 stick butter, melted and cooled to tepid
    regular milk + lemon juice1:1none

    mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice

    Full guide →
  • 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled to tepid
    semi-sweet chocolate1:1none

    sweeter frosting

  • 1 ¼ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 6 tablespoons Coca-Cola, at room temperature
    Pepsi or other cola1:1none

    slightly different flavor

  • 4 cups confectioners sugar(optional)
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 6 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled to tepid
    semi-sweet chocolate1:1none

    sweeter frosting

  • 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ cup milk, heated to tepid
    regular milk + lemon juice1:1none

    mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice

    Full guide →
  • 1 tablespoon milk, heated to tepid
    regular milk + lemon juice1:1none

    mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice

    Full guide →
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat oven to 400 degrees and spray a 13x9x2-inch pan with cooking spray

  2. 2

    Whisk buttermilk and baking soda in a small bowl until buttermilk starts to swell

  3. 3

    Combine butter, Coca-Cola, and cocoa powder in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil

  4. 4

    Place flour and superfine sugar in a large mixing bowl and whisk together to sift

  5. 5

    Pour hot Coke mixture into flour mixture and mix on low speed until combined

  6. 6

    Mix in eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk mixture until well combined

  7. 7

    Pour thin batter into prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean

  8. 8

    Let cake cool for 5 minutes

  9. 9

    For Coca-Cola frosting, combine confectioners sugar and salt in a large bowl

  10. 10

    Whisk melted butter and chocolate together until smooth, then mix in vanilla

  11. 11

    Pour chocolate mixture over sugar, add Coca-Cola, and beat on low speed until smooth

  12. 12

    Pour frosting over cake and smooth with rubber spatula

  13. 13

    For chocolate cookie frosting, place confectioners sugar and salt in mixer bowl

  14. 14

    Add melted chocolate, vanilla, and warm milk and beat on medium-low speed

  15. 15

    Blend in butter gradually, then increase speed and beat until smooth

  16. 16

    Pipe frosting onto cake using pastry bag and garnish with walnuts if desired

Tips

Tip 1

The batter will be quite thin - this is normal and creates the cake's moist texture.

Tip 2

You can make either frosting option or both - the Coca-Cola frosting is lighter while the chocolate cookie frosting is richer.

Tip 3

Melt the butter and chocolate together in a small saucepan over low heat for easier mixing.

Good to Know

Storage

Cover and store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Make Ahead

Cake can be baked 1 day ahead and frosted before serving.

Serve With

Serve at room temperature. Cut into squares with a sharp knife.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overbake the cake as it will become dry - check with toothpick at 20 minutes.

Watch

Make sure melted chocolate is cooled to tepid before adding to frosting to prevent melting the butter.

Watch

If frosting is too thick, add milk gradually to avoid making it too thin.

Substitutions

Coca-Cola→
Pepsi or other cola1:1none

slightly different flavor

buttermilk→
regular milk + lemon juice1:1none

mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice

Full guide →
unsweetened chocolate→
semi-sweet chocolate1:1none

sweeter frosting

Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use diet Coca-Cola instead of regular?

Regular Coca-Cola works best as it contains sugar that contributes to the cake's texture and flavor. Diet versions may affect the final result.

Can I make this as cupcakes instead?

Yes, divide batter among 24 cupcake wells and bake for 12-15 minutes. Adjust frosting amount accordingly for piping on individual cupcakes.

How long does this cake keep?

The frosted cake stays fresh at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before serving.