Go Back

Old Fashioned Coca Cola Cake

Course Dessert
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 12 Servings
This Old Fashioned Coca Cola Cake Recipe uses the classic Coke soda we all love to create a super simple, classic recipe. This Coca Cola Cake is very similar to a Texas Sheet cake and has been adapted over the years to create an easy to throw together, super moist cake for any occasion!

Ingredients
  

Cake

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 cups white granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 12 oz can Coca Cola
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup powdered baking cocoa
  • 2 eggs lightly beaten
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting

  • 1 12 oz can Coca Cola
  • ½ cup butter
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla
  • ½ cup powdered baking cocoa
  • 4 cups confectioners sugar sifted

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and prepare a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, white granulated sugar, baking soda and salt until fully incorporated. Set aside.
  • In a small saucepan, simmer the entire can of coca cola over medium heat until it reduces to about ½ cup. Use a measuring cup to accurately measure and discard the extra.
  • Add the unsalted butter and baking cocoa and whisk until the butter is melted and the cocoa is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes.
  • Once cooled, add the Coca Cola mixture to the flour mixture. Add the eggs, buttermilk and vanilla and use an electric mixer on medium speed to blend until well combined.
  • Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick or knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting.
  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, reduce the second can of Coca Cola by simmering over medium heat until reduced to a ½ cup. Use a measuring cup to accurately measure and discard any extra.
  • Add the butter, vanilla and cocoa to the mixture and whisk until butter is fully melted and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.
  • Add the powdered sugar ½ cup at a time, whisking together until dissolved. Repeat until all four cups are incorporated.
  • Pour the frosting over the baked cake. Allow the cake to cool before serving.
  • Optional: Serve with ice cream, whipped topping, chocolate syrup or cherries for an extra special presentation.

Notes

  • Pour the icing over the cake right away. It sets pretty quickly and can be difficult to spread if you wait too long.
  • Don’t eyeball the coke reduction. Measure out and only use ½ cup. If you ever get a comment on the icing, it was likely due to the cola not being reduced, or not measured out correctly.
  • Reducing the coke enhances the flavor and decreases the water content - for optimal flavor, don’t skip this step!
  • If you have a sifter, use it! It will ensure a super smooth icing. If your readers don’t have one…remove powdered sugar chunks immediately after pouring before the icing sets. Otherwise, the chunks will be there to stay!

Equipment

Did you make this recipe?

Make sure to follow on Pinterest for more recipes!