The Best Coca-Cola Cake Recipe (Classic & Moist!)

Have you ever discovered a treasured recipe in an old community cookbook with a quirky ingredient that made you raise an eyebrow? Some of the most beloved, time-tested desserts have a secret ingredient that seems completely unconventional, yet works like absolute magic. This incredible cake is the perfect example of that.

Get ready to fall in love with a true Southern classic: the one and only Coca-Cola Cake. This isn’t just a gimmick; using the iconic soft drink is the secret to creating the most unbelievably moist, tender, and flavourful chocolate sheet cake you will ever have. Topped with a rich, fudgy icing that’s also made with a reduction of Coke, this nostalgic dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for your secret.

What You’ll Need: Ingredients

This recipe uses simple pantry staples to create a uniquely moist and fudgy chocolate cake. Using room temperature sour cream and eggs is key for a smooth batter.

Component	Ingredient	Amount/Quantity
For the Cake	Coca-Cola (or other cola)	1 (12-ounce) can
	Unsalted butter	2 sticks (8 ounces)
	Unsweetened natural cocoa powder	1/2 cup (46 g)
	All-purpose flour	2 1/4 cups (276 g)
	Granulated sugar	1 3/4 cups (350 g)
	Baking soda	1 1/2 teaspoons
	Kosher salt	3/4 teaspoon
	Sour cream, at room temperature	3/4 cup
	Large eggs, at room temperature	2
	Pure vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
For the Fudgy Cola Icing	Coca-Cola (or other cola)	1 (12-ounce) can
	Unsalted butter, cubed	1 stick (4 ounces)
	Unsweetened natural cocoa powder	1/4 cup
	Powdered sugar, sifted	4 cups (463 g)
	Kosher salt	1/4 teaspoon
	Nonstick cooking spray	For the pan

Timing

This classic sheet cake comes together quickly and easily. The unique method of pouring the warm icing over the warm cake means there’s no long cooling time required before frosting!

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Bake Time: 30 minutes
• Cooling & Setting Time: 1.5 hours
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours, 20 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a perfectly moist and fudgy chocolate cola cake.

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Your Pan

First, get your oven ready. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.

Step 2: Bloom the Cola and Cocoa for the Cake

In a medium saucepan, combine the first can of Coca-Cola, the 2 sticks of butter, and the ½ cup of cocoa powder. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Cook for about 7 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent it from boiling over, until the butter is completely melted and all the ingredients are well-combined. This step “blooms” the cocoa, deepening its flavour. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large, heatproof bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. Pour the warm cola mixture into the flour mixture and whisk until you no longer see any dry streaks. Next, whisk in the room-temperature sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and combined.

Step 4: Bake the Coca-Cola Cake

Pour the finished batter into your prepared 9×13-inch baking pan and use a spatula to spread it into an even layer. Bake for 28 to 30 minutes. You’ll know the cake is done when the edges begin to pull away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Place the pan on a wire rack to cool slightly while you prepare the frosting.

Step 5: Reduce the Cola for the Icing

While the cake is baking or cooling, you can start the incredible fudgy frosting. In a large saucepan, bring the second can of Coca-Cola to a boil over medium-high heat. Let it boil, undisturbed, for about 15 minutes, until the cola has reduced down to about ⅓ cup. It will be thick and syrupy.

Step 6: Finish the Fudgy Cola Icing

Add the cubed butter and the ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the reduced cola in the saucepan. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the butter has fully melted and the cocoa is thoroughly combined, about 30 seconds. Remove the pan from the heat. Add the sifted powdered sugar and salt, and whisk vigorously until the icing is completely smooth and glossy.

Step 7: Frost the Warm Cake and Let It Set

Here comes the classic final step! Immediately pour the warm frosting over the still-warm cake. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it into an even layer. Let the frosted cake rest at room temperature until it has cooled completely and the frosting is fully set, which will take about 1 ½ hours.

Nutritional Information

This is a classic, indulgent Southern dessert. Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown per slice, assuming the cake is cut into 18 slices.

• Calories: ~420 kcal
• Protein: 4 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g (Sugar: 50 g)
• Fat: 18 g (Saturated Fat: 11 g)

Customizations and Alternatives

While this recipe is a treasured classic, here are a few possible variations:

• Add Nuts: A very common and delicious addition to a classic Coca-Cola Cake is 1 cup of toasted, chopped pecans. You can gently fold them into the cake batter at the very end.
• Yogurt Swap: If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with an equal amount of full-fat plain Greek yogurt at room temperature for a similar tangy moistness.
• Diet Soda Note: While you can use a zero-sugar cola, the classic flavour and texture of both the cake and icing come from the real sugar in the Coca-Cola, which helps to create a tender crumb and a properly set, fudgy icing.

Serving Suggestions

This Coca-Cola cake is the quintessential potluck dessert—easy to make, easy to transport, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

• Serve As Is: This cake is so incredibly moist and has such a rich, fudgy icing that it is absolutely perfect served on its own in simple squares.
• A La Mode: For an extra-decadent treat, serve a slightly warm slice of the cake with a generous scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream.
• For a Crowd: This 9×13-inch sheet cake is perfect for parties, family gatherings, and celebrations. It’s easy to slice and serve, and everyone loves it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Follow these simple tips to ensure your classic Coca-Cola Cake is a perfect success.

• Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold sour cream or eggs directly from the refrigerator into the warm cola and butter mixture can cause the batter to curdle or become lumpy.
  • Solution: Be sure to let your sour cream and eggs sit on the counter for about an hour to come to room temperature before you begin.
• Overbaking the Cake: This cake is celebrated for its incredible moisture. Overbaking is the fastest way to ruin that tender texture.
  • Solution: Keep a close eye on the cake. Start checking it at the 28-minute mark. It’s perfectly done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs still clinging to it, not completely clean.
• Frosting a Cold Cake: The magic of this recipe is the interaction between the warm cake and the warm frosting.
  • Solution: Prepare the frosting while the cake is having its initial cool-down period. Pouring the warm frosting over the warm cake allows it to set into a perfect, thin, fudgy layer that melts into the top of the cake just slightly.

Storing and Make-Ahead Tips

Thanks to its oil-free, super-moist crumb, this cake keeps exceptionally well.

• Storing: Once the cake has cooled completely, you can cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It will stay wonderfully moist at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: This cake also freezes beautifully. You can freeze the entire cake in its pan, or cut it into individual slices. Wrap them well in two layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Let the cake thaw at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

This classic Coca-Cola Cake is a true slice of nostalgic comfort. It’s a simple, unassuming sheet cake that delivers an astonishing level of moisture and a rich, deep chocolate flavour. The unique method of using Coca-Cola in both the batter and the fudgy, pour-over icing creates a dessert that is truly special and guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

We are so excited for you to try this beloved Southern classic. Bake this Coca-Cola Cake for your next gathering and let us know how much you loved it in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more timeless and delicious comfort food recipes.

FAQs

Q1. Do I have to use Coca-Cola? Can I use another soda?

Classic Coca-Cola is the traditional choice and provides the best flavour. However, other dark colas like Pepsi or even Dr. Pepper will work well as a substitute and create a delicious cake.

Q2. Can I bake this cake in a Bundt pan?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a 12-cup Bundt pan. You will need to grease and flour the pan very well. The baking time will be significantly longer, likely closer to 50-60 minutes. Be sure to test for doneness with a wooden skewer.

Q3. Why do you use sour cream in this cake?

The sour cream is a key ingredient for moisture and texture. Its acidity reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise, and its fat content creates an incredibly tender, soft, and moist crumb.