The Ultimate Coca-Cola Chocolate Cake: A Decadent Southern Classic with Buttermilk & Marshmallows

Prepare yourself for a truly decadent treat: the Coca-Cola Chocolate Cake. This isn’t just any chocolate cake; it’s a moist, rich, and utterly irresistible dessert made with the surprising, yet magical, inclusion of Coca-Cola, buttermilk, and mini marshmallows. Serve it warm, and you’ll experience a melt-in-your-mouth delight that promises to become a family favorite.

A True Southern Heritage: Why Coca-Cola Belongs in Your Cake

As a true Coca-Cola devotee, my loyalty runs deep. I recall the infamous “Pepsi Challenge” from childhood; for me and my friends, it was no challenge at all. The taste difference was stark, and Coke always emerged victorious. I’ve remained steadfast over the years, patiently waiting for sales to stock up on my beloved brand. While other sodas might be interchangeable for casual sipping, when it comes to a true cola, only the real thing will do – especially for baking.

It’s somewhat ironic that despite living in Georgia, the birthplace of Coca-Cola, many people I know here favor Pepsi. To each their own, of course, though I still playfully tease friends about their choice. My friend Kim, from Cravings of a Lunatic, is a prime example. Hailing from Canada, she exclusively drinks Pepsi there, but upon visiting the States, she transforms into a Coke girl. She insists there’s a distinct difference in the product across borders. Having not touched a Pepsi in decades, I wouldn’t know if it’s improved, but my loyalty to Coca-Cola remains unwavering, especially when it comes to its magic in the kitchen.

The Secret Ingredient: How Soda Elevates Your Baking

If you’ve never experimented with soda in your cooking, you are in for a delightful surprise. The unique properties of carbonated beverages work wonders in various recipes. Take, for instance, a Coca-Cola glazed ham – it’s absolutely to die for! Then there are 7-Up biscuits, a fluffy, family-favorite side. And let’s not forget Root Beer Pulled Pork, a dish so flavorful you’d want to eat it every day! The carbonation adds an incredible lightness, while the syrup contributes a depth of flavor and moisture that’s simply magical.

In this chocolate cake, Coca-Cola plays a pivotal role. When combined with rich cocoa, creamy buttermilk, and the delicate sweetness of marshmallows, it creates an astonishingly moist and tender cake with an unparalleled chocolate flavor. The crowning glory is the poured frosting – a luscious, warm glaze that melts into the cake, creating a truly irresistible experience.

Crafting the Perfect Coca-Cola Chocolate Cake

This recipe brings together classic chocolate cake ingredients with the unexpected twist of Coca-Cola, resulting in a cake that’s both familiar and wonderfully unique. The buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to create a light and airy texture, while the Coca-Cola contributes a subtle tang and an incredible moistness that lasts for days. The addition of mini marshmallows to the cake batter helps create an even softer crumb and a hint of extra sweetness that pairs perfectly with the chocolate.

The poured frosting is a hallmark of this Southern-style cake. Made by combining butter, cocoa, Coca-Cola, and powdered sugar, it’s poured warm over the freshly baked cake. This method allows the frosting to seep slightly into the cake, creating a fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth topping that is sheer perfection. The slight bitterness of the cocoa is beautifully balanced by the sweetness of the Coca-Cola and marshmallows, resulting in a harmoniously rich flavor profile.

Tips for Baking Success

Quality Ingredients: While Coca-Cola is key, using good quality cocoa powder and fresh buttermilk will truly elevate the flavor of your cake.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined after adding the wet ingredients.
Warm Cake, Warm Frosting: The magic of the poured frosting happens when it’s applied to a warm cake. This allows it to spread smoothly and slightly absorb, creating that perfect fudgy texture.
Serving Suggestions: This cake is incredible served warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s also delightful at room temperature.
Storage: Store the cake at room temperature, covered, for up to 3-4 days. It remains wonderfully moist.

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Coca Cola Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

2 cups sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup Coca-Cola
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup cocoa powder
6 tablespoons Coca-Cola
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar and flour. Set aside.
In a 2-quart saucepan, heat Coca-Cola, butter, oil, and cocoa powder. Whisk to combine. Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the marshmallows until they are completely melted. Let the mixture cool for 5 minutes.
Carefully pour the chocolate mixture over the flour mixture, stirring to combine and making sure all dry ingredients are completely stirred in.
In a separate small bowl, combine baking soda with buttermilk. Add this buttermilk mixture, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract to the cake batter. Mix well until everything is thoroughly incorporated.
Pour the batter into a well-greased 9×13 baking pan. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

For the Frosting:

About 5 minutes before the cake is done baking, begin preparing the frosting.
Place the powdered sugar in a mixing bowl or large measuring cup. Set aside.
In a 2-quart saucepan, combine butter, cocoa powder, and Coca-Cola. Stirring occasionally, bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and pour immediately over the powdered sugar, then whisk vigorously to combine. Continue stirring until all lumps are dissolved and the frosting is smooth. Use immediately, pouring the warm frosting evenly over the warm cake.
Let the cake set for at least 30 minutes before serving warm, or allow it to cool completely for the frosting to firm up.

Notes

Recipe source: ChocolateChocolateandmore.com

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