Desserts

Double Chocolate Coca Cola Cake

Some cakes are just timeless, and this Double Chocolate Coca Cola Cake is one of those unforgettable Southern classics.

Double Chocolate Coca Cola Cake

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  2. Make chocolate mixture: In a saucepan, combine Coca Cola, oil, butter, and cocoa. Bring just to a boil, then remove from heat.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, and salt. Pour in the hot Coke mixture and stir until blended.
  4. Add wet ingredients: Mix in eggs, buttermilk, baking soda, and vanilla until smooth.
  5. Bake: Pour into pan and bake 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Make glaze: While cake bakes, heat butter, cocoa, and Coca Cola in a saucepan until it just begins to bubble. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and powdered sugar until smooth.
  7. Glaze cake: Pour warm glaze over hot cake. Let it soak in before slicing.

Some cakes are just timeless, and this Double Chocolate Coca Cola Cake is one of those unforgettable Southern classics. Moist, fudgy, and rich, it gets its incredible texture from Coca Cola and buttermilk, while cocoa powder and a chocolate glaze make it double the indulgence. This is the kind of cake that disappears fast at family gatherings, potlucks, and Sunday dinners—it’s pure comfort baked into every bite.

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Why You’ll Love Double Chocolate Coca Cola Cake

  • Moist & fudgy: The soda and buttermilk create the perfect texture.
  • Double the chocolate: Cocoa in the cake and a rich chocolate glaze on top.
  • Crowd-pleaser: Feeds a group and always gets rave reviews.
  • Nostalgic: A recipe straight from classic Southern kitchens.

What Does It Taste Like?

This cake is sweet, chocolatey, and extra moist with just a hint of cola flavor in the background. The glaze soaks into the cake while still warm, making it gooey, rich, and impossible to resist. Think of it as the chocolate sheet cake of your dreams—anything but boring!!

Benefits of This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make from scratch.
  • Great for birthdays, potlucks, and holidays.
  • Stays fresh and moist for days.
  • Pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients for Double Chocolate Coca Cola Cake

  • 1 cup Coca Cola (not diet)
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Glaze

  • ½ cup butter
  • 3 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 6 tbsp Coca Cola
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Tools You’ll Need

  • 9×13-inch baking pan
  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wire rack

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

  • Oil: Use melted coconut oil or canola oil.
  • Buttermilk: Substitute with ½ cup milk + 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice.
  • Coca Cola: Pepsi works too, though flavor will vary slightly.
  • Glaze: Stir in chopped pecans for a Southern twist.

How to Make Double Chocolate Coca Cola Cake

  1. Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  2. Make chocolate mixture: In a saucepan, combine Coca Cola, oil, butter, and cocoa. Bring just to a boil, then remove from heat.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, and salt. Pour in the hot Coke mixture and stir until blended.
  4. Add wet ingredients: Mix in eggs, buttermilk, baking soda, and vanilla until smooth.
  5. Bake: Pour into pan and bake 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Make glaze: While cake bakes, heat butter, cocoa, and Coca Cola in a saucepan until it just begins to bubble. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and powdered sugar until smooth.
  7. Glaze cake: Pour warm glaze over hot cake. Let it soak in before slicing.

What to Serve with Coca Cola Cake

  • A scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream
  • Fresh strawberries or raspberries
  • A dollop of whipped cream
  • A glass of cold milk or hot coffee

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge: Store covered for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze slices up to 3 months, wrapped tightly.
  • Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to refresh.

Conclusion

This Double Chocolate Coca Cola Cake is rich, nostalgic, and impossible to resist. With its fudgy texture and gooey chocolate glaze, it’s the kind of dessert that brings people back for seconds (and maybe thirds). Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or just because—it’s a must-bake for chocolate lovers.

If you loved this, you’ll also enjoy:

  • Old-Fashioned Texas Sheet Cake
  • Southern Butter Pecan Cake
  • Chocolate Fudge Brownies

I’d love to see your cake creations! Leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest so others can enjoy this indulgent chocolate treat too.

Nutritional Information (per serving, 12 servings)

  • Calories: 420
  • Protein: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 65g
  • Sugars: 50g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 230mg

Tips for Success

  • Use real Coke: Diet or zero-sugar sodas won’t give the same flavor.
  • Don’t overbake: This cake should stay soft and moist.
  • Glaze while warm: The magic happens when glaze seeps into the cake.
  • Cut small slices: It’s rich—just a little goes a long way!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Coca Cola really make a difference?

Yes! It adds moisture, lightness, and a subtle caramel flavor.

Can I make this as cupcakes?

Yes—bake 18–20 minutes and glaze after baking.

Can I make it ahead?

Absolutely—the flavor improves as it sits overnight.

Can I add nuts?

Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts in the glaze are a Southern tradition.

Tried This Recipe?I'd love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below and don't forget to share a photo.
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