If you’re familiar with Coca Cola cake, just seeing the title had you scrolling down to make sure you had the ingredients to make it today. If you’re not familiar with Coca Cola cake, allow me to offer a brief introduction (because you need to hurry up and make this cake!).
We love our Coca Cola. After all, Coke is a southern product! It was invented in Atlanta, just a few hours from where I live, and the extremely large World Of Coke museum is located in downtown Atlanta today.
If you’ve never been to Atlanta, you simply must put World Of Coke on your list of things to see should you ever get to visit. My kids love it so much that I can’t even tell you how often we have been. With in-laws living just outside of Atlanta, every time we go to visit I hear “Are we going to the Coke Museum?”
They especially love the tasting room where you can drink all the different beverages Coke makes around the world. Some of them are amazingly delicious – and some are downright strange – but all of them are fun to try!
The museum also hosts an interactive movie theater, complete with 3-d, smell-o-vision, vibrating seats, and even special effects like water sprays and such (all minor). There are coke relics from around the world and several floors of interesting and interactive exhibits. Kids love this place!
Oh, back to my cake….Coca Cola does wonderful things to baked goods. The sugar in it caramelizes, the carbonation tenderizes, the flavor is so amazing that it enhances everything. I have a few Coke recipes up my sleeve to share with you but we shall start with this wondrous cake!
Oh, and yes, in the south, if it is a carbonated beverage, it is a “Coke”. No one ever says “soda” or “pop”. All carbonated beverages are “cokes”.
“You want a coke?”
“Sure!”
“What kind?”
“Dr. Pepper”
That is generally how it goes. We really do love our Coke!
Alrighty then, on to our cake! Did you know that Coca Cola cake is so popular in the south that our beloved Cracker Barrel Restaurants even have it on their menu as a seasonal special? Yup, see how much you learn with me? You N’ me, we’z smart folks!
You’ll need: White cake mix, cocoa, coca cola, eggs, margarine, vanilla, marshmallows, and buttermilk (Or substitute whole milk with a bit of lemon juice mixed in like I do).
*Now don’t y’all start in on wanting to substitute “Diet” or “Splenda” coke for Coca Cola. This is good, don’t mess up a good thing!
Just fix it how the recipe says and munch on some celery after you lick the bowl!
Dump cake mix into a mixing bowl.
Melt butter in microwave
Add cocoa powder and melted butter to cake mix.
Pour in Coca Cola
Add eggs.
Add 1 Tablespoon lemon juice to milk. If you have buttermilk there is no need to add lemon juice.
Drop your digital camera into cake batter. Fish out as quickly as possible.
Add milk and check to see if your digital camera will still take a photograph, continually wiping more chocolaty batter from the sliding cover as it drips out from beneath the areas that you can’t possibly clean under because the idiots nice people who invented the thing didn’t have the good sense to fix it so little parts and such could pop off conveniently when someone was stupid enough became distracted by the excitement of baking for her family and accidentally dropped the camera into the batter. I mean, what are folks supposed to do in situations like this? Shouldn’t the camera manufacturers have thought ahead a little here?
*Add vanilla but get frustrated trying to take a picture of it and just give up, making a note to put a little asterisk beside the tutorial instructions reminding folks to add it.
*Make another note reminding folks to wear that little camera strap on their wrist next time they happen to be baking and photographing each and every step like an obsessive bake-a-holic even though you actually took your strap off just last week and stuffed it in a drawer because it kept dipping down and showing up in photographs of your food and you decided it was completely useless. I mean, what kind of idiot can’t even hold on to their camera, right?
Mix your batter and scrape down the sides.
Turn the mixer on low and go dampen a dishcloth and try to wipe some of the dripping chocolate goo off your camera after taking one more picture. Don’t forget to open the battery compartment because it got in there, too….and also that little slot that holds the now chocolate covered SD card. Yeah, clean that also. Hurry up, its starting to get sticky holding that thing.
Toss in your marshmallows and turn the mixer on just so they are all dunked down into the batter – much like your camera was – only this time it is intentional with the marshmallows. What the heck were you thinking? I mean, how does someone drop a camera into cake batter? Have fun explaining that one!
Spray your pan with cooking spray and take another picture. Try not to think about the fact that the camera is actually sticking to your hand and feels really gross. Just be glad you are still able to take pics.
That really was stupid of you to drop it in there, you know.
Spread your batter into the prepared pan and bake at 350.
Give up on the sticky camera for now and switch to using your iPhone for the rest of the photographs.
While that is baking, prepare your icing.
You’ll need: Cocoa, Margarine, more Coca Cola, and Confectioner’s Sugar
Put your margarine in a pot as you begin to wonder why Apple made iPhone pics such a wierd proportion. Or is it in your head? Does this look like a normal size for a photograph to you?
Pour in Coca Cola.
Bring this to a boil, then remove from heat.
Add Confectioner’s Sugar. Stir well until there are no lumps. I use a wire whisk for this.
Remove cake from oven. Pour hot icing over hot cake.
Get ready for some happy kids!
Mine both ate two slices of this for dessert! My husband had two also.
This is NOT a cake that will go to waste!
Now go fret over your camera a little more.
Maybe some q-tips and rubbing alcohol might help you clean it again….
Coca Cola Cake
1 package plain white cake mix
4 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
8 Tablespoons (1 stick) butter or margarine, melted
1 cup coca cola
½ cup buttermilk (Or substitute 1/2 C whole milk with a T of lemon juice stirred in)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 ½ cups of marshmallows
Icing:
8 Tablespoons (1 stick) butter or margarine
4 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 Cup coca cola
4 Cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
1 Cup chopped pecans (I left these out because my kids prefer this cake with no nuts, but pecans are GREAT in this!)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly mist a 13×9-inch baking pan with vegetable oil spray. Set the pan aside.
Place the cake mix, cocoa powder, melted butter, cola, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute. Scrape down the sides with a spatula. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat 2 minutes.
The batter should be well blended. Fold in the marshmallows. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Place the pan it the oven.
Bake the cake until it springs back when lightly pressed with your finger and just starts to pull away from the sides of the pan, 40 to 42 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven, prepare frosting while cake is still hot.
Place the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. As the butter melts, stir in the cocoa powder and cola. Let the mixture come to just a boil, stirring constantly, and then remove it from the heat. Stir in the confectioners’ sugar until the frosting is thick and smooth. Fold in the pecans.
Pour the frosting over the top of the cake, spreading it out with a rubber spatula so that it reaches the edges of the cake. Cool the cake for 20 minutes before serving.
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We love our Coca Cola. After all, Coke is a southern product! It was invented in Atlanta, just a few hours from where I live, and the extremely large World Of Coke museum is located in downtown Atlanta today.
They especially love the tasting room where you can drink all the different beverages Coke makes around the world. Some of them are amazingly delicious – and some are downright strange – but all of them are fun to try!
The museum also hosts an interactive movie theater, complete with 3-d, smell-o-vision, vibrating seats, and even special effects like water sprays and such (all minor). There are coke relics from around the world and several floors of interesting and interactive exhibits. Kids love this place!
Pinky sent me over to say hello! I love cocoa cake–we made it all the time at a place I worked in KY!!!
Pinky sent me over here too…I love your recipes!!!
Now i Have heard of this but NEVER had it yet! I need to try this one too!. *fingers crossed for tomorrow* excited to see who wins!
Now off to see what I need to buy for that cake lOL The last one was so successful!
Okay I’m a Pepsi girl (shhh don’t tell) but that looks sooo good. Pinky sent me over to say hello!
I was laughing out loud as I read your post – that poor camera! Were you ever able to get it cleaned up? That totally sounds like something I would do (haven’t yet, but I wouldn’t put it past me).
It’s probably blasphemy to ask this, but can this be made with something besides coca-cola? We don’t buy or drink cola drinks, only non-caffeinated beverages here. Would root beer or cream soda work?
Greetings….am a regular follower of Pinky’s website and getting to be a regular reader here. Can you make the Coca Cola cake with Diet? I know I know…always one in every crowd….
just printed the raisin muffin recipe to keep in the fridge as I seem to be the ONLY one in the house that likes em and I like the idea of keeping them in the fridge….
I love you site…but it doesn’t do much for my waist-line
I have heard of this, but haven’t tasted it. I did try Deep Fried Coke at the fair last year… didn’t like it at all! LOL
Your recipes sound so yummy!
I was just stopping by to say “Hi.”
Pinky sent me
Mmmm….I am a Coke girl through and through. No Pepsi for me! Didn’t know you could make Coke cake, but have you tried leg of ham glazed in/with Coke? I don’t eat pork (except for the odd crispy bacon!) but apparently it’s really good. I think Nigella Lawson has a recipe for it.
And I swear, I do get some work done when I’m at work! I don’t spend all my time reading blogs. lol
I chat with a few gals from Canada and have heard of Poutine but was afraid to ask what is was. Love your site and I visit often. I’ll have to try the coca cola cake. BTW pinky sent me.
Hi , Pinky sent me here! I used to make coca cola cake back in the 70’s!!
Hi Christy
Pinky suggested we come over and visit….my goodness I have put on pounds just looking at the yummy recipes. I am certainly going to try some of these. Thanks for the great blog to read.
Bree
Oh wow! I’m in heaven! My mom used to make fried green tomatoes when I was a kid, but I have never made them. I’ve got a few out in the garden now so I think I may whip some up!! Oh yea, Pinky sent me over to this dangerously delicious blog!!
Oh my, that cakes looks yummy! I just might have to try that!
Pinky sent me over to say HI!
Hey Meluv and Joeliyn! thank you for visiting and do come back often!
Pinky: You will DIE if you make this, it is so freakin good!
Just Jess: Pepsi works fine in it!
Stephanie: You can absolutely substitute in this. The main thing you want to do is make sure you substitute something carbonated and sweet. You need the sugar and that carbonation. I would recommend Root Beer and just call it a root beer cake. I bet that would be AMAZING! I make it with Dr Pepper sometimes and it is SO GOOD.
Eek! Laundry is calling! I ‘ll respond more later!
y’all have a great day!
Christy
Ok Christy, girl you have finally made me spew my soda!!!!!!!….lol… Now I have to go chase a cat down to wipe him off. I laffed so hard reading of your woes… I hope the camera can be saved, and yes… Iphone takes some odd shaped and sized pics. lol… Wondering though… if your warranty on the camera would be cohesive with cake batter?..hmm… lololol… Girl you rock… and I have had this before… must be a southern thang!!!!.. absolutely wonderful… and I agree.. you must visit the Coke world in Atlanta… I have been there before.. awesome, but somehow, they must not have had the “tasting room” when I was there last…..thinking about vacation trip now. hehehehe… Pinky, YOU MUST MARK THIS as a to do list!!!!!! LOL Also, there is a wonderful lady on our scrapping site that sent out the MOST WONDERFUL COKE PORK CHOPS RECIPE…. Will have to chat her up and see if she can send it to you!!!!!
Pinky sent me over to say HI.
That cake looks so yummy. I would love to try one.
Cool fun. Like me. Thanks.
I like to cook very at home. Greetings from Poland.
I have to say that I love my Coke too, but I have never tried a Coca Cola cake before. I lovr your blog and all the yummy recipes too.
BTW Pinky sent me over, but I’ve been checking out your blog for a while now.
Christy, you’re so cute “just munch on some celery” LOL
I love coca cola cake. I love it when the marshmallows rise to the top. Mmm mmm mmm. Looking/tasting good, girl!
Oh yes..the Coke cake
I made one this weekend for my mother in law to take to a meeting..I got my recipe from Southern Living, it didnt use a box but it was still SUPER easy!
I didnt get to taste it..ya know being grounded and all!!AGGGGG
Yours looks yummo! But then again..so does everything you make!!
I have heard of this cake but have never tried it. it looks really good! Congrats on being in the Finest Foodies Friday too!
Interesting! I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a Coca Cola cake. Unfortunately I can’t drink cola because of the caffeine. It seems to have a bad affect on me, as does chocolate. A slice of chocolate cake I can handle though! looks great!
This blog rocks! Definitely bookmarking this! BTW… Pinky rocks!
Hi Christy
WOW this cake looks really intriguing, might just have to give it a go.
Pinky sent me over here and I am glad she did
Sandra from New Zealand
Is this cake for real? Looks amazing.
ohh very intersting.
OK Pinky next crop at your place? LOL
I wonder if you could substitute Dr. Pepper? hmmm There site had a lot of recipes but I don’t remember seeing Dr. Pepper cake.
Ziggy
Ziggy: YES!!! I make it with Dr Pepper sometimes and it is WONDERFUL!!!!!!
Angie: It is soooooooooo real! LOL
Recipe Girl: You can make it with Caffeine free! You just need the carbonation and the sugar anyway!
I’ll respond more in a bit, the shower is free so I gotta run! hehe
Christy
Oh I love this cake.
ITA about all of the soda drinks being a coke. We are living in the Mid-west right now (planning on moving to Atlanta in 2012!!) . When we moved here a waitress asked my kids if they wanted a “pop”. They had no idea what that was! LOL
Hey Debra! My mom said she went to visit an aunt in Wisconsin as a child and asked for a coke, she got blank stares. Her aunt stepped up and saved the day by translating “She wants a pop”. Mama was clueless as to what that was!
Have not made the cake yet but had to say “hilarious bigtime” can’t wait to read another.
Looks great!
We were on our way home from Florida last week and stopped for lunch at Cracker Barrel in Mississippi where we all shared a piece of their Coca Cola Cake (since it was my daughters’ birthday). Wow! I talked about that cake the rest of the way home! My husband said “enough already about the cake!”. Thanks so much for printing the recipe. Can’t wait to try it!
Sounds absolutely fantastic. I’ll try this one and stop by to give a reaction!
Hilarious post, you had me laughing out loud with the chocolate-camera!
One question, I’m in Europe (Holland) and white cake mix is hard to come by (I have to drive 2 hours to a specialty import store). Any plain ingredient substitution suggestions for the cake mix? (I’m okay on the marshmellows, they sell the real american ones in every supermarket here now!).
Love your site and your recipes! Thanks so much for your blog!
Hi! Found your recipe after googling “coca cola cake” when I heard about it from Faith Hill on “The View” today. Laughed so much at your comments I’ve given myself an asthma attack! Loved every one of your pictures and comments. Now I am dashing out to buy the ingrediants. Dont think I can actually get “white” cake mix here in NZ but will try madeira. Can’t wait, my boys are gonna love this! thanks!
[...] This week I would like to introduce you to my new friend Christy at Southern Plate. Isn’s she pretty? Well not only is Christy pretty, sweet, funny and nice as can be she cooks too! She has her very own hardcover cookbook that is for sale. You will also find her at http://www.al.com, Foodbuzz.com, Divine Caroline, and in print Wednesdays on the front of the Life section in the Athens News Courier. How cool is that? Christy has been voted for best cooking blog and once you visit her site you will see why. Southern Plate is full of easy to make recipes with color pictures. I love that idea. I like to at least know what I am making should look like! You have to love a chef who drops her camera into the batter when making her Coca Cola Cake [...]
be still my beating heart. Dr. Pepper?!?!?!?! I practically bleed that stuff (I’m awful) and I never thought of using that in a coca cola cake.
This cracked me up:
“You want a coke?”
“Sure!”
“What kind?”
“Dr. Pepper” That was one of the hardest things to get used to after moving to Alabama, if you can believe it. I still call them sodas some but coke what I usually refer to all soft drinks as- I guess the 13 years I’ve been here have gotten to me.
YUMM! I’ve had Coca Cola cake at Cracker Barrel and loved it. It is only available at Christmas. Now I can have it anytime
Thanks for the recipe!
This is in the oven as I type. I used a yellow cake mix because it’s what I had on hand and forgot this called for a white one. I just added a bit of extra cocoa.
We had some after supper tonight. It was DELISH!!!!! My southern hubby was in hog heaven =)
Somebody needs to give you a show on the Cooking Channel, you are a hoot !!!! Love your post, keep up the good work!
I haven’t had this cake since I was a girl. My aunt used to make this cake and it is absolutely delicious. Although she called it a Texas Coke Cake…I’m sure its the same thing. It is like a very fudgy chocolate cake…I adore it. Can’t wait to give this a try and make it for my family. Thank you for sharing it.:)
I made this after I saw your hilarious post and your oh-so-helpful pictures!
It was a hit! It was even better on Day 2…after all the icing absorbed through the cake. YUMMMMM….I couldn’t see or taste the marshmallows..wondering if I baked it too long. Only one way to find out – I’ll try again!!
Thanks, Christy!!!
Christy…I wanted to make that delicious cornbread (using 2 cups buttermilk) thought I could find it again but can’t. Can you please post it again or whatever so I can try it..now I know you’re not busy with that new kitchen with house attached and all ha! Just love the pics!
Thanks bunches
Hope this helps! here is the link
http://www.southernplate.com/2008/10/dixie-cornbread-go-dawgs.html
You can also click on “index” at the top of Southern Plate at any time to see the complete listing, in addition to using the search window at the top right of the page. Thats what I did to find this for you!
Thanks!
Christy
[...] something? What is *it*? Coca Cola Cake. I’ve never had it before. I found it on Southern Plate. But once I read about it with the cocoa and the marshmallows and the cocoa I had to have it. [...]
Hey Christy!
I just made Coca Cola Cake for the first time ever. Oh my gosh! I thought it would be good but this stuff is sinful!! It left me wondering where this cake had been all my life!! Yum!!
You’re awesome!!
Lindsey
[...] photos are courtesy of my trusty iPhone due to the incident involving my digital camera and the Coca Cola Cake. Don’t worry though, I am being a very good girl and just know that if I brush my teeth and [...]
I was laughing bc you know I am Southern as they get and yea we say coke for everything in TN too, lol. My 2 year old has even adapted this. I keep meaning to make me some coke brownies so I need to get around to it. I love the coke factory in Atlanta, its an hour away from my house..
nice pict on coca cola cake ..i am very love it thank for listing..