Coca Cola Cake

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Coca Cola Cake is an old-fashioned Southern chocolate sheet cake that never goes out of style. Rich, fudgy, and unbelievably moist, it’s a classic chocolate sheet cake that feels right at home at church potlucks, family reunions, and holiday tables.

What makes this version so special is the combination of Coca-Cola, buttermilk, and warm chocolate icing. The Coke doesn’t make the cake taste like soda — instead, it adds moisture, tenderness, and a subtle caramel-like depth, while the buttermilk keeps the crumb soft and rich. Then the warm fudgy icing is poured right over the cake, where it settles into the top for that signature old-school finish.

If you love nostalgic Southern cakes like this, be sure to try my Texas Sheet Cake, Pineapple Sheet Cake, and Pig Pickin’ Cake too — all easy, crowd-pleasing favorites that feel right at home at any potluck or family gathering. And if you’d like even more classic, crowd-pleasing desserts, be sure to browse my full Cake Recipes collection.

Let’s bake this cake!

✨ Before You Begin

✨ Use regular Coca-Cola. For the classic flavor and texture, stick with full-sugar Coca-Cola here. Diet soda won’t give you the same richness, and other colas can change the flavor slightly.

✨ Make the icing while the cake bakes. This old-fashioned icing works best when it’s poured over the cake while everything is still hot, so it can settle into the top and create that signature fudgy finish.

✨ Don’t skip the buttermilk. It adds a gentle tang and helps keep the crumb soft, tender, and balanced. If needed, you can make a quick substitute with 1 cup milk plus 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice.

✨ Sift the powdered sugar. It’s a small step, but it helps the icing stay smooth and lump-free.

✨ Reduce the Coca-Cola properly. Boil it down to about 1/2 cup so the flavor concentrates and the icing sets up with that rich, fudge-like texture.

Coca Cola Cake Ingredients + Key Notes

This is just a quick look at what you’ll need. For exact measurements and the full ingredient list, scroll down to the recipe card below.

• Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps give it that classic old-fashioned texture.

• All-purpose flour: Gives the cake its structure while still keeping the crumb soft and tender.

• Baking soda: Helps the cake rise and works with the buttermilk to keep the texture light and soft.

• Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the chocolate flavor.

• Coca-Cola: The signature ingredient in this Southern classic. It adds moisture and a subtle caramel-like depth, but it won’t make the cake taste like soda.

• Cocoa powder: Gives the cake and icing their rich chocolate flavor. Regular unsweetened cocoa keeps that familiar old-fashioned taste.

• Unsalted butter: Adds richness to both the cake and the icing. Using unsalted butter lets you control the flavor a little more closely.

• Eggs: Help bind the batter and give the cake structure and richness.

• Buttermilk: Adds a gentle tang and helps keep the crumb soft, tender, and balanced. If needed, you can make a quick substitute with milk and lemon juice or vinegar.

• Vanilla: Rounds out the chocolate flavor and adds warmth to both the cake and the icing.

• Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens the warm icing and helps create that smooth, fudgy finish. Sifting it first keeps the icing silky.

🥣 How to Make Coca Cola Cake

This cake comes together in a really simple, old-fashioned way. First, you’ll whisk together the dry ingredients in one bowl. Then you’ll heat the Coca-Cola, cocoa, and butter on the stove just until it comes to a boil. That hot mixture gets stirred into the dry ingredients, which helps give the cake its rich chocolate flavor and soft, tender texture.

Next, you’ll whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla, then stir that into the batter. Once everything is combined, pour it into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake until the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean.

While the cake bakes, start the icing so it’s ready at the right time. The Coca-Cola gets boiled down first so the flavor concentrates, then you’ll stir in the butter and cocoa until smooth. After that, take it off the heat and mix in the vanilla and sifted confectioners’ sugar until the icing is glossy and lump-free.

The final step is what gives this cake its classic old-school charm: pour the warm icing right over the hot cake. As it cools, the icing settles into the top and creates that signature fudgy finish Coca Cola Cake is known for.

⭐ Pro Tips

⭐ Time the icing carefully. Start making it during the last 15 minutes of bake time so it’s ready to pour over the hot cake as soon as it comes out of the oven. That hot-on-hot step is what gives Coca Cola Cake its classic fudgy top.

⭐ Use regular cocoa for the most classic flavor. Natural unsweetened cocoa gives this cake that old-fashioned Southern chocolate taste. You can use dark cocoa for a deeper flavor, but it will make the cake taste a little less traditional.

⭐ Let the icing set before slicing. Give the cake about 15 to 20 minutes to rest so the icing can settle and firm up a bit. You’ll get cleaner slices and that perfect soft-fudgy finish.

Recipe Variations

Soda Switch: For a fun twist, you can swap the Coca-Cola for another dark soda like Dr Pepper or root beer. The cake will still be rich and moist, but the flavor will change a bit from the classic version.

Cinnamon + Marshmallow Version: Some old-fashioned Coca Cola Cake recipes include a pinch of cinnamon and mini marshmallows for an extra nostalgic touch. This version keeps things simple and classic, but you can absolutely add those if that’s the style you grew up with.

Storing + Reheating + Freezing + Make-Ahead Tips

Storing

Keep covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen runs warm, refrigerate the cake and let it come to room temp before serving.

Reheating

For that fresh-from-the-oven feel, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds — just enough to soften the icing slightly.

Freezing

Cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Make-Ahead

You can bake the cake a day ahead and frost it right before serving — it stays moist and fudgy!

What to Serve With Coca Cola Cake

Hearty Southern Mains

Coca Cola Cake is perfect after a cozy comfort-food dinner. Serve it after Chicken Bog, Mississippi Pot Roast, Crockpot Pork Tenderloin, or Smothered Chicken for a classic Southern-style meal.

Dessert Table Favorites

If you’re building out a holiday or potluck dessert spread, pair it with Coconut Buttermilk Cake, Blueberry Cobbler, Buttermilk Pie, or Sugar Cream Pie for a table full of nostalgic homemade desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions

◆ What is Coca Cola Cake?

Coca Cola Cake is an old-fashioned Southern chocolate sheet cake made with real Coca-Cola in the batter and icing. It’s known for its soft, ultra-moist crumb and warm fudgy topping, and it’s long been a favorite at potlucks, church suppers, and family gatherings.

◆ Does Coca Cola Cake taste like Coca-Cola?

Not exactly. The Coke doesn’t make the cake taste like soda — it adds moisture, tenderness, and a subtle caramel-like depth. The finished cake tastes like a rich, classic chocolate sheet cake with an old-fashioned fudgy icing.

◆ Is Coca Cola Cake the same as Texas Sheet Cake?

They’re very similar old-fashioned Southern chocolate cakes, and both are topped with warm icing. Coca Cola Cake is usually a little softer, moister, and sweeter, while Texas Sheet Cake tends to be a bit denser with a deeper cocoa flavor.

◆ Can I use Diet Coke or Coke Zero?

I don’t recommend it. This recipe works best with regular Coca-Cola, which gives the cake its classic flavor, texture, and sweetness. Diet soda and zero-sugar soda won’t give you the same result.

◆ Can I make Coca Cola Cake ahead of time?

Yes. In fact, it’s even better after it has had a little time to sit. The icing settles into the top as the cake rests, which makes the whole thing even softer and fudgier. Just cover it well and store it at room temperature overnight.

One addition I’d consider, based on the competitor scan, is this:

◆ Does Coca Cola Cake have marshmallows?

Some old-fashioned Coca Cola Cake recipes do include mini marshmallows in the batter. This version does not, which keeps the texture rich, tender, and fudgy without making it overly sweet.

Still have questions? Drop them in the comments — I love helping you bake + cook with confidence! 💗

More Classic Southern Cake Recipes

Million Dollar Pound Cake — dense, buttery, and full of that rich, old-fashioned Southern flavor.

Strawberry Sheet Cake — soft, fluffy, and bursting with sweet strawberry goodness.

Pineapple Sunshine Cake — light, fruity, and topped with a fluffy, creamy finish.

Louisiana Crunch Cake — buttery with a crisp, golden exterior and tender crumb inside.

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting — ultra-moist with that tangy-sweet frosting everyone loves.

Tried This Recipe?

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Thanks for stopping by my kitchen today — happy cooking, friends! ❤️ Kathleen

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Coca Cola Cake

This old-fashioned Coca Cola Cake is a rich, ultra-moist Southern chocolate sheet cake topped with warm fudgy icing. Easy to make, nostalgic, and perfect for potlucks, holidays, and family dinners.

Prep Time25 minutes mins

Cook Time25 minutes mins

Total Time50 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Author: Kathleen

Ingredients

Cake:

• ▢ 2 cups sugar
• ▢ 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ▢ 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 1 (12-ounce) can Coca Cola regular-not diet
• ▢ 1/4 cup cocoa
• ▢ 1 cup unsalted butter cut into cubes
• ▢ 2 large eggs
• ▢ 1/2 cup buttermilk
• ▢ 2 teaspoons vanilla

Icing:

• ▢ 1 (12-ounce) can Coca Cola regular-not diet
• ▢ 1/2 cup unsalted butter cut into cubes
• ▢ 1/4 cup cocoa
• ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ▢ 3 3/4 cups confectioners' sugar sifted

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Prepare Cake:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (177ºC). Butter or spray with nonstick cooking spray on a 9 X 13-inch baking pan.
• Whisk the first 4 ingredients together in a medium mixing bowl. Set aside.
• In a small saucepan, add the Coca-Cola (1 can), cocoa (1/4 cup), and butter (1 cup) and bring just to a boil, over medium-high, stirring occasionally. Pour into the flour mixture and stir until blended.
• In a small mixing bowl, whisk the eggs (2), buttermilk (1/2 cup), and vanilla (2 teaspoons) together then whisk into the flour mixture.
• Pour batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Prepare Icing:

• Start making the icing the last 15 minutes before the cake is done baking. In a saucepan, bring the Coca-Cola to a boil, over medium-high; continue to cook 12-15 minutes or until soda has been reduced to 1/2 a cup. 
• Stir in the butter (1/2 cup), and cocoa (1/4 cup) until the butter has melted. Remove from heat, add vanilla (1 teaspoon) and Confectioners' Sugar (3 3/4 cups), and mix until smooth. Pour immediately over the hot cake.

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Notes

1. Diet Coca Cola: No. Just a Big No. Don’t do it. This, and all other, cake recipes call for regular Coca Cola only!
2. Buttermilk: Oh, buttermilk. One of those ingredients that you either always have in your fridge, or you never have in your fridge. There is no in-between. If you’re not an avid baker, chances are you definitely do not have buttermilk on hand frequently, if ever. Buttermilk is fantastic for baking, as it adds a very subtle tang along with tenderness to the batters it’s added to. In my opinion, there should never be a Coca Cola cake without buttermilk! I highly recommend making sure you grab some for this recipe, but  in a pinch, you can use the following substitute:
   • Buttermilk Substitute:    
     1. 1 Tbsp of white vinegar or lemon juice
     2. 1 C milk
     3. Stir, let stand for 5 minutes
     4. This recipe will be equal to one cup of buttermilk
3. Powdered Sugar: Nobody wants a lumpy icing on a cake. Sift your powdered sugar. You want it to blend in smoothly with the icing and avoid white lumps!
4. Icing: This cake is delicious on its own, but the icing, added while the cake is still warm, adds a fudge-tastic topping that completes it.
   •  Three things are very important in our Coca Cola cake icing instructions:
     1. Make the icing while the cake is in the oven.
     2. Pouring while the cake is still hot.
     3. Ensuring that the Coca Cola has boiled down to half a cup. If the Coke does not reduce and thicken up, you’ll be left with a icing that’s too runny and seriously lacking in fudge.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 604kcal | Carbohydrates: 95g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 93mg | Sodium: 218mg | Potassium: 113mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 76g | Vitamin A: 771IU | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 2mg

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