Decadent Coca-Cola Cake with Melted Marshmallow Topping

Experience a taste of pure Southern charm with this decadent and incredibly moist Classic Coca-Cola Cake with Marshmallows. A beloved treat by chocolate enthusiasts everywhere, this recipe promises a dessert that’s not just delicious, but truly unforgettable for your family and friends!

A Coke Cake earns its iconic name from the surprising yet brilliant inclusion of cola right into the cake batter and frosting. Beyond providing a delightful, subtle fizz from the carbonation that aids in tenderness, the cola infuses the cake with a unique, caramel-like sweetness and an elusive depth of flavor that tantalizes the taste buds. It’s a secret ingredient that transforms an ordinary chocolate cake into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Why This Classic Coca-Cola Cake is a Must-Try

If you’re searching for a dessert that combines tradition, comfort, and irresistible flavor, look no further. This Coca-Cola cake recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a culinary journey rooted in Southern hospitality and ingenious baking.

• A True Southern Classic: This isn’t just any chocolate cake; it’s a revered Southern tradition passed down through generations. Known for its rich flavor and incredibly moist crumb, the Coca-Cola cake holds a special place in regional cuisine. It’s a taste of nostalgia, bringing back memories of family gatherings and potlucks.
• Better Than Cracker Barrel: The popular Cracker Barrel restaurant chain made their version of Coca-Cola Cake famous, but now you can recreate and even surpass that beloved experience right in your own kitchen. Our recipe delivers an authentic flavor and texture that will have everyone asking for your secret.
• Unrivaled Moisture and Tenderness: Thanks to the inclusion of buttermilk and the unique properties of cola, this cake boasts an unparalleled level of moisture and a remarkably tender crumb. Buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to create a light, airy structure, while the cola adds additional liquid and a subtle flavor that keeps the cake from drying out. If you consider yourself a true chocolate cake connoisseur, this moist and flavorful creation is an absolute must-try!

The allure of this cake is undeniable. We often find ourselves with a trusty bottle of regular (not diet!) Coca-Cola in the fridge and a bag of mini marshmallows in the pantry, leaving absolutely no excuse not to whip up this exceptional Coke Cake Recipe. Take a closer look at a forkful – notice the subtle color differentiation where those delightful mini marshmallows have melted into the batter, creating pockets of soft, gooey sweetness. It’s this combination that contributes to an exceptionally moist, rich, and utterly irresistible cake that will vanish from the plate in no time!

Essential Ingredient Notes for Your Perfect Coca-Cola Cake

Crafting the perfect Coca-Cola cake begins with understanding the role of each ingredient. While many are kitchen staples, some require specific attention to ensure the best possible outcome for your decadent dessert.

• Kitchen Staples: You’ll need granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt, and baking soda. Sifting your dry ingredients together is a crucial step that ensures a light, airy texture and prevents lumps, making for a smoother, more consistent batter.
• Mini Marshmallows: These tiny gems are a game-changer! When added to the batter, they melt during baking, creating delightful pockets of gooey sweetness and contributing to the cake’s overall moistness and unique texture.
• Butter: Always use unsalted butter at room temperature. This ensures it creams smoothly with other ingredients, creating a homogeneous batter. Melted butter is used in a specific step for the cake and frosting, contributing richness and flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: A neutral-flavored oil, such as canola or sunflower oil, is preferred. Oil adds an incredible amount of moisture to the cake, keeping it tender for days, without imparting any unwanted flavor.
• Cocoa Powder: For a deep, rich chocolate flavor, choose a high-quality cocoa powder. Brands like Ghirardelli or Hershey’s natural cocoa powder work wonderfully. Dutch-processed cocoa will give a darker color and milder flavor, while natural cocoa (like Hershey’s) is more acidic and provides a robust chocolate taste, reacting beautifully with the baking soda.
• Coca-Cola: This is the star ingredient! It is imperative to use regular Coca-Cola, not Diet Coke. The sugar in regular cola is essential for both flavor and moisture, and the carbonation plays a small but significant role in the cake’s leavening and texture. Any other cola-flavored soda could also work, but for the classic taste, Coca-Cola is key.
• Eggs: Large eggs, brought to room temperature, are best. Room temperature eggs emulsify more effectively with the fats in the batter, leading to a smoother, more uniform cake structure and a better rise.
• Buttermilk: Buttermilk is a secret weapon for moisture and tenderness in baked goods. Its acidity reacts with baking soda to create a light, fluffy crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, don’t worry! You can easily make your own substitute: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice or white vinegar to a 1-cup liquid measuring cup. Fill the rest of the cup to the 1-cup mark with 2% or whole milk. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles. Voila – homemade buttermilk!
• Vanilla Extract: Always opt for pure vanilla extract. Its rich, aromatic notes enhance the chocolate and caramel flavors of the cake and frosting, adding depth and complexity that artificial vanilla simply cannot replicate.
• Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this is vital for the frosting. Sifting the powdered sugar thoroughly before use is crucial for achieving a super smooth, lump-free frosting with a perfectly silky texture.

Baking Brilliance: A Step-by-Step Guide to Your Coca-Cola Cake

I had a strong feeling that my chocolate-loving family would approve of this recipe, but it truly exceeded all my expectations. The method for mixing this cake batter might seem a little unconventional, but trust the process – it yields spectacular results! Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to bring this extraordinary dessert to life:

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). While the oven heats, prepare your baking pan (a 9×13-inch rectangular pan is ideal). Line it with non-stick foil for easy cleanup, or generously grease and flour it, or use a baking spray like Baker’s Joy. This step is crucial to ensure your beautiful cake releases effortlessly after baking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the granulated sugar and all-purpose flour. Sifting prevents lumps and helps to aerate the flour, contributing to a lighter cake. Once sifted, gently fold in the mini marshmallows. Distribute them evenly, as they will melt into delightful pockets of gooeyness throughout the cake.
3. The Hot Liquid Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the room-temperature butter, vegetable oil, cocoa powder, and the star ingredient – Coca-Cola. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure everything is well combined and the butter is fully melted. Once it reaches a boil, immediately pour this hot liquid mixture over your prepared flour and marshmallow mixture. Stir well with a whisk or spatula until just combined. The hot liquid will start to soften and melt the marshmallows, creating a unique texture.
4. Introduce the Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl or measuring cup, dissolve the baking soda and salt into the buttermilk. The acidity of the buttermilk will react with the baking soda, creating tiny bubbles that help the cake rise and become tender. Add this buttermilk mixture to the cake batter, followed by the large eggs and pure vanilla extract. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated, but be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.
5. Bake to Perfection: Pour the luscious cake batter into your prepared 9×13-inch pan. Spread it evenly. Bake for approximately 35-45 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a wooden toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out the cake.
6. Whip Up the Frosting: While your cake is baking and still hot in the oven, it’s time to prepare the sensational Coca-Cola frosting. The key to this recipe’s success is pouring the warm frosting over the hot cake.
7. Prepare Powdered Sugar: Place the thoroughly sifted powdered sugar in a large heat-proof bowl. Sifting is vital here to ensure your frosting is silky smooth and free of any lumps. Set it aside temporarily.
8. Create the Hot Frosting Base: In a saucepan, combine the butter, cocoa powder, and Coca-Cola (again, regular cola!). Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Once boiling, immediately remove it from the heat and pour it over the sifted powdered sugar in your heat-proof bowl. Whisk vigorously and continuously until the frosting is completely smooth and glossy. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.
9. Frost While Hot: As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, immediately pour the warm, smooth Coca-Cola frosting evenly over the entire hot cake. The heat of the cake will allow some of the frosting to melt slightly and absorb into the top layer, creating an even moister, more decadent crust. Allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature before slicing and serving. This cooling time allows the frosting to set properly and the cake’s flavors to meld beautifully.

Expert Tips for the Ultimate Coca-Cola Cake Experience

Achieving a bakery-quality Coca-Cola cake at home is entirely possible with a few insider tips and tricks. Follow these suggestions to elevate your baking and ensure every slice is pure perfection.

• Foolproof Pan Preparation: For the easiest cleanup and cake release, always line your baking pan with non-stick foil, ensuring the foil extends over the edges to create “handles.” Alternatively, a good quality baking spray or thoroughly buttering and flouring the pan will also prevent sticking.
• Embrace the Bumps: Don’t be alarmed if the addition of marshmallows causes the surface of your baked cake to appear slightly bumpy or uneven. This is perfectly normal and a sign of those delightful pockets of melted marshmallow within. Rest assured, no one will be complaining once they take their first bite of this moist, sweet treat!
• Sift for Silky Smooth Frosting: This step cannot be emphasized enough! Sifting your powdered sugar for the frosting is non-negotiable for achieving the smoothest, most luxurious results. Small lumps in powdered sugar can be notoriously difficult to whisk out once liquid is added, so a quick sift saves you time and ensures a flawless finish.
• The Hot Frosting Secret: Pouring the warm Coca-Cola frosting directly over the hot cake straight from the oven is a classic technique for a reason. This allows some of the frosting to melt and gently seep into the top layer of the cake, creating an even more intensely moist and flavorful dessert. It creates a tender, almost fudgy top layer.
• Achieve a Level Cake Top: If you’re aiming for a perfectly flat cake top, especially useful for layer cakes (though this recipe is typically a sheet cake), consider using Cake Strips for Baking (affiliate link). These fabric strips are soaked in water and wrapped around the perimeter of your pan before baking. They insulate the sides of the pan, allowing the cake to bake more evenly from the edges to the center, preventing a domed top.
• Buttermilk Emergency? No Problem!: As mentioned in the ingredient notes, if you find yourself out of buttermilk, a quick and easy homemade substitute works perfectly. Simply add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or light-colored vinegar to a 1-cup liquid measuring cup, then fill the remainder with 2% or whole milk. Stir and let it sit for a few minutes to curdle before using.
• Toasted Pecans for Added Crunch: While I often omit nuts due to family preferences, if you are a fan of pecans in your desserts, they are a fantastic addition to this cake! For an elevated flavor and delightful crunch, toast 1 cup of chopped pecans lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant, then let them cool. Stir these toasted pecans into the frosting just before it sets, or sprinkle them over the top of the frosted cake.
• Storage and Freshness: This cake stores beautifully. Keep it covered tightly at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, slices can be frozen.
• Serving Suggestions: While spectacular on its own, a slice of warm Coca-Cola cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scattering of fresh berries.

Frequently Asked Questions About Coca-Cola Cake

Explore More Delicious Recipes

This easy Coca-Cola cake was an instant hit with my family, especially the self-proclaimed chocoholics, and even delighted my girlfriends who joined me for lunch the next day. Despite its rich appearance, it’s not overly heavy on chocolate, making it a crowd-pleaser – even my notoriously picky daughter enjoyed her fair share! It’s incredibly tender, wonderfully moist, and utterly delicious. Your family is sure to adore this classic Coke Cake recipe just as much as mine did. If you loved this, here are some other recipes you might enjoy:

• Coca Cola BBQ Sauce from Add a Pinch
• Braised Cola Brisket
• Fudgy Brownies from Scratch
• Fudge Topped Marshmallow Ice Cream
• Chocolate Mousse Bars
• More of theEasy Cake Recipes

The Recipe:

Coca Cola Cake Recipe

Prep Time
20 minutes

Cook Time
40 minutes

Total Time
1 hour

Yield
12 servings

A tender, moist chocolate cake with cola as the secret ingredient

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by 32 reviewers

Ingredients

Cake

• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups flour
• 1 ½ cups miniature marshmallows
• ½ cup butter, at room temperature
• ½ cup vegetable oil like canola
• 3 tablespoons cocoa
• 1 cup Coca-Cola or another cola-flavored soda (regular, not diet)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting:

• ½ cup butter
• 3 tablespoons cocoa
• 6 tablespoons Coca-Cola (regular, not diet)
• 3½ cups powdered sugar (1 box), sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Line a 9 x 13 inch pan with non-stick foil, or spray with baking spray, or butter and flour the pan. Set aside.
2. Sift the sugar and flour together in a large bowl, then mix in the marshmallows.
3. In a saucepan, combine the butter, oil, cocoa, and cola. Bring to a boil and pour over the flour mixture. Mix until well combined.
4. Dissolve the baking soda and salt in the buttermilk, then add to the rest of the batter. Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until just combined.
5. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
6. While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting.
7. Place the sifted powdered sugar in a heat-proof bowl and set aside.
8. Combine the butter, cocoa, and cola in a saucepan. When it comes to a boil, immediately pour it over the powdered sugar and whisk until smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract.
9. Pour the warm Coca-Cola Frosting evenly over the hot cake immediately after it comes out of the oven. Let cool completely to room temperature before slicing and serving.

Notes

You can make your own buttermilk substitute by putting a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar in a 1 cup liquid measuring cup. Fill to the one cup mark with milk. Whisk to combine and let rest for about 10 minutes before using.

You may also add 1 cup of chopped, toasted pecans to the frosting if desired, for extra flavor and crunch.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1 slice

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 557Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 92mgSodium: 326mgCarbohydrates: 82gFiber: 1gSugar: 63gProtein: 4g

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