Indulge in the rich, moist, and decadent delight of Double Chocolate Coca Cola Cake. This classic Southern dessert combines the unique flavor of Coca Cola with deep chocolate richness, creating a cake that’s both nostalgic and utterly delicious. Topped with a luscious chocolate frosting, this cake is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
Cake:
- 1 cup Coca Cola
- 1/2 cup oil
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting:
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 6 tablespoons cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 3/4 cups confectioner’s sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of Coca Cola, 1/2 cup oil, 1 stick of butter, and 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, until the butter melts completely. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of sugar, 2 cups of flour, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Pour the slightly cooled Coca Cola mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix well. Add this to the main batter and stir until fully incorporated.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan while you prepare the frosting.
- Make the Frosting:
- In a medium saucepan, melt 1 stick of butter over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder and 6 tablespoons of cream or milk. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat.
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and gradually whisk in 3 3/4 cups of confectioner’s sugar until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a little more cream or milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Frost the Cake:
- Pour the warm frosting over the slightly cooled cake, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface. The frosting will set as it cools, creating a glossy, smooth finish.
- Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy the rich, chocolatey goodness of this Coca Cola-infused cake.
Tips for Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps in achieving a smooth and consistent batter.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Storing the Cake: This cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it refrigerated and bring it to room temperature before serving.
Variations:
- Nuts: Add 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the frosting for added texture and flavor.
- Mini Cakes: Pour the batter into cupcake liners or mini cake pans for individual servings. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Extra Chocolate: Stir in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for an even more decadent chocolate experience.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 40g
- Protein: 3g
FAQ:
Q: Can I use diet Coca Cola for this recipe? A: It’s best to use regular Coca Cola as the sugar content in the regular version contributes to the cake’s texture and flavor.
Q: Can I freeze this cake? A: Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: What can I use if I don’t have cocoa powder? A: You can use melted chocolate in place of cocoa powder, but you may need to adjust the sugar content as melted chocolate is sweeter.
Q: Can I make this cake in advance? A: Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. The flavors tend to meld and improve if it sits for a day.
Double Chocolate Coca Cola Cake is a delightful and indulgent treat that brings together the unexpected combination of soda and chocolate. With its rich, moist texture and decadent frosting, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to satisfy a chocolate craving, this cake is sure to impress and delight. Enjoy!