Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Coca-Cola Chocolate Cake with Fudge Frosting

Coca-Cola Chocolate Cake with Fudge Frosting

  • Author: David Andersson
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This famous dessert is a traditional sheet cake known across home kitchens for its moist crumb and glossy topping. Unlike standard cocoa cakes that rely solely on water or dairy for liquid structure, this dessert uses classic fizzy soda combined with melted butter, unsweetened cocoa powder, and vegetable oil. The natural carbonation and real sugars inside the carbonated beverage work together to tenderize the wheat gluten, resulting in a light yet dense texture that never tastes dry.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup Coca-Cola
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Fudge Frosting

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 6 tablespoons Coca-Cola
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9 × 13-inch (23 × 33 cm) baking pan.

2. Combine the dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.

3. Make the chocolate mixture

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, oil, Coca-Cola, and cocoa powder. Heat until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth, stirring occasionally. Bring it just to a gentle simmer, then remove from the heat.

4. Make the batter

Slowly pour the warm chocolate mixture into the dry ingredients, whisking until combined.

Add the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until smooth, but don’t overmix.

5. Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.

6. Make the fudge frosting

While the cake is baking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the cocoa powder and Coca-Cola. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and remove from the heat.

Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and glossy. Stir in the nuts if using.

7. Frost the cake

Pour the warm frosting over the warm cake, spreading it quickly with a spatula before it begins to set.

8. Cool and serve

Allow the cake to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. The frosting will firm up into a soft fudge-like layer as it cools.

Notes

  • Frost while warm: The frosting spreads much more easily over a warm cake.
  • Use regular Coca-Cola, not Diet Coke or Coke Zero, for the intended texture and sweetness.
  • Don’t overbake—the cake should remain moist and tender.
  • Toasted pecans make an excellent addition to the frosting.
  • For an even richer chocolate flavor, use Dutch-process cocoa powder if your baking soda is compatible; otherwise, regular unsweetened cocoa works perfectly.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 545 kcal

Keywords: coke chocolate sheet cake, chocolate cola cake with fudge glaze, southern coca-cola cake

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://recipesmaria.com/coca-cola-chocolate-cake-with-fudge-frosting/