Coca Cola Cake
Ingredients:
2 (4 oz.) semisweet chocolate bars, chopped
2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. kosher salt
1 cup full-fat buttermilk
1 cup Coca-Cola
2 tsp. vanilla extract
cooking spray
Glaze:
1 (12 oz.) can Coca-Cola
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 lb. powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Detailed Steps:
For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350° F. Grease a 13-X-9-inch baking pan with nonstick baking spray. Set aside.
Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each, until the chocolate is almost smooth with some unmelted bits remaining. Remove the chocolate from the microwave. Stir until the residual heat fully melts the chocolate and the mixture is smooth (microwave an additional 15 seconds, if needed).
Beat the sugar and butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the melted chocolate until well combined.
Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Add one-third of the flour mixture to the mixer and beat on low until just combined. Add 1/2 cup of the buttermilk and beat on low until just combined. Repeat the process with one-third of the flour mixture and the remaining 1/2 cup of the buttermilk. Add the remaining one third of the flour mixture and beat until just combined.
Microwave the Coca-Cola in a medium bowl until hot and bubbling, about 45 seconds. With the mixer on low speed, gradually stream in the coca cola. Stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
Bake the cake until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack.
For the glaze: About 15 minutes before the cake is finished baking, in a small saucepan, bring the Coca-Cola to a boil over medium-high. Boil until reduced to about 1/2 cup, about 20 minutes. Whisk in the butter, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract until melted and well combined. Pour the cocoa cola mixture in a medium heat proof bowl. Add the powdered sugar and whisk until the glaze is smooth. Pour the glaze over the hot cake and let cool completely, about 1 hour.
For the garnish: Cut the cake into 15 pieces. Top each slice with a cherry and sprinkle with white sprinkles.
Prep Time: 15 mins.
Total Time: 1 hr. 55 mins.
Coca Cola Cake is a beloved Southern dessert known for its moist texture and rich chocolate flavor enhanced by the addition of Coca-Cola. The carbonation and sweetness of Coca-Cola not only add a subtle tangy flavor but also help tenderize the cake, resulting in a uniquely fluffy and soft crumb. This cake recipe cleverly combines classic baking ingredients such as semisweet chocolate, cocoa powder, and buttermilk with Coca-Cola in both the batter and the glaze. When preparing the glaze, boiling down the Coca-Cola concentrates its flavor and sugar content, providing a shiny, luscious chocolate topping that seeps into the hot cake for added moisture and depth. The powdered sugar further balances the tartness and bitterness of cocoa powder while butter enriches the texture of the glaze. Vanilla extract in both the batter and glaze lifts the flavors, harmonizing sweetness and chocolate notes. For best results, use room temperature ingredients like eggs and butter to ensure proper mixing and aeration. Gradually combining the flour mixture and buttermilk helps maintain a tender crumb. The baking soda acts as a leavening agent, reacting with the acidic buttermilk and Coca-Cola to create lift. To customize this Coca Cola Cake, try garnishing with maraschino cherries or white sprinkles as recommended, or experiment with chopped nuts for added texture. This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, making it a crowd-pleaser for celebrations or cozy family gatherings. This recipe reflects the rich tradition of using soda in Southern baking, showcasing how simple pantry ingredients can transform an ordinary cake into an extraordinary dessert experience.