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original coca-cola cake recipe

Yield: 12–16 servings (9×13-inch cake) Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 30–35 minutes Total Time: 55–60 minutes Flavor & Texture: Deep chocolate, subtle cola-caramel notes, plush crumb, fudgy poured frosting
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Equipment

  • 9×13-inch metal baking pan
  • Medium saucepan
  • Large mixing bowl and whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wire rack

Ingredients
  

  • Cake
  • 2 cups 240 g all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups 400 g granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup 25 g unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp fine salt
  • 1 cup 240 ml Coca-Cola (not diet), room temperature
  • 1/2 cup 115 g unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup 120 ml neutral oil
  • 1/2 cup 120 ml buttermilk, room temperature
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Warm Poured Frosting
  • 1/2 cup 115 g unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup 30 g unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup 120 ml Coca-Cola
  • 3 cups 360 g powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1 cup 120 g chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Pinch of fine salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch metal pan, or line with parchment with overhang.
  • In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt until combined.
  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cola, butter, and oil. Bring just to a gentle simmer, stirring until butter melts.
  • Pour the hot cola mixture over the dry ingredients. Whisk until smooth and glossy.
  • Add buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk until just combined and no flour streaks remain.
  • Scrape batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  • Near the end of baking, make the frosting: In a saucepan, melt butter with cocoa and cola over medium heat until just bubbling. Remove from heat; whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until silky. Stir in nuts if using.
  • While the cake is hot on a wire rack, poke a few holes with a skewer. Immediately pour the warm frosting evenly over the surface so it seeps in and sets with a glossy finish.
  • Cool at least 45 minutes before slicing. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Use regular cola, not diet or zero-sugar, for proper sweetness and texture in an original coca-cola cake recipe.
Room-temperature eggs and buttermilk blend more smoothly and help the cake rise evenly.
A metal pan promotes better edges and even baking compared with glass.
Pecans are traditional, but the cake is fantastic without nuts if you prefer a smoother frosting.