Cracker Barrel Coca Cola Cake Recipe
This classic Cracker Barrel Coca Cola Cake recipe offers a moist, tender chocolate cake infused with the unique flavor of Coca-Cola. Topped with a rich and fudgy cola-infused chocolate frosting, this Southern favorite combines comforting flavors with an irresistibly soft texture that’s perfect for celebrations or any sweet craving.
- Author: reem
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Coca-Cola Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup Coca-Cola (regular, not diet)
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coca-Cola Cake Frosting:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cubed
- ¼ cup Coca-Cola (regular, not diet)
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking. Set the pan aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined and free of lumps.
- Melt Butter and Coca-Cola: In a medium saucepan, heat the cubed butter and 1 cup Coca-Cola over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat without boiling.
- Add Wet Ingredients to Dry: Pour the hot butter and Coca-Cola mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; the batter will be thin.
- Incorporate Remaining Wet Ingredients: Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the batter. Stir until smooth and evenly mixed with no visible egg streaks.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared 9×13 baking pan, spreading it evenly to the edges.
- Bake the Cake: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should spring back lightly when pressed.
- Prepare Frosting While Cake Bakes: In a medium saucepan, combine butter, ¼ cup Coca-Cola, and cocoa powder over medium heat. Stir constantly until butter melts and mixture is smooth. Bring to a gentle boil, then immediately remove from heat.
- Whisk in Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually whisk in powdered sugar one cup at a time until smooth and glossy. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Adjust consistency with a splash of Coca-Cola if needed.
- Pour Frosting Over Hot Cake: Immediately after removing the cake from the oven, pour the warm frosting evenly over the top to allow it to soak in and create a fudgy glaze.
- Let Frosting Set: Allow the frosting to set at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes until slightly firm. Refrigerate briefly if faster setting is desired.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the cake into squares and serve warm or at room temperature. Optionally, top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs for better batter integration.
- For a dairy-free variation, substitute buttermilk with a non-dairy milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice.
- Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give a darker color and milder chocolate flavor; natural cocoa powder provides a more intense chocolate taste.
- Be sure not to boil the butter and Coke mixture for the batter; gentle heating is sufficient.
- Sifting powdered sugar helps prevent lumps in the frosting.
- Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- The frosting is best poured hot to soak into the cake for maximum moistness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (1/12th of cake)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Coca-Cola cake, chocolate cake, southern dessert, classic cake, cola chocolate cake, fudgy frosting