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Cracker Barrel Coca Cola Cake Recipe

Cracker Barrel Coca Cola Cake Recipe

4.8 from 8 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared 9×13 baking pan, spreading it evenly to the edges.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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

Keywords: Coca-Cola cake, chocolate cake, southern dessert, classic cake, cola chocolate cake, fudgy frosting