Southern Coca Cola Cake with Cake Mix

If you’ve ever craved the irresistible combination of a moist, chocolatey cake paired with a rich, fudgy frosting, then this Southern Coca Cola Cake is a must-try.

This beloved dessert brings together the best of cake mixes and Coca Cola to create a decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a sweet craving, this easy-to-make cake will undoubtedly satisfy.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity — using a box cake mix as the base and Coca Cola to enhance the flavor profile.

The result is a super moist cake that pairs perfectly with a smooth, homemade Coca Cola frosting that hardens into a sweet, chocolatey shell. Let’s dive into the ingredients and preparation steps for this mouthwatering dessert!

Ingredients List

For the Cake:

• 1 (15.25 ounce) box chocolate or Devil’s Food cake mix, plus ingredients called for on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
• 1 cup Coca Cola (or enough to replace the water called for on the package directions)

For the Coca Cola Frosting:

• ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 6 tablespoons Coca Cola
• 1 (16 ounce) box confectioners sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup finely chopped pecans (optional, but highly recommended for extra crunch and flavor)

Instructions: How to Make Southern Coca Cola Cake

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s walk through the simple steps to create this decadent Coca Cola cake from start to finish. This cake comes together quickly, and the best part is that the Coca Cola adds a distinct flavor and moisture that makes it stand out from your everyday chocolate cake.

Step 1: Bake the Cake

1. Prepare the cake mix: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Mix the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, follow the instructions on the cake mix box, but make one crucial substitution — replace the water with 1 cup of Coca Cola. This gives the cake that signature soda flavor and enhances the overall richness.
3. Bake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and bake according to the box instructions, usually around 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. While your cake is baking, let’s move on to preparing the Coca Cola frosting.

Step 2: Make the Coca Cola Frosting

1. Cook the frosting base: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the butter, unsweetened cocoa powder, and Coca Cola. Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
2. Mix in the powdered sugar: Once it starts boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the sifted confectioners sugar. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
3. Add vanilla and pecans: Stir in the vanilla extract for that extra layer of flavor. If you’re using pecans, fold them in now, making sure they’re evenly distributed in the frosting. This gives the cake a delightful crunch.

Step 3: Ice the Cake

1. Pour the hot frosting: When the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the hot Coca Cola frosting over the warm cake. The frosting will spread easily and begin to firm up as it cools.
2. Let it set: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. As it cools, the frosting will harden into a glossy, sweet shell that pairs perfectly with the soft, moist cake.

Serving and Decoration

Now that your Southern Coca Cola Cake is ready, it’s time to think about serving it up in style! While this cake is delicious on its own, there are a few ways you can take it to the next level with some creative touches and additions.

Suggested Toppings and Coatings

While the cake and frosting are already flavorful and indulgent, a few additional toppings or decorations can elevate the presentation and taste:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can complement the rich flavors of the cake, offering a cool contrast to the warm, fudgy frosting.
• Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling a little extra chocolate sauce on top of the cake can add an extra layer of decadence. It’s perfect for any chocolate lover!
• Maraschino Cherries: Top each slice with a maraschino cherry for a pop of color and a hint of tartness to balance the sweetness of the cake.
• Additional Chopped Pecans: If you love the crunch of pecans, feel free to sprinkle extra chopped pecans on top of the frosting for an added texture that enhances the flavor.

Tips for Serving

• Serve Fresh: This cake is best served the day it’s made to enjoy the full flavor and texture of the freshly poured frosting. It’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, and family gatherings!
• Storage: If you have leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to let the frosting fully set before covering it so that it doesn’t become sticky.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (though I’m sure you won’t!), here’s how to keep your Coca Cola cake fresh for a few extra days:

How to Keep Coca Cola Cake Fresh

To keep your Southern Coca Cola Cake fresh, simply store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This cake will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. The frosting will harden into a sweet shell, and the cake itself remains moist, so it’s still delicious even a few days after baking.

Freezing Coca Cola Cake

If you want to save this cake for later, freezing is a great option! Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare for Freezing: Allow the cake to cool completely. Once cooled, cut it into individual slices if you’d like.
2. Wrap the Cake: Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, ensuring it’s tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn.
3. Store in Freezer Bag: Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. The cake will stay fresh for up to 1 month in the freezer.
4. Thaw and Serve: When you’re ready to enjoy your cake, simply remove the slices from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours. You can also warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds for an even fresher taste.

Conclusion

This Southern Coca Cola Cake with Cake Mix is an easy-to-make, decadent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. From its soft, moist cake to the sweet, fudgy Coca Cola frosting, every bite is a slice of Southern comfort. Plus, with the option to freeze and store, you can enjoy this treat long after it’s made!

Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it for an afternoon snack, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a truly memorable dessert. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, bake this cake, and enjoy a taste of Southern sweetness in every bite!