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Cracker Barrel Coca Cola Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 10 reviews
  • Author: Lora
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American Southern

Description

This Cracker Barrel Coca Cola Cake is a rich and moist chocolate cake with a unique twist of Coca-Cola in both the batter and frosting. The combination of cocoa and soda creates a tender crumb and a moist texture, topped with a luscious chocolate frosting that includes Coca-Cola for extra depth of flavor. Perfect for chocolate lovers looking for a nostalgic southern dessert.


Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 cup Coca-Cola
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (such as canola or coconut oil)
  • 1/2 cup salted butter
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs (at room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup salted butter
  • 1/4 cup Coca-Cola
  • 3 cups powdered sugar (more if needed)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract


Instructions

  1. Prep the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9x13 inch baking pan and lightly sprinkle it with flour to prevent sticking. Set the pan aside while you prepare the batter.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and all-purpose flour. Stir them together and set this mixture aside.
  3. Make the Coca-Cola mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the salted butter, 1 cup Coca-Cola, vegetable oil, and 1/3 cup cocoa powder. Stir and bring this mixture to a boil to melt the butter and blend the flavors.
  4. Combine wet and dry: Remove the saucepan from heat once boiling. Pour the hot mixture into the bowl with the flour and sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat on low to medium speed for about one minute until well combined.
  5. Add eggs and remaining ingredients: Add the eggs to the bowl and mix to combine. Then add the buttermilk, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Beat again on medium speed for about one minute, making sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
  6. Transfer batter to pan: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly using a spatula. Level the top to ensure uniform baking.
  7. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter.
  8. Make the Coca-Cola frosting: While the cake bakes, prepare the frosting. Over medium heat in a saucepan, combine the butter, 1/3 cup cocoa powder, and 1/4 cup Coca-Cola. Stir and bring just to boiling point to melt and blend the ingredients.
  9. Finish frosting and apply: Remove the frosting mixture from the heat and immediately whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Pour this frosting evenly over the warm cake and spread with a spatula.
  10. Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool completely to set the frosting. Once cooled, slice and serve. Enjoy this moist, flavorful chocolate delight with a hint of Coca-Cola kick.

Notes

  • If you prefer a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar gradually until desired consistency is reached.
  • Make sure eggs are at room temperature for better batter consistency.
  • Using salted butter adds a slight balance to the sweetness; adjust salt if using unsalted butter.
  • Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
  • You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar as a quick buttermilk alternative.
  • Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.