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Cracker Barrel Coca Cola Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 76 reviews

This Cracker Barrel Coca-Cola Cake is a classic Southern dessert renowned for its rich chocolate flavor enhanced by the unique moisture and subtle tang of Coca-Cola. Featuring a tender, moist chocolate cake with a luscious, fudgy Coca-Cola-infused frosting poured over while still warm, this recipe brings a nostalgic and irresistible treat to your table. Perfect for any gathering or as a comforting homemade indulgence.

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, cut into cubes
  • 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, cut into cubes
  • 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 or use baking spray with flour. Set the pan aside to use later.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined and free of lumps.
  3. Melt Butter and Coca-Cola: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cubed butter and 1 cup Coca-Cola. Stir occasionally until the butter fully melts and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and avoid boiling.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients to Dry: Pour the hot butter and Coca-Cola mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir with a whisk or spatula just until combined; the batter will be thin.
  5. Incorporate Buttermilk, Oil, Eggs, and Vanilla: Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the batter. Mix thoroughly until smooth and fully combined with no visible egg streaks.
  6. Pour Batter into Prepared Pan: Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch pan, spreading it out to the edges.
  7. Bake the Cake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking at 30 minutes. The cake should spring back lightly when pressed.
  8. Prepare Frosting While Cake Bakes: In a medium saucepan, combine cubed butter, ¼ cup Coca-Cola, and ¼ cup cocoa powder. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat immediately.
  9. Whisk in Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Off the heat, 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 or milk if needed to keep it pourable.
  10. Pour Frosting Over Hot Cake: As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, evenly pour the warm frosting over it. The heat will melt the frosting into a fudgy glaze soaking into the cake top.
  11. Let Frosting Set: Allow the frosting to set at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until it firms slightly. You may refrigerate briefly to speed this process but room temp is preferred for best texture.
  12. Slice and Serve: Once frosted and set, cut the cake into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

Notes

  • Use regular Coca-Cola, not diet, for optimal moisture and sweetness.
  • Measure flour by spooning and leveling for accurate amounts to avoid a dense cake.
  • If you don’t have buttermilk, mix ½ tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar with ½ cup milk and let sit 5 minutes.
  • Sifting powdered sugar before adding it to frosting ensures a smooth texture without lumps.
  • The frosting should be poured while warm for that signature fudgy glaze effect.
  • Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated up to 4 days.
  • Let the cake cool slightly before pouring frosting if it’s too hot to prevent frosting from becoming too runny.

Keywords: Coca-Cola cake, Southern dessert, chocolate cake, fudge frosting, classic cake, moist chocolate cake, nostalgic recipe

Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/cracker-barrel-coca-cola-cake-recipe/