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Double Fudge Coca-Cola Cake

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Here I go with yet another cake recipe. Please forgive me, I just love cake. It’s in my genetic make-up. I’m predisposed to loving cakes. And this cake is so good y’all, I can barely contain myself from going to make another one as I type this. Most folks in the south are familiar with this beloved cake.   It’s basically a good ole chocolate-y cake with Coca Cola as one of the ingredients. Now, most people can’t really taste the Coke as a separate ingredient in this. It just adds  that extra little something special that you can’t quite put your finger on. Is it a little sweeter? Is it spongier? Is it smoother? It’s all of those things and more. It’s just plain ole goodness on a plate. I suppose there are a few recipes for this cake floating around. Some have marshmallows in them and some are made totally from scratch. My cake takes it’s cues from the Double Fudge Coca Cola Cake at Cracker Barrel. It’s a seasonal cake that they carry and oh heavens is it good!

This cake is simple, it’s chocolate-y, it’s fudgy, it is so incredibly moist and the frosting will make you wanna slap your Momma. Okay, not really, I’d have to smack ya if you ever thought about smacking your Momma. You get what I’m saying. My husband just adores this cake.  If you’ve never tried this, I hope you’ll give it a whirl.  I’m thinking you’ll be coming back for seconds!

 Ingredients:

1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate fudge cake mix
1 small box (4 oz.) instant chocolate pudding
Ingredients listed on back of cake mix box (eggs & oil – water not needed)
1 1/3 cups Coca Cola
1 stick unsalted butter
3 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa
4-6 tbsp. heavy cream or milk* (see notes below)
2 cups (packed) powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
I like the Chocolate Fudge cake mixes but Devil’s Food Cake mix works good too. Don’t worry, we aren’t using that whole bottle of Coke.
 
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Spray 9×13 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Prepare cake mix according to package directions. But instead of adding water, you will replace that amount with Coca-Cola. Stir in dry instant pudding mix to the batter as well.
With this mix, it called for 1 1/3 cups of water, I substituted that with 1 1/3 cups of Coca Cola.
Pour batter into baking dish and bake according to package directions (usually 35-39 minutes.)
Just before cake is ready to come out of the oven, start making frosting. In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, start melting one stick of butter/margarine. Add in cocoa powder and heavy cream (or milk, if using) and stir. Then stir in confectioners sugar. At this point I’ll grab a whisk and stir briskly to get all the lumps out. Take mixture off heat and add in vanilla extract. Once cake comes out of oven, pour frosting over warm cake. Sprinkle with chopped nuts (if using.)
 
Cook’s Note: If you are using milk instead of heavy cream, you will probably only need about 3-4 tbsp. of it because milk is thinner than heavy cream. Just use your judgement on it. Or, you can always add a bit more powdered sugar to the frosting to make it thicker if you like.

Enjoy!

 

5 from 2 votes
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Double Fudge Coca-Cola Cake

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 8 -10
Author The Country Cook

Ingredients

  • 1 oz box chocolate fudge cake mix 15.25
  • 1 oz small box instant chocolate pudding 4 .
  • ingredients listed on back of cake mix box *water not needed eggs & oil
  • 1 1/3 cups Coca-Cola
  • 1 stick margarine or unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp . unsweetened cocoa
  • 4-6 tbsp . heavy cream or milk* see notes below
  • 2 cups powdered sugar packed
  • 1 tsp . vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F degrees.
  2. Spray 9 x 13 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
  3. Prepare cake mix according to package directions but instead of adding water, you will replace that amount with Coca-Cola.
  4. Add in dry instant pudding mix to the batter as well.
  5. Pour batter into baking dish and bake according to package directions (usually 35-39 minutes).
  6. Just before cake is ready to come out of the oven, start making frosting.
  7. In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, start melting one stick of butter/margarine.
  8. Add in cocoa powder and heavy cream (or milk, if using) and stir.
  9. Then stir in confectioners sugar. Stir briskly with a whisk to get all the lumps out.
  10. Take mixture off heat and add in vanilla extract.
  11. Once cake comes out of oven, pour frosting over warm cake.
  12. Do your best to spread it out evenly.
  13. Sprinkle chopped nuts on top, if using.

Recipe Notes

If you are using milk instead of heavy cream, you will probably only need about 3-4 tbsp. of it because milk is thinner than heavy cream. Just use your judgement on it. Start with less and add a little at a time to get the right consistency. Or, you can always add a bit more powdered sugar to the frosting to make it thicker if you like. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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Comments

  2. I do believe I am going to have to make this. My youngest daughter was just telling me about the Cracker Barrel cake, I haven't tried it yet but this looks fabulous. Maybe I will make it for the Clemson game on Wednesday night! Thanks for the inspiration.

    Reply

  6. I love this cake!! It's also one of my husband's birthday favorites that I make for him! I made it as a layer cake this year which looks pretty, but I think the moistness and gooey factor of this sheetcake tastes better! 🙂 I guess, either way you can't go wrong with chocolate!
    Blessings
    Leslie

    Reply

  7. I've never had the cake at Cracker Barrel (who has room for dessert?!), but this sure does look good. I'd go with a slice of the cake WITH nuts. But my husband would like to have what your husband is having. 😉

    Reply

  10. I have never had this cake but I keep seeing it pop up on blogs here and there. It looks so tasty… I am just going to have to make it already. YUM!

    Reply

  12. I love this recipe! It's so moist and chocolaty! If you happen to be in a part of the country that sells Cheerwine, sub the Cheerwine for the Coca-Cola. It has a hint of cherry flavor. You can even make the glaze with the Cheerwine in it – just sub it for the milk/cream. Yummy!

    Reply

  16. Oh Baby! I have to admit…I'm really not a cake person..unless you dress it up…like you seem to do with all your cake recipes! This looks awesome and I'm sure it's just as tasty as all your others. SO glad you shared. Pinning!

    Reply

  17. OKAY…I'll admit that when I saw your email today I thought, "not another dessert recipe….I've had so much sugar during the holidays!" Then I made the mistake of LOOKING at the recipe & the picture of the cake! Let's just say that I will be buying the ingredients to make it today!!!

    Reply

  18. Thank you for this recipe, I think I'll make it for my mom's birthday this weekend. I have a question though….are you using regular or salted butter?

    Reply

  21. Alison, ya know, that's a good question. I don't suppose I've ever made it with flat Coke now that I think about it. I'm not really sure if the carbonation affects the recipe at all. I know it helps with flavor (although you can't really taste the Coke in this – it just adds some good flavor). I say give it a whirl, I bet it will taste great!

    Reply

  22. I had a recipe that you used cherry coke and mini chips and egg beaters. This looks so much yummier!! Plus the frosting makes it almost like Texas Sheet cake 🙂

    Do you think that it would be good with flat soda? I had some in the fridge that I didn't know what to do with it.

    Reply

  26. Wendy – coca cola cake is traditionally a chocolate cake and that's the only way I've made it. Not sure I would want to do it with a marble cake to be honest. The coke really adds to the chocolate flavor (although you don't really taste it as a separate ingredient). But lots of great recipes come from experimenting with different flavors. :o)

    Reply

  29. I love this blog <3
    I don't actually cook, but I like to bake. I made this cake for my family and it is so moist and delicious. A big hit with everyone and I will definitely make it again. Thank you for all of the fantastic recipes!

    Reply

  30. Thi cake just like the 7up lemon cake was incredible…this was one of the moistest cakes i've ever had..another great recipe thanks.. Made this for family & they loved it… Will be making again

    Reply

  31. Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Fudge cake mix is the best in the world!!!

    Wow, I'm so glad I found your site. Lots of good recipes!

    Thank you.

    Reply

  32. Does this need refrigerated? I wasn't sure since it had the heavy cream in the icing? Can you please tell me what you usually do? I made it today and turned it into cake balls with marashino cherries stuffed in each ball!! I can't wait to try them!! Thanks for the recipe, from what I tasted while making the cake balls, it's delicious!!!

    Reply

  33. Does the pudding play a big factor in how the cake turns out? Halfway through the cake baking, I found the pudding box pushed behind the toaster oven! And I was also curious about the refrigeration aspect.

    Thanks!

    Reply

  34. I've made this cake twice now and everyone loves it. it taste great! I did add milk chocolate morsals to cake mix, to make it a little richer and added pecans to icing before pouring onto cake. Thanks for a delicious cake!!

    Reply

  36. Thank you for sharing this wonderful, delicious, yummy recipe. I found your recipe on Pinterest. The cake was easy to make and has great favor. The cake came out perfect and moist. I made the cake twice and every time it's been a big hit.

    Reply

  38. Made this yesterday and it was the best cake ever! Making it again for a friend next week, it is going to be my favorite cake to make. Thank you! So easy with the cake mix! barb

    Reply

  39. My boys loved this cake as did I. My oldest is not really a cake eater and I think he ate the most…Awesome recipe, defintley will use again!

    Reply

  40. Just made this cake & put the icing on it, now I'm wondering what a couple others are wondering, refrigerate or not??

    Reply

  41. I have never been a cake eater, but one of my friends on facebook posted it, and I could just hear it calling my name. After doing an extensive search on the web for the recipe, I found yours to look and sound the best. I am right now in the process of making it, and will let you know how well it turned out, and since my grandkids live across the street, I will be able to include their opinion as well. I even have a feeling my diabetic hubby might sneak a bite too, even though it is a no-no. Thank you for sharing your recipe with me!

    Reply

  42. Thank you for posting this recipe. Cracker Barrel is one my favorite places to eat and this cake is often hard to resist! I am glad I can make it at home now for a fraction of the cost per serving. Thank you for posting!

    Reply

  44. I've never had a Coke cake, but I'm totally up for it!!! I mean, who the heck doesn't like chocolate, anyway (except all the poor saps who are allergic to it)? When making 7-Up cake, my grandmothers & aunts usually add a little of the soda to the icing/glaze recipe to help give it a little lemon-lime "kick". I think I might try adding a little cola to this frosting just to see how it turns out…

    Reply

  46. Gonna try this with Dr. Pepper, since that's what I have on hand, but won't do it right away, since we're both diabetics and I usually make these things only for church events or family get-togethers. I'm thinking this would be great for my sister's house on Thanksgiving, as a change from all the pumpkin and apple desserts that will be there! If I can think to respond, I'll let you know how it worked out with Dr.. Pepper 10! 🙂

    Reply

  47. I was thinking, why can't I just use a cake mix and substitute the water for Coca-Cola? Here, you've read my mind, before I even thought it, ha ha. I think I'm gonna use 1 cup Coke and 1/2 cup buttermilk, as some of the scratch recipes use buttermilk. But some of them use up to (not kidding) 2 cups of butter. OMG, why would a cake need that much butter? I'm gonna try your recipe and I bet it turns out fab! Thanks for the post

    Reply

  48. This is a quick and easy chocolate sheet cake. This is a good stand in for Cracker barrel 's Coca Cola cake; which is heaven on a plate! My two favorite things in the world are together, Coca Cola and Chocolate! This Cake turned out just perfect. (I was concerned at first since the batter was a little thick). The icing for this cake is so yummy too! thanks Brandie, I follow your recipes often!

    Reply

  49. I've always made the old fashioned home made coca cola cake which my mother in law had shared with me when I first married her only son, whose favorite cake was Coca Cola Cake, but this is a must try. My grandkids are always asking for me to make them one and this is simple enough to whip up anytime for them.
    Thanks for sharing..

    Reply

  50. I'm wondering if it matters if the coke is flat or not…..? Does the fiz in the coke make the cake more fluffy or moist? Guess I'll find out, cuz I had a coke left over from last weekend that I saved just 4 this cake, but I meant 2 make it B4 now, but NE way, I'll try 2 Remember 2 post back & let y'all know! NE 1 else tried this?

    Reply

  51. Do you think I could use Almond milk, mixed with some half and half for the whipping cream portion, or just half and half?

    Reply

  53. Thank you SO much. I ate this cake years ago and thought it was awesome with the best icing ever. I will definitely be making this soon. We have four generations living under one roof, food is slim at times but this seems affordable with ingredients I usually have on hand. My elderly Mother loves cake, as does my Granddaughter. Can't wait!

    Reply

  54. Thank you for posting a cola recipe that doesn't use buttermilk and uses a simple box mix! I was talking with my sister-in-law and got to thinking if this recipe could be made using a yellow cake mix and vanilla pudding instead. I'm only asking because my Coke of choice is vanilla Coke, but I'm sure the vanilla Coke could very easily be used instead of regular Coke in this chocolate cake! Thanks again for the easy recipe!

    Reply

  56. I have a Willams Sonoma ‘Great Cupcake Pan’ and wonder what modifications I would have to make. Please help. Love your recipes

    Reply

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