Double Fudge Coca-Cola Cake
Cracker Barrel inspired
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 chocolate fudge cake mix
1 small box (4 oz.) instant chocolate pudding
3 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 cup Coca-Cola
1 stick salted butter
3 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa
4-6 tbsp. heavy cream or milk* (see notes below)
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Then whisk in confectioners sugar. Whisk briskly to get all the lumps out. Take mixture off heat and stir in vanilla extract. 
Pour frosting over warm cake and gently spread it evenly over cake. 
Sprinkle with chopped nuts (if using.)
I think this cake is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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!
Originally published: January 2012
Updated & Republished: March 2019
- 1 box chocolate fudge cake mix
- 1 (4 oz) (small box) instant chocolate pudding
- 3 eggs
- 1/3 cup oil
- 1 cup Coca-Cola
- 1 stick salted butter, (1/2 cup)
- 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa
- 4-6 tbsp heavy cream or milk *see notes below
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional
- Preheat oven to 350F degrees.
- Spray 9 x 13 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, with an electric mixer, stir together cake mix, dry pudding mix, eggs, oil and Coke for about 2 minutes on medium speed.
Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake according to package directions (usually 35-40 minutes). Note: The cake will have a slight dip in the center. This is normal. When it is done, a toothpick will come out clean.
In a medium saucepan, over medium-low heat, start melting butter.
- Add in cocoa powder and heavy cream (or milk, if using) and stir.
Then whisk in confectioners sugar. Stir briskly with a whisk to get all the lumps out.
Take mixture off heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Pour frosting over cake and evenly spread it out over cake.
Sprinkle chopped nuts on top, if using. I think this cake is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Recipe Video
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.
Girl you never ever apologize for cake. 😉 yum!
This is so funny! We had breakfast at cracker barrel yesterday morning and my husband saw this cake on the menu and asked if I could make it for him. Now I have a recipe!
It’s delicious. You’ll not be sorry! Haha
I have to make a birthday cake for a friend this week . . . gonna do this. Thanks. (And best wishes for a happy new year, Brandie!)
I was going to make this on Christmas. I ened up making the three day coconut cake. I forgot how yummy and chocolaty it was until I saw your picture. Thanks for sharing with us.
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.
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
Oh yum, look at all that chocolate! Aren't we all predisposed to like cake? Or at least you and I have something in common 🙂
This looks so delicious. I cannot wait to give it a try. Come visit. We have a wonderful low fat blue cheese dip to use on veges or crackers. Delicious.
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!
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. 😉
Mmm this cake looks amazing, what a great recipe! Happy New Year! xoxo
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!
You can never have too many cake recipes and this looks insanely moist!
Hi Cindy! Hope you like it! I use unsalted butter 🙂
Yum- thank you!
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!
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!!!
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?
Wow this cake looks wonderful!! I never thought to put coca cola in cake!
How about cherry coke and maybe a little almond extract? That sound good to me.
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!
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.
Just keep these cakes comin'! chocolate cake with coke, Yum!
This looks fantastic! I would never think to use soda.
could you use this to make a marble cake? Birthday coming up.Thanks, Wendy
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)
Oops! Nevermind!
macawsj – thank you so much for taking the time to comment! I really appreciate it. I am so happy y'all liked this one!! 🙂
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!
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
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.
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!!!
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!
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!!
That's what I do also. Yummy
Awesome cake me and my husband loved this ! 🙂
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.
Thank you! Making this tomorrow!
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
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!
Diane, thank you for coming back to let me know how it turned out! Somehow I missed your comment when you posted this.
Just made this cake & put the icing on it, now I'm wondering what a couple others are wondering, refrigerate or not??
I don't usually refrigerate it if we are going to eat it within a day. Anything longer than that and I will 🙂
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!
Gail, I hope this one turned out good for you!!
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!
Hope you love it Destiny!
Will make this for Bible study tonight. Thanks! Kim
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…
Two thumbs wayyyy up for this one!
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! 🙂
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
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!
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..
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?
Do you think I could use Almond milk, mixed with some half and half for the whipping cream portion, or just half and half?
You're missing one key ingredient in the cake batter and that's marshmallows.
Heather
Cracker Barrel Employee 😀
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!
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!
Amazingly moist! It tastes like brownies and it light and fluffy. Frosting is amazing!
I have a Willams Sonoma ‘Great Cupcake Pan’ and wonder what modifications I would have to make. Please help. Love your recipes
Hi Sue! I’m so sorry – I have never baked with that pan so I can’t really say. It might just need to be an experiment with the timing. Perhaps someone else on here will know! 🙂
Thanks for sharing! I normally make my Coca Cola cake from scratch and being so pressed for time , I’m definitely gonna try this TODAY!1 Thanks!
Hey Brandie – first of all THANKS SO MUCH for using a cake mix! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve discarded tasty sounding cake recipes because they were “scratch” cakes and I don’t keep all those ingredients on hand! And second – I got tickled reading your icing directions directions to “whisk” in the cocoa powder; “whisk” in the cream, “whisk” in the confectioners sugar; and “whisk” it good to get the lumps out. Whew! Thankfully the vanilla just gets stirred in, haha! Just teasing you honey. ☺
Can’t wait to make this cake for my son next time he visits. He loves homemade desserts and this one will knock his socks off. Thanks for sharing Brandie.
Ha! With all that whisking, it sounds like I’m selling my own brand of whisks, huh? LOL. Thanks so much Sharon!!
Would this recipe work in a Bundt pan? Just a thought, would love to know what you think.. I cant wait to make this cake!
I would like to make this cake for a party this weekend and wanted to know if this would work in a Bundt pan? I look forward to your reply.
I would love to make this can I use unsalter butter als can I make this in a bandit pan will let you know how it turns and by the way I will be making your 7 up bandit cake next week looking forward hearing from you thank for your great recipes you go girl keep them coming my way hope you have a great weekend
I’ve made this cake two times within the last three weeks. My husband’s not a big chocolate cake fan, but he has proclaimed this cake as his favorite cake of all time! It’s my favorite, too, and I love chocolate cake. I just make it for the second time this morning, which prompted me to come on here and leave a comment about how wonderful (and easy!) this recipe is! Thank you! You’re my favorite food blogger! <3
Can you use diet Coke in this recipe or does it have to be regular Coke?
Can’t wait to try…I’m trying this for Bunco tomorrow… can you make it with Diet Coke and use a bundt pan? would the icing work for a bundt drizzle?
Thanks!
Alicia
Do I have to use cooking spray? When a recipe calls for greasing the pan, I usually use shortening. I’m planning on baking this on Saturday for my husband’s birthday.
Don’t EVER apologize for loving cake!!