A Rich & Moist Southern Classic
If you love ultra-moist, chocolatey cakes with a nostalgic Southern twist, then this Southern Chocolate Cola Cake is a must-try! Made with classic cola, rich cocoa, and a decadent chocolate glaze, this cake is soft, fudgy, and packed with old-fashioned charm.
I love this recipe because it’s easy to make, incredibly moist, and has a deep, rich flavor thanks to the cola and buttermilk. It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday celebrations!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: What does cola do in this cake?
Cola adds moisture, deepens the chocolate flavor, and helps create a soft, tender crumb. It also gives the cake a slight caramelized sweetness.
Q: Can I use diet soda or other sodas?
For best results, stick with regular cola. Diet soda lacks sugar, which affects texture, but you can substitute Dr Pepper or root beer for a fun twist!
Q: Can I make this without buttermilk?
Yes! Substitute ½ cup whole milk + ½ tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Q: How should I store this cake?
Store it covered at room temperature for 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I add nuts?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts are a classic addition to the frosting.
What You Need to Make Southern Chocolate Cola Cake
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup cola (Coca-Cola or Pepsi)
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Cola Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup cola
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
How to Make Southern Chocolate Cola Cake
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and oil. Stir in cocoa powder and cola, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Pour the hot mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until smooth.
- Add buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool slightly while you prepare the frosting.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Cola Frosting
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add cocoa powder and cola, stirring until smooth.
- Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in chopped pecans (if using).
Step 5: Frost & Serve
- Pour the warm frosting over the slightly warm cake, spreading evenly.
- Let the frosting set for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Chocolate Cola Cake
✔ Use room temperature ingredients – Helps everything mix smoothly.
✔ Don’t overmix the batter – Mix until just combined to keep the cake tender.
✔ Pour frosting over a warm cake – This helps it spread evenly and soak into the cake.
✔ For extra richness – Add ½ cup mini marshmallows to the frosting before pouring.
✔ Want extra crunch? – Sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the frosting.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma L. – “So moist and chocolatey! The cola adds a unique sweetness that makes this cake incredible!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 James K. – “My grandma used to make this cake, and this recipe is spot on! So nostalgic.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Samantha W. – “Super easy to make, and the frosting is AMAZING! Perfect for potlucks.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lucas R. – “Tried it with Dr Pepper instead of Coke, and it was fantastic!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica T. – “A Southern classic! Will be making this again for every family gathering.”
Printable Recipe
Southern Chocolate Cola Cake
This Southern Chocolate Cola Cake is a rich, ultra-moist cake made with classic cola, cocoa, and a decadent chocolate glaze—a true Southern favorite!
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup cola (Coca-Cola or Pepsi)
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Chocolate Cola Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup cola
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and oil. Stir in cocoa powder and cola, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Pour the hot mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until smooth.
- Add buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool slightly while you prepare the frosting.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Cola Frosting
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add cocoa powder and cola, stirring until smooth.
- Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in chopped pecans (if using).
Step 5: Frost & Serve
- Pour the warm frosting over the slightly warm cake, spreading evenly.
- Let the frosting set for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved this Southern Chocolate Cola Cake, don’t keep it to yourself! Share it on social media, pin it on Pinterest, or send it to a friend who loves Southern desserts. I’d love to see your versions—tag me if you try it!
