Description
Y’all, we’re about to talk about a cake that’s basically Southern comfort food royalty dressed up for a special occasion. This Coca-Cola Fudge Layer Cake is what happens when classic Southern Coca-Cola cake meets rich chocolate fudge and decides to get fancy with multiple layers. We’re talking about incredibly moist chocolate cake made with actual Coke (yes, the fizzy drink), layered with the most decadent fudge frosting that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about chocolate cake. The Coca-Cola doesn’t just add sweetness — it creates this unique depth and keeps the cake ridiculously tender. It’s the kind of dessert that stops conversations and has people asking “wait, there’s Coke in this?” This isn’t just cake; it’s an experience that’ll transport you straight to a Southern front porch where everything’s sweet and life moves a little slower.
Ingredients
For the Coca-Cola Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 cup Coca-Cola (not diet — you need the real thing)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Fudge Frosting:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup Coca-Cola
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 lb powdered sugar (about 4 cups), sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional but very Southern)
- Pinch of salt
For Assembly:
- Extra pecans for decorating
- Chocolate shavings or curls (optional)
- A cold Coke to sip while you admire your masterpiece
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
Lightly dust with cocoa powder (instead of flour) for extra chocolate vibes.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Make sure there are no lumps — sift if you need to.
In another bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, Coca-Cola, oil, and vanilla.
The mixture might look a little weird with the Coke, but trust the process.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
Whisk until just combined — don’t overmix or your cake will be tough.
The batter will be quite thin, which is exactly what we want.
Divide batter evenly between your prepared pans.
Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Don’t overbake — the Coke keeps it moist, but we don’t want dry cake.
Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
In a medium saucepan, combine butter, Coca-Cola, and cocoa powder.
Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, then remove from heat.
Gradually whisk in the sifted powdered sugar until smooth.
Stir in vanilla, pecans (if using), and a pinch of salt.
Let it cool for 15-20 minutes until it’s spreadable but not too thick.
Place one cake layer on your serving plate.
Spread about 1/3 of the frosting over the top.
Place the second layer on top and press gently.
Spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides.
Work quickly — this frosting sets as it cools.
Sprinkle with extra pecans or chocolate shavings if you’re feeling fancy.
Let it set for about 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Serve with a tall glass of ice-cold milk or, naturally, an ice-cold Coke.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside never hurt anyone.
Perfect with coffee for those who like their dessert with caffeine.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~485 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~92g
- Protein: ~4g