Cracker Barrel Coca Cola Cake Recipe
The Cracker Barrel Coca Cola Cake Recipe delivers a rich, moist chocolate cake with a unique Southern twist, thanks to Coca-Cola’s caramel-like flavor. This easy-to-make dessert, topped with fudgy frosting, is perfect for gatherings or a cozy treat. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it captures the nostalgic charm of Cracker Barrel’s iconic dessert. Ideal for beginner bakers, it’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with ice cream or coffee.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Medium Saucepan
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber Spatula
- Oven Mitts
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup Coca-Cola regular, not diet
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
Frosting Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup Coca-Cola
- 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans optional
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray. This prevents the cake from sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups flour, 2 cups sugar, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt. Whisk them together until evenly mixed. Set this dry mixture aside.
Step 3: Heat Wet Ingredients
- In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup butter over medium heat. Add 1 cup Coca-Cola and 1/4 cup cocoa powder, stirring until smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Pour the warm Coca-Cola mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. Stir gently with a whisk until fully combined. The batter will be slightly lumpy at this stage.
Step 5: Add Remaining Wet Ingredients
- Add 1/2 cup buttermilk, 2 eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the batter. Whisk until smooth and well-blended. The batter should be thin and pourable.
Step 6: Fold in Marshmallows
- Gently stir in 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows. They’ll partially melt into the batter, adding sweetness and texture. Don’t overmix at this point.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the greased 9x13-inch pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool slightly before frosting.
Step 8: Prepare the Frosting
- In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Add 1/3 cup Coca-Cola and 3 tbsp cocoa powder, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
Step 9: Mix in Powdered Sugar
- Pour the warm frosting mixture over 4 cups powdered sugar in a mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth and glossy. If using pecans, stir in 1/2 cup chopped pecans.
Step 10: Frost the Cake
- Pour the warm frosting over the slightly cooled cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The frosting will set as it cools, creating a fudgy layer. Let the cake cool for about an hour before serving.
Notes
When making this Cracker Barrel Coca Cola Cake, use regular Coca-Cola for the best flavor and texture, as diet versions won’t yield the same results. Pour the frosting over a slightly warm cake to ensure it sets properly. Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat gently for the best taste.