Indulge in the Ultimate Double Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake: Cracker Barrel Copycat Recipe

Prepare yourself for a truly irresistible dessert that’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite! This Double Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake recipe delivers a spectacularly moist and fudgy texture, inspired by Cracker Barrel’s beloved classic. It’s surprisingly easy to whip up, making it the perfect showstopper for any gathering, celebration, or a simple weeknight treat. Imagine a rich, chocolatey cake, infused with the subtle, unique flavor of Coca-Cola, generously smothered in a warm, decadent fudgy frosting. Serve it warm with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream and a bright red cherry on top for an unforgettable, nostalgic dessert experience that will transport you straight to your favorite country-style restaurant.

Are you a fan of Coca-Cola in your cooking? Don’t stop at dessert! You’ll love exploring my other delightful Coca-Cola recipes. Be sure to try my Coca Cola Meatballs for a savory twist and my Coca Cola Fudge for another sweet, unique treat — they’re both incredibly good and full of flavor!

Have you ever dined at Cracker Barrel and fallen head over heels for their famous Coca-Cola Cake, wishing you could replicate that magical taste in your own kitchen? Well, your wish is about to come true! This copycat recipe allows you to recreate that iconic dessert at home, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by just how simple and straightforward the process is. No fancy culinary skills or specialized equipment required – just a desire for rich, homemade chocolate goodness.

Crafted primarily from common pantry staples, alongside fresh eggs, creamy buttermilk, rich butter, and of course, a bottle of classic Coca-Cola, you’ll bake a dessert that’s rich, deeply chocolatey, and delightfully moist. This double chocolate delight is guaranteed to impress your family and friends, earning you rave reviews and requests for more. Seriously, it’s not just a cake; it’s an experience, easily ranking as one of the best desserts you’ll ever make or taste.

The secret to its irresistible decadence lies partly in the glorious hot chocolate frosting, which is generously poured over the cake while it’s still warm from the oven. This creates an incredibly luscious, fudgy chocolate icing layer that melts slightly into the cake, enhancing its moisture and infusing every bite with unparalleled chocolate flavor. It’s a texture and taste combination that’s simply divine and truly addictive. If you’re a connoisseur of rich, double chocolate desserts, you absolutely must give these chocolate chocolate chip cookie bars a try next!

When preparing this exquisite dessert, there’s one crucial piece of advice to remember: **do NOT use diet soda.** The full-calorie, full-sugar version of Coca-Cola is absolutely essential for achieving that characteristic sweet flavor and the correct chemical reaction that contributes to the cake’s perfect texture. This is an indulgent dessert designed to be savored, so it’s definitely not the time to cut corners on calories. However, if your taste buds lean more towards Dr. Pepper than Coke, feel free to substitute it – the results are equally delicious. Additionally, the cherry-flavored versions of either brand, such as Cherry Coke or Cherry Dr. Pepper, work beautifully in this recipe, adding an extra layer of fruity sweetness that complements the chocolate wonderfully.

So, don’t delay! Grab your apron, gather all your ingredients, and let’s get started on creating this incredibly moist, rich, and utterly delightful double chocolate Coca-Cola cake. Your taste buds will thank you!

Why You’ll Love This Cracker Barrel Coca-Cola Cake Copycat

This recipe isn’t just about baking a cake; it’s about recreating a beloved comfort food experience at home. Here’s why this Double Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake will become a go-to in your recipe collection:

• Unmatched Moistness: The secret ingredient, Coca-Cola, works wonders, reacting with the baking soda and buttermilk to create an incredibly tender and moist crumb that’s simply divine.
• Deep Chocolate Flavor: We’re talking double the chocolate! Rich cocoa powder in both the cake and the frosting ensures a decadent chocolate experience in every single bite.
• Easy & Accessible: You don’t need a stand mixer or special techniques. With basic kitchen equipment and straightforward steps, anyone can bake this impressive dessert.
• Hot Fudge Frosting: The warm, pourable frosting creates a luxurious, fudgy layer that sets perfectly, offering a delightful contrast in texture and an extra burst of chocolate.
• Cracker Barrel Nostalgia: Bring the comforting, home-style taste of your favorite restaurant dessert right to your own table, perfect for sharing with loved ones.
• Versatile Serving: Enjoy it warm, at room temperature, or chilled. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, especially when paired with ice cream.

Ingredients for Coca Cola Chocolate Cake & Substitutions

This section provides detailed ingredient notes, explanations of their roles, and helpful substitution options to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time. You can find all precise measurements, a complete list of ingredients, and comprehensive instructions in the printable recipe card located at the very end of this post.

• All-Purpose Flour: There’s no need for specialty cake flour here; regular all-purpose flour works perfectly, providing the necessary structure for this delicious chocolate cake recipe. Ensure it’s properly measured, ideally by weight or the spoon-and-level method, to avoid a dense cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Standard white sugar is used to sweeten the cake batter, providing the essential sweetness and contributing to the cake’s tender crumb and moist texture.
• Baking Soda: This acts as a crucial leavening agent. It reacts with the acidic components in both the buttermilk and the Coca-Cola, producing carbon dioxide bubbles that help the cake rise beautifully and achieve a light, airy texture in the oven.
• Coca-Cola: The star ingredient! I strongly recommend using real, full-sugar Coca-Cola for the authentic flavor and the correct chemical reaction in the batter. However, you have options! Feel free to experiment with cherry-flavored versions (like Cherry Coke) or even Dr. Pepper for a slightly different, yet equally delicious, twist. Vanilla Coke can also add a delightful nuance. A crucial reminder: absolutely do not use diet soda, as the artificial sweeteners and lack of sugar will drastically alter the taste and texture.
• Salted Butter: I prefer salted butter for this recipe as it perfectly balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile. If you only have unsalted butter on hand, simply add an extra pinch (about 1/4 teaspoon) of fine salt to both the cake batter and the frosting to achieve a similar balance.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This is essential for delivering the rich, deep chocolate flavor to both the cake and its decadent frosting. Make sure it’s unsweetened natural cocoa powder, not Dutch-processed, as the latter reacts differently with baking soda.
• Large Eggs: Eggs are vital for providing structure, binding the ingredients together, and contributing to the cake’s richness and moisture. For best results, ensure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing, as they incorporate more smoothly into the batter.
• Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a subtle tang that beautifully balances the sweetness and richness of the cake, while also tenderizing the crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute: pour 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into a liquid measuring cup, then fill the rest with regular milk (dairy or non-dairy) to the 1/2 cup line. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles.
• Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract in both the cake batter and the frosting to enhance the chocolate and cola flavors, adding a warm, aromatic depth that elevates the entire dessert.
• Confectioner’s Sugar (Powdered Sugar): This fine sugar is exclusively used for the fudgy icing (not the cake batter). Its powdery texture is key to creating a smooth, lump-free, and creamy frosting that is perfect for pouring generously over the warm chocolate Coca-Cola cake.

Essential Equipment You’ll Need to Make Chocolate Coke Cake

Good news for all bakers, whether novice or experienced: you won’t need any specialized or fancy kitchen gadgets for this recipe! In fact, you don’t even need an electric mixer, making cleanup a breeze. Just basic baking tools are required to create this easy and impressive dessert, including:

• A sturdy 9×13 baking pan (a standard casserole dish works well).
• Several mixing bowls of various sizes for combining wet and dry ingredients.
• A trusty whisk for smoothly blending ingredients without overmixing.
• A small to medium-sized saucepan for heating the Coca-Cola mixture and preparing the hot frosting.
• Accurate measuring cups and spoons to ensure precise ingredient ratios for perfect results.
• A rubber spatula or wooden spoon for folding and scraping bowls.
• A cooling rack (optional, but helpful for cooling after the frosting sets if you plan to serve it cold).

How to Make the Best Homemade Coca-Cola Cake: Step-by-Step

This section provides a detailed, step-by-step guide with helpful photos to walk you through the entire baking process, ensuring perfect results. For the full, printer-friendly recipe card with exact measurements, please scroll down to the end of this post.

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, take a 9×13 inch baking dish and generously coat it with nonstick cooking spray, or grease and flour it thoroughly. Set the prepared pan aside, ready for the batter.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and baking soda. Use a whisk to thoroughly combine these dry ingredients, ensuring there are no lumps and they are evenly distributed. Set this bowl aside for a moment.

Step 3: Heat the Coca-Cola Mixture. In a small saucepan, combine the salted butter, Coca-Cola, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Place the saucepan over medium heat on your stovetop. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, whisking constantly to ensure the butter melts evenly and the cocoa powder fully dissolves without clumping. Watch for small bubbles to appear around the edges and then across the surface.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry. As soon as the cola mixture begins to bubble and boil, immediately remove it from the heat. Carefully and quickly pour the hot, boiling mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Stir gently with a spoon or whisk until just combined. It’s important not to overmix at this stage, as overworking the gluten in the flour can lead to a tough cake.

Step 5: Add Remaining Wet Ingredients. Now, mix in the remaining wet ingredients: the room-temperature eggs, pure vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Stir until everything is just incorporated and the batter is smooth. Again, be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine and often preferred.

Step 6: Bake the Cake. Pour the prepared cake batter evenly into your greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick or a cake tester into the center of the cake. It should come out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. If it’s still wet, bake for a few more minutes, checking frequently.

Step 7: Prepare for Frosting. Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and place it on a wire cooling rack. Do not wait for it to cool completely! Immediately begin preparing the hot fudge frosting while the cake is still warm – this is key for that signature fudgy layer.

Step 8: Make the Hot Frosting. In a separate medium-sized saucepan, combine the salted butter, Coca-Cola, unsweetened cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Place this saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a full boil, whisking continuously. The moment it reaches a boil, remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately whisk in the confectioner’s sugar until the frosting is completely smooth, glossy, and well combined, with no lumps remaining.

Step 9: Frost the Warm Cake. Without delay, pour the hot, freshly made frosting evenly over the top of the warm cake in the pan. The warmth of the cake will help the frosting spread beautifully and create a rich, fudgy layer that slightly melts into the surface.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy! Allow the frosting to set for about 10 to 15 minutes. This allows it to cool slightly and firm up into a perfect fudgy consistency. Then, slice and serve the cake while it’s still warm – this is when it’s at its most irresistible! Alternatively, you can let the cake cool slightly or completely before serving. This cake also tastes fantastic refrigerated, where it develops an even denser, almost brownie-like texture under its fudgy frosting. Enjoy every decadent bite!

Serving Suggestions for Your Coca-Cola Cake

This decadent chocolate Coca-Cola cake is incredibly versatile and delicious served in various ways. You can serve it hot directly from the pan, pleasantly warm, or even chilled from the refrigerator. To elevate this indulgent experience to a truly extraordinary dessert, we highly recommend adding a big, creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold, smooth ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the rich, warm cake. For a classic finishing touch and an extra burst of color, don’t forget to add a bright red maraschino cherry on top!

• Classic: Warm cake with vanilla bean ice cream and a cherry.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the frosting while it’s still warm.
• Coffee Lover’s Dream: Pair with a scoop of coffee-flavored ice cream.
• Caramel Drizzle: Add a generous drizzle of caramel sauce over the top for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Creamy Delight: A dollop of fresh whipped cream is always a welcome addition.
• Fruit Pairing: Serve with a side of fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries to cut through the richness.

Storing and Freezing Your Delicious Coca-Cola Cake

Proper storage is key to keeping your homemade Coca-Cola cake fresh and delicious for as long as possible, ensuring you can enjoy its rich flavors for days to come. Here are the best practices for storing and freezing:

Room Temperature Storage: If your kitchen is cool, you can store any leftover cake at room temperature on the counter for up to 2 days. To prevent the cake from drying out and to maintain its moistness and the integrity of the frosting, make sure to cover it tightly with a cake cover, plastic wrap, or aluminum foil.

Refrigerator Storage: For extended freshness, store your cola cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This method will keep the cake fresh and wonderfully moist for up to 4 days. The chilled cake also develops a denser, almost brownie-like consistency which many people enjoy!

Freezer Storage: This cake freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep or saving for a future craving! To freeze Coca-Cola cake, first allow the entire cake to cool completely after it’s been frosted. Then, cut it into individual slices or larger portions. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Once wrapped, place the individual wrapped slices into a freezer bag or a freezer-safe airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Thawing Instructions: To defrost your frozen cake slices, simply remove them from the freezer. You can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for several hours, or at room temperature for an hour or two for quicker enjoyment. If you prefer your cake warm, gently heat individual thawed slices in the microwave for 15-30 seconds until just warm and fudgy, being careful not to overheat and dry it out.

Top Tips and Tricks for Making the Perfect Cracker Barrel Coca-Cola Cake

Achieving bakery-quality results at home is easier than you think with these expert tips and tricks designed to make your Cracker Barrel Coca-Cola Cake truly stand out:

• Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: Always ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before you start mixing. This crucial step allows them to emulsify and blend more smoothly into the batter and frosting, resulting in a more uniform texture and a perfectly light, fluffy cake.
• Do Not Overmix the Batter: Once you’ve added the flour and other liquid ingredients, mix until just combined. Overworking the gluten in the flour can lead to a dense, tough, and chewy cake rather than the desirable light and fluffy texture. A few small lumps are perfectly acceptable.
• Accurate Doneness Test: To ensure your cake is perfectly cooked through without being dry, always insert a toothpick or a dedicated cake tester into the very center of the cake. It should come out almost entirely clean, with only a few moist crumbs clinging to it. If it comes out wet, continue baking for a few more minutes.
• Embrace the Hot Frosting: The hot frosting technique is central to this recipe’s success. Pouring it over the warm cake allows it to melt slightly, creating a truly rich, fudgy layer that fuses beautifully with the cake. Do not wait for the cake to cool completely before frosting!
• For a Quick Shortcut (Boxed Mix): If you’re short on time but still crave that Coca-Cola flavor, you can try a convenient shortcut! Use a boxed chocolate cake mix and simply substitute the water called for in the package instructions with Coca-Cola. Then, top it with our delicious homemade hot fudge frosting recipe (listed below) for an unbeatable semi-homemade dessert.
• Grease and Flour Your Pan Properly: A well-prepared baking pan ensures your cake won’t stick. Beyond nonstick spray, you can grease with butter or shortening and then dust with flour or cocoa powder for flawless removal.
• Sift Dry Ingredients: For an even lighter cake, consider sifting your flour, sugar, and cocoa powder before combining them. This breaks up any clumps and aerates the dry ingredients, leading to a smoother batter.

Exciting Additions and Variations for Your Coca-Cola Cake

While this Double Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake is phenomenal as is, it’s also a fantastic canvas for your creative culinary experiments! Here are some ideas to customize and enhance your cake:

• Customize with Toppings Galore: After pouring the hot frosting, immediately sprinkle some chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a delightful crunch. For extra chocolatey goodness, add mini chocolate chips or even white chocolate chips. A generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can further elevate the flavors, creating a gourmet touch for your fudgy cola cake.
• Make a Mocha Coca-Cola Cake: For coffee and chocolate lovers, this variation is a dream! Add one to two teaspoons of instant coffee or espresso powder (finely ground) to the cake batter along with the cocoa powder. The coffee won’t make it taste like coffee cake, but it will intensely deepen and enrich the chocolate flavor, creating a wonderful mocha-infused twist.
• Indulge in Peanut Butter Frosting: If you’re a fan of the classic chocolate-peanut butter combination, consider swapping out the double chocolate version. Instead, top your rich chocolate Coke cake with a creamy, dreamy homemade peanut butter frosting. The salty-sweet balance is truly irresistible!
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a tiny dash of cayenne pepper to the cake batter to give the chocolate a subtle, warm, and sophisticated kick.
• Create Individual Servings: Instead of a 9×13 inch pan, bake the batter in cupcake liners to make Coca-Cola cupcakes! Adjust baking time down to 18-22 minutes. Frost them individually for adorable and easy-to-serve portions.
• Boost the Vanilla: For an even more aromatic profile, consider using vanilla bean paste instead of extract, or add an extra splash of vanilla to both the cake and frosting.

Coca-Cola Cake FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Craving More Cracker Barrel Copycat Recipes?

If you’re as enamored with that authentic, comforting down-home country cooking that Cracker Barrel is renowned for as we are, then you’re in for a treat! Try recreating these other fantastic copycat recipes right in your own kitchen:

• Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
• Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
• Cracker Barrel Slow Cooker Fried Apples

Recipe

Recipe

5 from 3 votes

Double Chocolate Coca Cola Cake

Author: Jaclyn

Prep:
20 minutes mins

Cook:
30 minutes mins

Total:
50 minutes mins

Indulge in this irresistible Double Fudge Coca-Cola Cake, a true copycat of the Cracker Barrel fan-favorite recipe. Renowned for its incredibly rich, moist, and fudgy chocolate flavor, this delightful cake combines the unique essence of Coca-Cola with decadent chocolate in both the cake and the effortlessly prepared hot frosting. It’s a sweet, indulgent dessert that promises pure bliss in every bite, especially when elevated with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream and a cherry on top.

Servings:
16

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Ingredients

 

Cake

• ▢ 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ▢ 2 cups granulated sugar
• ▢ 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ▢ 1 cup Coca-Cola
• ▢ 1 cup salted butter
• ▢ 6 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• ▢ 2 large eggs room temperature
• ▢ 1/2 cup buttermilk
• ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting

• ▢ 1/2 cup salted butter
• ▢ 6 Tablespoons Coca-Cola
• ▢ 3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ 4 cups confectioners sugar

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with nonstick spray and set aside.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and baking soda until well combined. Set aside.
• In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the Coca-Cola, salted butter, and unsweetened cocoa powder to a boil, whisking continuously. Once the mixture starts to bubble vigorously, remove it from the heat immediately. Pour this hot cola mixture over the dry flour mixture in the large bowl and stir gently until just combined. Next, mix in the room-temperature eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until smooth. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
• Pour the prepared cake batter evenly into the greased 9×13 inch pan. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out almost entirely clean (a few moist crumbs are perfectly fine).
• Remove the baked cake from the oven. While the cake is still warm, immediately begin preparing the frosting.
• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the salted butter, Coca-Cola, unsweetened cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Bring this mixture to a boil, whisking frequently. As soon as it reaches a rolling boil, remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately whisk in the confectioners’ sugar until the frosting is completely smooth, glossy, and well combined, free of any lumps.
• Without delay, pour the hot, fudgy frosting evenly over the top of the warm cake, spreading it gently to cover the entire surface.
• Allow the frosting to set for approximately 10 to 15 minutes to achieve its perfect fudgy consistency. Then, slice and serve this delicious Double Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake warm for the ultimate indulgent experience!

Notes

• For an added layer of flavor and texture, try adding finely chopped walnuts or pecans to the frosting immediately after pouring it over the warm cake for some delightful crunch.
• This versatile cake can be served warm for an extra fudgy experience, at room temperature, or even chilled for a denser, brownie-like texture.
• A critical reminder: Do NOT use diet soda. The full sugar content is essential for the cake’s chemistry, flavor, and moistness.
• Store any leftover cake securely covered at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain its moisture, or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 2-3 months.

 

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 71g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 224mg | Potassium: 85mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 57g | Vitamin A: 574IU | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg

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