Craving that incredibly moist, subtly sweet, and mysteriously delicious Coca-Cola cake you remember from Cracker Barrel? Forget the drive; we’re bringing that iconic dessert right into your kitchen! This easy recipe unlocks the secret to recreating this beloved treat, perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth or impressing your friends and family. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade Coca-Cola cake – it’s easier than you think!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup Coca-Cola
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup Coca-Cola
- ½ cup butter, melted
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Batter
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. This ensures your cake layers bake evenly and release easily from the pans.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Thoroughly combining the dry ingredients prevents pockets of flour or cocoa from forming in your cake.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Don't overmix this wet ingredient mixture; a quick whisk is all you need.
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Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
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Stir in the Coca-Cola until the batter is smooth. You’ll be surprised at how the Coca-Cola adds a unique depth of flavor and moisture.
Baking the Cake:
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Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. This ensures even baking and beautifully symmetrical cake layers.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on your cakes.
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Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cakes from crumbling and allows them to cool evenly.
Making the Glaze:
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, Coca-Cola, and melted butter until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a teaspoon of Coca-Cola at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Assembling the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of glaze. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake with the remaining glaze.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer chocolate flavor: Use dark cocoa powder.
- Add some nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition to the batter.
- Make it a layer cake: Use three 8-inch cake pans for taller layers.
- Get creative with the frosting: Try a cream cheese frosting or a chocolate ganache for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 400-450 Fat: Approximately 20-25g Sugar: Approximately 50-60g
This is an approximate value and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
This Coca-Cola cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – a moist, delicious dessert that's surprisingly easy to make. Enjoy the delightful combination of chocolate and Coca-Cola; it's a taste sensation you won't forget! This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to special celebrations. So, gather your ingredients and get baking! You'll be amazed at how easily you can recreate this Cracker Barrel favorite in your own kitchen.