In the deep South, drinking Coca-Cola soda pop is a religion.

“Of all the recipes requested, the most widespread, according to the Coca Cola Company, is one for a gooey chocolate cake with miniature marshmallows, pecans and probably more calories per square inch than anyone can count.”

It is unclear to researchers if Coca-Cola cake was a created in a home kitchen or a clever way for The Coca-Cola Company to market their soda. Historians have found newspaper articles to confirm that using cola in cake recipes originated in the Southern United States. The earliest reference to a Coca-Cola Cake recipe appears in 1950’s cookbooks.

Ingredients Coca Cola Chocolate Cake:

• 1 c Coca Cola
• 1/2 c buttermilk*
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 c all-purpose flour
• 1/4 c unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 c butter, softened
• 1 3/4 c granulated sugar
• 2 eggs (3 for altitude)
• 1 1/2 c miniature marshmallows

Ingredients Coca Cola Chocolate Icing:

• 1/2 c butter, softened
• 1/3 c Coca Cola
• 3 tab unsweetened cocoa powder
• 4 c powdered sugar (1 lb )
• 2 tsp vanilla
• coarsely chopped pecans

Coca Cola Chocolate Cake Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Lightly oil and dust with flour a 13- x 9-inch baking pan.
3. In a small bowl, combine Coca-Cola, buttermilk and vanilla extract.
4. Set aside.
5. In medium-sized bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda.
6. Set aside.
7. In large bowl, on low speed, beat together the butter and sugar until combined.
8. Add eggs, one at a time, and beat until blended.
9. Starting with the flour mixture, beat in a little at a time alternating with the Coca-Cola mixture until you have ended with the flour mixture.
10. Continue to beat for 2 additional minutes until the batter is light and fluffy.
11. Stir in the marshmallows.
12. Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish.  It is normal for the marshmallows to float to the top of the cake batter when cooking.
13. Bake approximately 30 to 35 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through the cooking (once you reach 30 minutes, check cake every few minutes until done).  Cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean.
14. While the cake is baking, prepare the Coca Cola Chocolate Icing.  Do not make the frosting in advance, as you you need to pour it over the cake shortly after baking.
15. Remove cake from the oven to a cooling rack.
16. While the cake is still hot, pour the prepared Chocolate Icing over cake.
17. Spread evenly to cover the cake.
18. Sprinkle with pecans (optional).
19. Let cake cool completely before serving.
20. Serve alone or accompanied by vanilla ice cream.

Coca Cola Chocolate Icing Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, stir together the butter, Coca-Cola, and cocoa powder until butter has melted.
2. Whisk in the powder sugar, one cup at a time.
3. Add the vanilla extract.
4. Stir until icing is smooth.

Servings: 8 to 10 servings
Source: What’s Cooking America
Recipe Notes:
* For buttermilk substitute:  In liquid measuring cup, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, pour in milk to the 1 cup line.  Let stand for 5 minutes then use the amount you need for your recipe.