Let me just start by saying: thank you for being here. Truly. If you’ve made it to this page, you’re probably someone who appreciates a little indulgence — or maybe a lot. And today, you’re in for a treat that’s equal parts nostalgic, luxurious, and absolutely unforgettable. This Double Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake isn’t just a dessert — it’s a celebration of everything we love about rich chocolate, fizzy sweetness, buttery crunch, and silky ganache. 🍫✨
Whether you're baking for a birthday, a potluck, or simply because you deserve it (and you do), this is one of those “make once, remember forever” kind of recipes.
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🥤 Why Coca-Cola in a Cake?
It might sound surprising, but Coca-Cola is the unsung hero in Southern baking. The soda’s acidity enhances cocoa flavor, while the sugar adds a subtle caramel undertone. Paired with butter, buttermilk, and vanilla, it creates a cake that’s ultra moist, deeply chocolatey, and lightly fizzy in the best way.
This version goes above and beyond — layered with caramelized pecans and draped in rich ganache, it’s what I call a showstopper with a soul.
💖 Why You’ll Love This Cake
- Moist, fluffy texture that doesn’t dry out
- Deep chocolate flavor amped up by Coca-Cola
- Crunchy, buttery pecan layer adds contrast
- Silky ganache topping for that luscious finish
- Perfect for make-ahead and even better the next day
🍫 What It Tastes Like
Every bite is a journey:
- The base is rich and tender, with soft notes of cola and cocoa.
- The center bursts with buttery pecans coated in caramelized brown sugar.
- And the top? A glossy chocolate ganache that melts on your tongue.
It’s sweet, it’s savory, it’s decadent, and it somehow manages to be comforting and fancy at the same time.
🌟 Benefits of This Recipe
- Feeds a crowd – makes a generous 9x13" cake
- Flexible – works as a layer cake or sheet cake
- Customizable – switch the nuts, add a bourbon twist, or top with sea salt
- Stores beautifully – actually tastes better on Day 2
- Freeze-friendly – just skip the ganache until ready to serve
🛒 Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup Coca-Cola (not diet!)
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Caramel Pecan Layer:
- 1 cup pecan halves
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- Pinch of salt
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 8 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (optional – for that glossy shine)
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- 9x13” baking pan
- Offset spatula or spoon
- Cooling rack
- Sharp knife for slicing
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13” cake pan, or line with parchment for easy lifting.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a saucepan, melt butter with Coca-Cola over medium heat until bubbling. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Stir buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla into the butter/Coke mixture. Then, pour it over the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Batter will be thin — that’s perfect!
Pour batter into prepared pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Pecan Layer
In a small saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar and a pinch of salt. Stir until it begins to bubble and thicken slightly, about 2–3 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in pecans. Spoon or drizzle the mixture over the cake batter — don’t worry if it sinks, it’ll rise and create pockets of caramelized nutty bliss.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
Let the cake cool completely before adding ganache.
Step 5: Make the Ganache
Heat the heavy cream until just simmering (don’t boil). Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit 2 minutes. Add butter (if using) and whisk until smooth and shiny.
Let cool slightly, then pour over cooled cake. Spread evenly with a spatula and refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes.
Step 6: Slice & Serve
Slice into generous squares and prepare for oohs and ahhs!
Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a few extra pecans if you’re feeling fancy.
🍦 What to Serve It With
- A scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream
- A drizzle of warm caramel sauce
- A mug of freshly brewed coffee
- Sea salt flakes sprinkled over the ganache
- Fresh berries to balance the richness
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Fridge: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
- Freezer: Freeze (without ganache) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, then top with ganache
- Make ahead: Bake the cake a day early, then add ganache the day of serving for freshest flavor
ℹ️ General Recipe Info
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Chill time: 30 minutes
- Total time: ~1 hour 35 minutes
- Servings: 12–16 slices
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Diet Coke?
Nope! Stick with regular Coca-Cola — the sugar and acidity are key to the flavor and texture.
Can I skip the pecans?
Yes, though you’ll miss the crunch. Try walnuts, hazelnuts, or even coconut flakes as a fun swap.
Can I use a bundt pan or make it layered?
You can! For a bundt, bake 50–60 mins. For a layer cake, divide into two 9-inch pans and bake for 30–35 mins.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Check all other ingredients (especially chocolate and cola) for gluten-free certification.
🥰 In Conclusion
This Double Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake with Caramel Pecan and Ganache Layers is rich, fudgy, and completely over-the-top in all the right ways. It’s the kind of dessert that makes an entrance, starts conversations, and leaves zero leftovers.
Whether you're baking it for a birthday, holiday, or "just because" — this cake brings the wow and the mmm.
🍰 More Must-Try Chocolate Desserts
📸 Show Off Your Bake!
Made this cake? I need to see it.
📌 Tag your creations on Pinterest or Instagram and drop a comment with your twist — bourbon caramel? Toasted coconut? Chocolate chips in the batter? I’m all ears (and cravings)!
📊 Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 490
- Fat: 30g
- Carbs: 54g
- Sugar: 38g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
Nutrition will vary based on ganache thickness, caramel use, and slice size.
Double Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13” cake pan, or line with parchment for easy lifting.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a saucepan, melt butter with Coca-Cola over medium heat until bubbling. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Stir buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla into the butter/Coke mixture. Then, pour it over the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and set aside.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar and a pinch of salt. Stir until it begins to bubble and thicken slightly, about 2–3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in pecans. Spoon or drizzle the mixture over the cake batter.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Let the cake cool completely before adding ganache.
- Heat the heavy cream until just simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes.
- Add butter (if using) and whisk until smooth and shiny.
- Let cool slightly, then pour over cooled cake. Spread evenly with a spatula and refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes.
- Slice into generous squares and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a few extra pecans.
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