Easy Ina Garten Coca Cola Cake Recipe That Sweetens Any Day

Coca-Cola cake emerges as a nostalgic Southern dessert that bridges childhood memories with sophisticated culinary creativity.

This unique confection transforms a classic beverage into a rich, moist treat that surprises and delights the palate.

Sweet carbonation mingles with deep chocolate undertones, creating a complex flavor profile that defies traditional cake expectations.

Soft crumb and decadent texture promise an indulgent experience that transcends ordinary desserts.

Innovative baking techniques elevate this recipe from simple concept to remarkable indulgence.

Home bakers can easily master this delightful confection with basic ingredients and minimal technical skill.

Prepare to transform an iconic soft drink into a showstopping dessert that will impress everyone at the table:

Experience the Irresistible Charm of Ina Garten Coca Cola Cake

• Unleash Flavor Magic: The unique combination of coca cola and cocoa creates an unexpectedly rich and complex taste profile that transforms ordinary cake into a surprising culinary adventure.
• Quick and Foolproof Baking: With just 50 minutes from start to finish, this recipe offers an incredibly simple method that even beginner bakers can master, requiring minimal technical skills and delivering impressive results.
• Nostalgic Southern Comfort: This cake channels classic Southern dessert traditions by using coca cola as a secret ingredient, delivering a moist, tender texture that brings warm memories of family gatherings and traditional home cooking.
• Decadent Marshmallow Surprise: The unexpected addition of marshmallows creates an extra layer of gooey sweetness and unique texture, melting into the cake and contributing to its incredibly soft, melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Key Ingredients for Ina Garten Coca Cola Cake

• Flour: Provides structure and base for the cake, unbleached all-purpose flour works best.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.

• Coca-Cola: Unique liquid that adds depth of flavor and moisture to the cake.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a moist texture.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a tender cake crumb.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and rich color to the cake.

• Eggs: Binds ingredients together and adds richness to the cake.
• Marshmallows: Creates pockets of sweetness and adds unique texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile of the cake.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light texture.

• Additional Butter: Creates smooth and glossy icing texture.
• Additional Coca-Cola: Adds flavor depth to the icing.
• Cocoa Powder: Provides chocolate flavor to the icing.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the icing.

A Comprehensive Guide to Ina Garten Coca Cola Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9-by-13-inch baking pan and coat it with butter and flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Foundation

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar

Step 3: Craft Liquid Magic

• Butter
• Cocoa powder
• Coca Cola

Bring this delicious mixture to a rolling boil, then pour it over the flour and sugar mixture.

Step 4: Mix Incredible Batter

• Buttermilk
• Baking soda
• Beaten eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Marshmallows

Stir everything together until well blended. Don’t worry if the batter looks thin and marshmallows are floating around.

Step 5: Bake and Transform

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6: Create Decadent Icing

In a saucepan, combine icing ingredients and bring to a boil. Once the cake is fresh out of the oven, poke holes across the surface. Pour the hot icing over the cake, letting it seep into every delicious crevice.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Cut into generous squares and serve while still warm.

Insider Tips for Ina Garten Coca Cola Cake

• Infuse Flavor Strategically: Reheat cake gently before serving to unlock deeper, more complex taste profiles that develop overnight.
• Preserve Moisture Masterfully: Bake cake a day in advance, letting flavors meld and intensify while maintaining its incredibly soft texture.
• Maximize Icing Penetration: Pour hot icing over warm cake immediately, creating a glossy surface that allows maximum flavor absorption.
• Drill Delicious Channels: Poke strategic holes in hot cake before icing, enabling sweet liquid to seep deeply into every delectable layer.
• Embrace Liquid Magic: Trust the surprisingly thin batter – it's the secret weapon guaranteeing an outrageously moist, tender chocolate cake experience.

Smart Storage Solutions for Ina Garten Coca Cola Cake

• Refrigeration Method: Seal the cake in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for optimal freshness. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and protect the cake from absorbing other food odors. This method extends the cake's life up to 5 days while maintaining its delicious texture and flavor.
• Freezing Method: Slice the cake before freezing to make portioning easier later. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen cake can last up to 3 months without losing its rich taste or soft consistency.
• Counter Storage Method: Keep the cake covered with a clean kitchen towel if consuming within 2 days. Choose a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to prevent icing from melting or cake from drying out.

Creative Twists on Ina Garten Coca Cola Cake

• Chocolate Cherry Cola Variation: Swap half the cola with cherry juice for a fruity depth. Add dried cherries to the batter for extra texture and burst of flavor.
• Nutty Cola Cake Remix: Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter before baking. Sprinkle toasted nuts on top of the icing for crunch and rich, earthy notes.
• Espresso Cola Chocolate Boost: Replace a quarter cup of cola with strong brewed espresso. Add coffee extract to intensify the deep, complex chocolate flavor profile.
• Salted Caramel Cola Cake: Mix caramel sauce into the icing. Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top after pouring the icing to create a sweet and salty contrast that elevates the cake's richness.

Closing Reflections on Ina Garten Coca Cola Cake

Sweet Southern charm meets culinary magic in Ina Garten’s signature Coca Cola cake.

Classic cocoa and cola blend seamlessly, creating an indulgent dessert that whispers comfort and nostalgia.

Southern kitchens become delightful playgrounds where simple ingredients transform into extraordinary treats.

Marshmallows melt into silky batter, promising rich chocolate complexity with each slice.

Warm cake dripping with glossy icing becomes an irresistible invitation to savor pure deliciousness.

Grab your mixing bowl, call friends, and dive into this soulful Southern classic!

Ina Garten Coca Cola Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Southern charm meets sweet indulgence in this Coca Cola cake, blending nostalgic flavors with rich chocolate decadence. Garten’s signature recipe delivers a moist, irresistible dessert that lets you savor classic American comfort in every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup butter, plus extra for greasing the pan
• 1 cup cola soft drink (e.g., Coca-Cola)
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten

Flavor and Binding Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups miniature marshmallows

Frosting Ingredients:

• ½ cup butter
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 6 tablespoons cola soft drink (e.g., Coca-Cola)
• 16 ounces (454 grams) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly coat a 9-by-13-inch (23-by-33-centimeter) baking pan with butter and flour to prevent sticking.
2. Create a dry ingredient base by sifting granulated sugar and all-purpose flour together in a large mixing bowl, ensuring a smooth, lump-free mixture.
3. Craft a rich liquid foundation by combining unsalted butter, unsweetened cocoa powder, and cola in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture until it reaches a rolling boil, then carefully pour the hot liquid over the sifted dry ingredients.
4. Introduce moisture and binding agents by adding buttermilk, baking soda, lightly beaten eggs, pure vanilla extract, and miniature marshmallows to the mixing bowl. Gently stir until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated, creating a thin, somewhat lumpy batter with floating marshmallows.
5. Transfer the liquid batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. While the cake bakes, prepare the glossy topping by combining icing ingredients in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
7. Remove the freshly baked cake from the oven and immediately puncture the surface with a fork, creating numerous small holes. Carefully pour the hot icing over the warm cake, ensuring it seeps into the perforations.
8. Allow the cake to cool slightly, then slice into square servings. Enjoy the cake warm, when the flavors are most intense and the texture is supremely moist.

Notes

• Take the cake from the oven when a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs, indicating perfect doneness.
• Coca-Cola adds moisture and a subtle caramel undertone that elevates the chocolate flavor profile.
• Gently fold marshmallows into the batter to create unexpected pockets of sweetness throughout the cake.
• Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, preventing potential lumps and ensuring a consistent texture.
• Sifting dry ingredients helps break down any clumps, resulting in a lighter, more delicate cake crumb.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 467 kcal
• Sugar: 39 g
• Sodium: 184 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 57 mg