Pizza night is always a favorite, especially when you have great tasting pizza from some of the most popular restaurants.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Double Fudge Coca Cola Cake
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Coca cola has a slightly spicy flavor to it which shines through in this chocolate cake recipe. It's just like they serve at Cracker Barrel restaurants.
serves/makes:
ready in:
1-2 hrs
1-2 hrs
17 reviews
2 comments
ingredients
1 cup coca-cola
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup margarine
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 cups sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting
1/4 pound margarine
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
6 tablespoons cream or milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pound confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans
directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a sheet cake pan.
Combine the cola, oil, margarine, and cocoa powder in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil.
Combine the sugar, flour, and salt in a heat-proof mixing bowl. While stirring, carefully add the hot cola mixture. Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer until the batter is smooth.
With the mixer running, add the eggs, buttermilk, baking soda, and vanilla. Beat well for 2 minutes.
Pour the cake batter into the prepared sheet pan. Place in the oven and bake at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until done in the center.
Remove the pan from the oven.
Meanwhile prepare the frosting: in a saucepan over medium heat, combine the margarine, cocoa, and cream. Mix until the butter melts. Add the vanilla extract. Remove the pan from the heat and slowly beat in the confectioners sugar until smooth and thick. Stir in the pecans by hand (if using).
Spread the frosting on the warm cake. Let the frosted cake cool completely then cut into serving pieces. Store the double fudge coca cola cake in an airtight container.
recipe tips
For a deeper chocolate flavor, add a pinch of espresso powder to the cake batter.
Allow the cake to cool slightly before frosting so the frosting doesn't melt away.
For a smoother frosting, sift the confectioners' sugar before adding it to the mixture.
If the frosting is too thick, add a little more cream or milk to reach the desired consistency.
Decorate the top with additional chopped pecans or chocolate shavings for an extra touch.
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
For a moister cake, avoid overbaking. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time.
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
This cake is perfect for special occasions or as a comforting treat on a weekend.
Remember, the key to a great cake is careful measuring and mixing of ingredients.
common recipe questions
What makes Coca Cola a unique ingredient in this cake?
Coca Cola adds a unique spicy and sweet flavor, enhancing the chocolate taste and contributing to a moist texture.
Can I use butter instead of margarine in the cake and frosting?
Yes, butter can be substituted for margarine for a richer flavor.
Is it necessary to use buttermilk?
Buttermilk adds acidity and richness, contributing to the cake's tender crumb. If unavailable, mix 1/2 cup milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.
Can I bake this in a different type of pan?
Yes, but baking times may vary. For example, a bundt pan or round cake pans can be used.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Can I omit the pecans in the frosting?
Yes, the pecans can be omitted or replaced with another type of nut like walnuts.
Is there a substitute for cream in the frosting?
Milk can be used as a substitute, though cream gives a richer texture.
How long does this cake stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, the cake can stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Can this recipe be made into cupcakes?
Yes, adjust the baking time to about 15-20 minutes for cupcakes (or until they test done).
tools needed
Cake Pan: A sheet cake pan for baking the cake. It should be greased and floured before adding the batter to prevent sticking. A standard sheet cake pan is 18x26-inches (or 18x24-inches depending on the manufacturer)
Saucepan: For combining the cola, oil, margarine, and cocoa powder. The saucepan should be large enough to hold the ingredients and allow for boiling on medium-high heat. You'll also need a saucepan for combining the margarine, cocoa, and cream for the frosting. You can use the same one, washing it in between uses.
Mixing Bowl: A heat-proof mixing bowl is needed for combining the sugar, flour, and salt, as well as for later mixing in the remaining ingredients.
Electric Mixer: An electric mixer for beating the cake batter until smooth and for mixing the frosting until it reaches the desired consistency.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For measuring all the ingredients including the coca-cola, flour, salt, and vanilla extract.
Rubber Spatula: A rubber spatula is useful for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl and making sure all ingredients are fully combined in both the batter and frosting.
Whisk: A whisk can be used for combining dry ingredients and for mixing the frosting.
Knife or Ingredient Chopper: For coarsely chopping the pecans if not pre-chopped.
Cooling Rack: A cooling rack for allowing the frosted cake to cool completely before cutting it into serving pieces.
Airtight Container: For storing the double fudge coca cola cake after it has cooled.
what goes with it?
Chocolate Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of chocolate ice cream on top of the warm cake for a decadent dessert. The cool creaminess will contrast nicely with the warm, fudgy texture of the cake.
Pecans: Sprinkle extra toasted pecans on top of the frosting for added crunch and nuttiness.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle a simple caramel sauce over the cake for added sweetness and a rich, buttery flavor.
Espresso: Pair a shot of espresso or a strong coffee alongside the cake. The bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness and brings out the chocolate flavor.
Chocolate Ganache: Use ganache as an alternate frosting or glaze for an even richer chocolate experience.
Whipped Cream: Add a dollop on top for a light, airy contrast. The sweetness and creaminess will complement the fudginess of the cake.
Raspberry Sauce: Serve with a raspberry sauce for a tart contrast. The acidity helps cut through the richness of the cake, adding a refreshing element.
Vanilla Bean Sauce: Pour around the plate for an elegant presentation. Its creamy texture and subtle flavor will enhance the dessert.
Milk: A glass of cold milk pairs well for a classic comfort approach.
Marshmallow Fluff: Spread a layer of marshmallow fluff. Its sweetness and texture provide a nice contrast to the chocolate cake.
nutrition data
783 calories, 37 grams fat, 111 grams carbohydrates, 6 grams protein per serving.
Please note:
This is a copy cat recipe submitted to CDKitchen by a third-party. This recipe is not an original recipe unless specifically stated and is considered only to be an acceptable "clone" to the original for the home cook to attempt to duplicate. Please also note that many nationwide restaurant chains vary their menus and ingredients by region so the version provided may not be similar to what you may have tried before. All trademarks referenced are property of their respective owners.
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reviews & comments
I was also wondering, what size sheet came pan do you use as there are all different sizes of them these days. Thank you so much!☺
A sheet cake pan is about 18x26-inches (will vary by manufacturer)
July 12, 2018
Awesome
January 27, 2018
Just made a Splenda version of this cake to practice for making little cakes or cupcakes for Super Bowl desert. Frosting will remain real sugar though..can't wait to taste
January 10, 2018
I made the cake yesterday and it came out very good with some tweeks to the recipe. I hope this helps any future cooks. I would definately SIFT the Confectioners' sugar before adding it into the frosting butter mixture. Also I think the directions for the Frosting should read...In a saucepan, combine the butter, cocoa, and milk and heat until the butter melts. Remove pan from heat and add in the remaining ingredients and spread on the hot cake. Cool and cut. (I found that if you leave the frosting butter mix on the heat and then add in the remaining ingredients, the mixture gets too hot and is way too runny. Not thick like a frosting.
June 20, 2017
Recipe was great! I ended up making cupcakes, and they turned out perfectly! This recipe makes about 18 cupcakes (at least for me). I substituted a 1/2 cup of almond milk and 1tsp of lemon juice for the 1/2 cup of buttermilk. I also used a vegan butter substitute. Everything else was kept the same, and the baking time was still 20-25 minutes. If you're thinking of making coca cola cupcakes, then this recipe will do the trick!
December 9, 2016
Okay, so the recipe is wrong. You have to bake it at about 35 minutes at 350 degrees. Also, you will have to add coca cola (about 4-6 Tablespoons) to the frosting, depending upon the consistency you want or you end up with crumbly frosting. I have no idea how the other person ended up with watery frosting....
Ovens vary so always test for doneness and adjust accordingly. That said, did you use a SHEET cake pan? It should yield a very thin cake that really doesn't need long to bake unless your oven temperature isn't accurate.
October 3, 2016
I absolutely LOVE this cake! My family always request that I make it when they want a good moist chocolate cake. Definitely tastes like Cracker Barrel's
April 4, 2016
Was awful- the icing was watery and the cake didn't set up at all in the cook time provided in the recipe. The instructions were hard to follow (When using Coke, and baking soda, refer to the baking soda as such and not just 'soda') and it tasted nothing like Cracker Barrel's cake.
Strange that you would have such all around bad results with this recipe when everyone else has had good results. The cake didn't cook in a SHEET pan in that time? Did you use a sheet pan or substitute another size pan?
August 6, 2014
This fun and mouth watering dessert satisfies any sweet tooth.
June 30, 2014
The Coca Cola adds a sneaky hint of spice. One taste, and you'll think you're sitting in America's favorite down-home restaurant.
November 1, 2013
Dead on like Cracker Barrel! has anyone tried making this into cupcakes? I'd love to make cupcakes out of it and freeze most of them so I'm not tempted to eat the entire cake :)
March 17, 2012
So moist!! I followed the recipe presicely and it turned out wonderfully! I did, however, pour the batter into 4 cake pans to make a 4-layer cake, and whipped up a chocolate cream cheese filling to layer in between. Mmmm! Also, make sure that you frost the cake immediately after making frosting- as the frosting sets into semi-firm consistency. Thank you and I'll be making this one again!
February 6, 2011
My family loves this cake. It is frequently requested, and my niece says it is better than Cracker Barrel's!!
February 4, 2011
I was skeptical about whether or not this cake would be as good as everyone says but it was! I'm curious if diet coke would work - or if the sugar content is what is needed or if there would be an aftertaste. Maybe I'll experiment but it really was good as is.
August 18, 2009
This cake was pretty easy to make, turned out wonderful! The most moist scratch cake I've ever baked. Everyone thought it was delicious, just like at Cracker Barrel.
November 20, 2008
I think this came out very well. Everyone enjoyed it.
September 19, 2007
I made this last night and it was great. The cake is very moist and the frosting is delicious. Thanks for sharing!
March 15, 2006
I've been to Cracker Barrel a bunch, but never tried their Coca Cola cake. This is great!! Honestly, I can't make it again or I will eat it all... it is really that good.
I made this cake for my nieces birthday, it was a huge hit. Not too chocolaty, just right.