Cola Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A moist, chocolatey cake infused with cola and marshmallows, perfect for dessert lovers seeking a unique, nostalgic treat with rich flavors and a tender crumb.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups unsifted flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 sticks oleo
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa
  • 1 cup cola
  • 2 unbeaten eggs
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows

Instructions

  1. Combine flour and sugar in a bowl.
  2. Heat oleo, cocoa, and cola until boiling.
  3. Pour the hot mixture over the flour and sugar.
  4. Add buttermilk, eggs, soda, and vanilla, then beat well.
  5. Add miniature marshmallows to the batter.
  6. Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
  7. Bake at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes.
  8. Ice the cake while hot.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa. You can substitute vegetable oil for oleo if needed, or use unsalted butter for a different texture. If you want to reduce sugar, try using a sugar alternative. Make sure to mix the batter quickly after adding the wet ingredients to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a denser cake. This recipe is a fun twist on classic American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cola Cake warm for a delightful treat, or allow it to cool completely and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. It also pairs well with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for added indulgence. For a lighter meal, consider serving it alongside Cooper Salad, which provides a refreshing contrast to the rich cake.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you prefer to keep it longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warmed through, ensuring you don’t dry it out. This cake remains moist and flavorful even after a few days.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cola Cake contains roughly 266 calories, with 6g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (27% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

266 kcal 13% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6g 12% DV
Total Fat 5.5g 7% DV
Carbs 46.9g 17% DV
Fiber 5.1g 18% DV
Sugar 13.6g 27% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 203.5mg 9% DV
Potassium 489.9mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 47.5mg 16% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 129.5mcg 14% DV
Vitamin C 19.9mg 22% DV
Vitamin D 1.2mcg 6% DV
Calcium 168.1mg 13% DV
Iron 4.9mg 27% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use diet cola in this recipe?

Yes, you can use diet cola as a substitute for regular cola. The cake will still rise nicely, though it may be slightly less sweet. Keep in mind that the flavor might be a bit different, but it will still be delicious.

What should I do if I don't have buttermilk?

If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using. This will provide the acidity needed for the recipe.

Can I freeze Cola Cake?

Yes, Cola Cake can be frozen! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and warm it up if desired.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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