Double Chocolate Cola Cake: The Ultimate Recipe You Need

Double Chocolate Cola Cake: Just the name alone conjures up images of rich, decadent indulgence, doesn’t it? Imagine sinking your fork into a slice of moist, intensely chocolatey cake, the subtle fizz of cola enhancing every bite. This isn’t just any chocolate cake; it’s a surprisingly simple yet utterly irresistible treat that will have everyone begging for seconds.

While the exact origins of adding cola to cake batter are a bit murky, the practice gained popularity in the American South, where Coca-Cola has deep cultural roots. It’s said that resourceful cooks discovered that cola not only added moisture and a unique depth of flavor but also intensified the chocolate notes. It’s a testament to Southern ingenuity and a love for sweet, comforting desserts.

What makes this double chocolate cola cake so beloved? It’s the perfect combination of ease and flavor. The cola tenderizes the cake, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the carbonation creates a light and airy crumb. The slight tang of the cola balances the sweetness of the chocolate, preventing it from being overly rich. Plus, it’s a fantastic conversation starter! Who can resist the intrigue of a cake made with cola? Get ready to experience a chocolate cake like no other – one that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred)
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot strong brewed coffee
• 1 cup cola (like Coca-Cola or Pepsi)
• 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
• For the Cola Chocolate Ganache:
• 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup cola (same brand as used in the cake)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Cake Batter:

1. Preheat and Prep: First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for extra insurance against sticking. I always find this step makes removing the cake a breeze!
2. Dry Ingredients Unite: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed – no one wants a bite of pure baking soda!
3. Wet Ingredients Join the Party: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well combined and the mixture looks smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed with an electric mixer until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
5. The Cola and Coffee Boost: In a small bowl, combine the hot coffee and cola. Slowly pour this mixture into the batter while mixing on low speed. The batter will be thin, but don’t worry, that’s exactly what we want! The cola and coffee add moisture and depth of flavor.
6. Chocolate Chip Finale: Gently fold in the chocolate chips. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Keep an eye on it – ovens can vary!
8. Cooling Time: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from sticking and allows it to cool evenly.

Making the Cola Chocolate Ganache:

1. Chocolate Prep: Place the finely chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Make sure the bowl is large enough to hold all the ganache ingredients.
2. Heating the Cream and Cola: In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream and cola. Heat over medium heat until the mixture just begins to simmer. Do not boil!
3. Pouring Over Chocolate: Pour the hot cream and cola mixture over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for about a minute to allow the heat to melt the chocolate.
4. Whisking to Smoothness: Gently whisk the mixture, starting from the center and working your way outwards, until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy. Be patient – it might take a few minutes.
5. Adding the Finishing Touches: Stir in the softened butter and vanilla extract. This will add richness and shine to the ganache.
6. Cooling and Thickening: Let the ganache cool slightly at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This will allow it to thicken to a spreadable consistency. If it’s too thin, you can refrigerate it for a shorter period, checking frequently, until it reaches the desired consistency. Be careful not to over-chill it, or it will become too hard to spread.

Assembling the Double Chocolate Cola Cake:

1. Leveling the Cake (Optional): If your cake has a domed top, you can use a serrated knife to carefully level it. This will make it easier to frost. I usually skip this step unless the dome is really pronounced.
2. Frosting the Cake: Place the cooled cake on a serving platter or cake stand. Spread the cola chocolate ganache evenly over the top and sides of the cake. You can use an offset spatula for a smooth finish, or create swirls and patterns for a more rustic look.
3. Adding Decorations (Optional): If desired, you can decorate the cake with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, fresh berries, or a dusting of cocoa powder. Get creative and have fun!
4. Chill and Serve: Let the frosted cake chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set. This will make it easier to slice and serve.
5. Enjoy! Slice and serve your delicious double chocolate cola cake. It’s perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk.

Conclusion:

This Double Chocolate Cola Cake isn’t just another dessert; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a conversation starter, and a surprisingly simple way to elevate any occasion. The rich, moist crumb, infused with the subtle tang of cola and the intense depth of double chocolate, creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!). It’s the kind of cake that disappears quickly, leaving behind only crumbs and happy memories.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s unexpectedly delicious! The cola doesn’t overpower the chocolate; instead, it enhances it, adding a unique moistness and a subtle caramel-like note that complements the dark chocolate perfectly. The addition of cocoa powder amplifies the chocolate flavor, creating a truly decadent experience. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make. Forget complicated techniques and finicky ingredients; this recipe is straightforward and forgiving, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and kitchen novices alike. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up this impressive dessert.

But the best part? It’s versatile! Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic treat. Drizzle it with chocolate ganache for an extra layer of indulgence. Or, for a lighter option, top it with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream. Feeling adventurous? Try adding a pinch of chili powder to the batter for a subtle kick. You could even incorporate chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added texture and flavor. Another fantastic variation is to use different types of cola – cherry cola, vanilla cola, or even a diet cola will all work beautifully, each imparting its own unique character to the cake. Consider frosting it with a light and airy cream cheese frosting to cut through the richness, or go bold with a dark chocolate buttercream for an intensely chocolatey experience. You can even bake it in muffin tins for individual servings, perfect for lunchboxes or parties. The possibilities are truly endless!

I’ve made this Double Chocolate Cola Cake countless times, and it’s always a hit. It’s my go-to recipe for birthdays, holidays, potlucks, or simply when I need a little chocolate therapy. And I’m confident that it will become one of your favorites too.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a cake that will impress your friends and family. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try any variations? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear how much you enjoyed this delicious Double Chocolate Cola Cake. Happy baking!

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