If you are craving Cracker Barrel Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake but want to enjoy it at home, you have to make this easy copycat Chocolate Coca Cola Cake recipe. Rich and moist, with the most amazing homemade frosting, this chocolate sheet cake is a one of a kind delicious treat.
This easy to make chocolaty, moist sheet cake is one you will find yourself making over and over again. I first published this recipe on About a Mom back in July of 2011 and have finally updated it with new and improved images. However, the recipe is exactly the same. It is my most requested dessert recipe when gathering with friends and family. I wouldn’t change a thing about it.
Two other sheet cakes I find myself making time and time again are this Texas Turtle Sheet Cake and Banana Pudding Cake. You’ll definitely want to check these recipes out too!
Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake Recipe
This Chocolate Coca-Cola Recipe is simple and easy to follow. This delicious dessert has a unique mix of flavors and will be quick and ready to dig in to with your friends and family. You can enjoy it during any occasion or for a yummy after dinner dessert. This cake is also very popular at potlucks and get-togethers.
Where Did Coke Cake Come From?
This amazing dessert was found in the early 1950’s. It seems to have originated in the southern part of the United States. Coca Cola were popular in recipes during this time. Whoever made the first cake created a delicious trend.
What Icing Goes on Coca Cola Cake?
The icing that goes on this cake is a chocolate glaze. While you can use a store bought frosting, this frosting recipe is perfect for this cake recipe. It is also extremely easy to make.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 cup coca-cola
- 1 stick margarine
- 1/2 cup oil
- 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 stick margarine
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 6 tablespoons cream or milk (I prefer heavy cream)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pound confectioners sugar
Directions:
In a saucepan, bring coca-cola, margarine, cocoa, and oil to a boil.
In a separate bowl mix sugar, flour and salt then pour into the boiling mixture and mix well.
Add eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, and soda and mix well. Pour into a greased and floured sheet cake pan (9×13) and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
For Frosting: In saucepan combine margarine, cocoa, and milk and heat until the butter melts. Beat in the remaining ingredients and spread onto HOT cake. Cool and cut.
Grab a fork and dig in!

Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 cup coca-cola
- 1 stick margarine
- 1/2 cup oil
- 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 stick margarine
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 6 tablespoons cream or milk I prefer heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pound confectioners sugar
Instructions
- In a saucepan, bring coca-cola, margarine, cocoa, and oil to a boil.
- In a separate bowl mix sugar, flour and salt then pour into the boiling mixture and mix well.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, and soda and mix well. Pour into a greased and floured sheet cake pan (9x13) and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
For Frosting
- In saucepan combine margarine, cocoa, and milk and heat until the butter melts. Beat in the remaining ingredients and spread onto HOT cake. Cool and cut.
Nutrition
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Ridiculously Easy 3 Ingredient Potluck Cake
Made this 8-8-12 and it is SO good! My grade schoolmate’s Mom use to make & I really wanted to now but did not have the recipe and Cracker Barrel only has it in the winter. Thanks!!!!!! Great memories and really good cake!
I have a question… a sheet cake pan and a 9 x 13 are NOT the same. So I need to know what size pan to use! Help!
I’ve been using a 9×13 and it seems to be the best option.
Oh my goodness. This looks amazing!!! I’ll be making this very very soon. Thank you for sharing!!!
What kind of flour do I use??
Hi Amber! All-purpose flour is what I use. I’ll add that to the ingredients.
Check your time or oven temp. no way done in 25 min!
I’ve made this cake countless times and always bakes in 25 minutes, at 350 degrees.
Cracker Barrel does use marshmallows in their batter 🙂
Never heard of this before, but it sure sounds interesting! I would switch out the plain Coke for Cherry Coke though. I love it!
Would butter work in place of margarine? We don’t use margarine at all in our house.
I haven’t tried using butter in this particular recipe, but think it would probably be fine. Please let me know how it turns out for you.