My Southern mama passed this to me, and my kids are crazy over it!

Get ready for a slice of Southern comfort straight from the heartland. Coca Cola Cake is one of those unique recipes that feels like a warm hug. Originating from the Southern States where Coca Cola could be considered the sixth food group, this cake is a testament to the creativity of home cooks who often included the popular soda into their baked goods. This indulgent chocolate cake is wonderfully moist, thanks to the bubbly soda, and it gives a little nod to the long-standing relationship between Southern cooking and Coca Cola. It’s definitely a conversation starter and perfect for when you want to bring a little Southern charm to your table.

This show-stopping dessert is rich and sweet, so it pairs nicely with a simple side of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the flavors. If you’re serving this as part of a larger spread, keep the sides light and not too sweet — think of a fruit salad or a citrusy arugula salad to cut through the decadence.

Southern Coca Cola Cake
Servings: 8-12 slices

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 cup Coca Cola
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows

For the Coca Cola frosting:

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup Coca Cola
– 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)