Cracker Barrel Coca Cola Cake (Copycat)

Baking this Cracker Barrel Coca Cola Cake brings back fond memories of family road trips and stopping by Cracker Barrel for a comforting meal. This cake, with its rich chocolate flavor and unique Coca-Cola twist, has always been a family favorite. One summer, we took a road trip to the Smoky Mountains, and every time we stopped at Cracker Barrel, we couldn’t resist ordering a slice of their famous Coca Cola Cake. Bringing this recipe into my home kitchen lets me relive those wonderful moments, and it always brings a smile to my family’s faces.

This recipe is wonderfully straightforward and versatile. Sometimes, I like to add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor or sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the frosting for a bit of crunch. Whether you stick to the classic or try these variations, this cake is sure to be a hit.

Making Cracker Barrel Coca Cola Cake (Copycat Recipe)

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup Coca-Cola
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup Coca-Cola
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

For the Cake:

1. Set your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 13×9-inch baking dish, then set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, bring the Coca-Cola, vegetable oil, butter, and cocoa powder to a boil. Once boiling, take it off the heat and mix in the granulated sugar and flour until the mixture is smooth.
3. Add the eggs, buttermilk, baking soda, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Stir until the batter is smooth and well combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

For the Frosting:

1. In a clean saucepan, bring the butter, cocoa powder, and Coca-Cola to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Pour the warm frosting over the hot cake and spread it evenly.
3. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. Enjoy!

FAQs:

Can I use a different soda instead of Coca-Cola for this cake?

Yes, you can use a different soda, but it may alter the flavor slightly. Other colas or even root beer can be interesting alternatives, though the classic Coca-Cola taste will be missing.

What can I use as a substitute for buttermilk in this recipe?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

How should I store the Coca-Cola cake to keep it fresh?

To keep the cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to three months.

Can I make this cake in advance for a party?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day or two ahead of time. Just make sure to store it properly. You can also prepare the frosting ahead and warm it slightly before spreading it on the cake.

Is it possible to make this recipe into cupcakes instead of a full cake?

Yes, you can make cupcakes with this recipe. Adjust the baking time to about 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. This will yield around 24 cupcakes.

What is the best way to reheat this cake if serving leftovers?

For best results, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This will help to slightly melt the frosting and make the cake warm and moist again.

Cracker Barrel Coca Cola Cake (Copycat)

Recreate the famous Cracker Barrel Coca Cola Cake at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. A sweet treat that's sure to impress.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 28 minutes mins

Course Cake

Cuisine American

Servings 10

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Ingredients

  

For the Cake:

• 1 cup Coca-Cola
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup 1 stick salted butter
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder unsweetened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup 1 stick salted butter
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup Coca-Cola
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

 

For the Cake:

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour a 13x9-inch baking pan. Set it aside.
• In a large saucepan, bring the Coca-Cola, vegetable oil, butter, and cocoa powder to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the sugar and flour until well combined.
• Add the eggs, buttermilk, baking soda, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Stir until the batter is smooth and even.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

For the Frosting:

• In a clean saucepan, bring butter, cocoa powder, and Coca-Cola to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Immediately pour the warm frosting over the hot cake and spread it evenly.

Finishing Touch:

• Let the cake cool completely before slicing. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. Enjoy!

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Keyword Barrel, Coca Cola