Nigella Coca Cola Cake

I wasn’t even hungry when I made this. I was just in a mood. One of those grey afternoons when everything feels like it needs chocolate, and the only thing cold in the fridge is a half-finished can of Coke from breakfast. (Yes, breakfast. No shame.)

This cake is wild. It bubbles. It fizzes. It smells like a bake sale at a rock concert. And yet, somehow, it ends up tasting like the most nostalgic chocolate sheet cake you’ve ever had — soft, dark, a bit sticky at the edges, with a frosting you pour on while it’s still hot. You know those ones where the sugar crusts on top, just a little? Like that.

You don’t have to believe me. Just make it once. It’ll be the new “cake you bring to everything.”

Why You’ll Love It

• Coca-Cola in cake? Weird, yes. But also perfect.
• Soft, sweet, melty — like a hug in square form.
• Marshmallows sneak in there and vanish, leaving behind a dreamy gooey-ness.
• No mixer needed. Saucepan, wooden spoon, done.
• That frosting, though. Like chocolate fudge sauce decided to grow up and go crunchy.
• Feeds a small army or just your Tuesday.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup Coca-Cola (full sugar, straight from the bottle)
• 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1½ cups mini marshmallows
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the frosting:

• ½ cup butter
• 6 tbsp Coca-Cola
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 4 cups powdered sugar (yes, really)
• 1 cup pecans, chopped (optional but chef’s kiss)

How to Make It

Preheat & prep:

Oven at 350°F / 175°C. Grab a 9×13-inch tin, grease it up, and set it aside.

Start with the cola magic:

In a saucepan — yes, saucepan — melt your butter with the Coke and cocoa. Bring it to a bubble. It’ll look like fizzy chocolate soup. This is correct.

Stir in the good stuff:

Dump in the marshmallows while it’s still warm. They’ll melt and look a bit odd. Don’t worry. Whisk your flour and sugar together in a big bowl, then pour this molten madness right over. Stir until smooth (ish).

Add wet ingredients:

Crack in the eggs. Add the buttermilk, baking soda, vanilla. Stir it again. Batter should be shiny and pourable.

Bake that beauty:

Tip the batter into your tin. Bake for about 40 mins — maybe 45 if your oven’s moody. Toothpick test it. Don’t overdo it. This cake likes to be just done.

Frost it while it’s hot:

While the cake’s baking, make the frosting. Same saucepan trick — butter, Coke, cocoa. Bring to a simmer. Then whisk in all that powdered sugar. It’ll seem like too much. It’s not. Throw in the pecans if using.

Pour it. Flood it. Love it:

The moment the cake’s out, pour that warm frosting right over. No spreading — it’ll sink, drip, and settle. Let it do its thing.

Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them

Cake falling apart when slicing?
You’re cutting too soon, you wild animal. Let it cool at least 30 minutes.

Top too jiggly after baking?
Stick it back in for another 5–8 mins. Shouldn’t wobble like jelly.

Dry texture?
Overbaked, or you skimped on the Coke. Next time, full-fat Coke and a toothpick check.

Frosting’s gritty?
Your sugar’s clumpy. Sift it first — boring, but worth it.

Storage and Reheating

Fridge:
Wrap slices in clingfilm, store up to 4 days. Gets fudgier overnight.

Freezer:
Individually wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Best defrosted in the fridge.

To reheat:

• Microwave: 20–30 seconds, medium heat.
• Oven: 160°C (325°F), 10 minutes, foil-covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without marshmallows?
Eh. You can, but they’re what make the texture so special. They melt completely, don’t worry.

Can I make it without pecans?
Yep. Or swap for walnuts. Or nothing at all.

Can I use Diet Coke?
Please don’t. It messes with the texture and taste.

Can I halve it?
Yes! Use an 8-inch square pan and reduce baking time by about 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 312
Fat: 15.4g
Carbs: 42.7g
Sugar: 32.4g
Protein: 2.8g
Sodium: 64.5mg

Try More Nigella Recipes:

• Nigella Chocolate Banana Muffins
• Nigella Almond Lemon Cake
• Nigella Courgette And Lime Cake