Coca-Cola Cake With Broiled Peanut Butter Frosting

My grandmother, bless her heart, wasn’t much of a baker. Her strengths lay in savory dishes – pot roast, creamy mashed potatoes, and perfectly seasoned green beans were her masterpieces. But every now and then, she’d pull out this Coca-Cola cake recipe, and it was pure magic. The kitchen would fill with the aroma of warm cocoa and bubbling sugar, and for a few fleeting moments, my usually stoic grandmother would beam with pride. That cake, with its unique flavor and sticky-sweet frosting, became synonymous with love and family gatherings in my childhood.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 12-16
• Yield: 1 sheet cake
• Dietary Type: Not specified (contains dairy and eggs)

Ingredients

CAKE

• 2 cups flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
• 1 cup Coca-Cola (with fizz)
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups miniature marshmallows

FROSTING

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup milk
• ⅔ cup chopped peanuts

Equipment Needed

• 9 x 13 x 10 inch sheet cake pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven

Instructions

1. To make the cake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9 x 13 x 10 inch sheet cake pan. The dimensions of the pan provided are unusual. A 9 x 13 inch standard cake pan will work perfectly fine; the cake may just be slightly thicker.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Whisk together to ensure even distribution.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, cocoa, and Coca-Cola. The Coca-Cola should still have its fizz for the best results.
4. Pour the butter, cocoa, and Coca-Cola mixture over the flour and sugar mixture.
5. Stir until well blended, ensuring there are no lumps of flour remaining.
6. Add the buttermilk, beaten eggs, baking soda, and vanilla.
7. Mix well to incorporate all ingredients thoroughly.
8. Stir in the miniature marshmallows. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
9. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it out evenly.
10. Bake for 40 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the cake.
11. Remove the cake from the oven and leave it in the pan. Frost the cake while it is still barely warm – this helps the frosting melt slightly and adhere better.
12. To make the frosting, in a bowl, cream the butter, dark brown sugar, and peanut butter until smooth and well combined. An electric mixer will make this process much easier.
13. Beat in the milk until the frosting is light and fluffy.
14. Fold in the chopped peanuts, reserving a few for sprinkling on top if desired.
15. Spread the frosting evenly over the warm cake.
16. Place the frosted cake under the broiler about 4 inches from the heat source.
17. Broil for just a few seconds, or until the topping starts to bubble and turn golden brown. WATCH CONSTANTLY, being careful not to scorch the frosting. This step requires vigilance!
18. Let the cake cool at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the frosting to set slightly.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For an even richer flavor, use salted butter in both the cake and the frosting. The salt enhances the sweetness.
• Don’t skimp on the quality of the cocoa powder. A good Dutch-processed cocoa will give the cake a deeper, more complex chocolate flavor.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then filling it with milk to reach the ½ cup mark. Let it stand for 5 minutes before using.
• The broiling step is crucial for the unique texture of the frosting. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning! The goal is a slightly caramelized, bubbly top.
• To prevent the marshmallows from sinking to the bottom of the cake, toss them lightly in flour before stirring them into the batter.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Coca-Cola cake slightly warm or at room temperature. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes a wonderful accompaniment. To store, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for 2-3 days, in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. If freezing, thaw completely before serving. You can gently warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	641 kcal	32%
Total Fat	36g	55%
Saturated Fat	17g	85%
Cholesterol	88mg	29%
Sodium	395mg	16%
Total Carbohydrate	79g	26%
Dietary Fiber	2g	8%
Sugars	59g	N/A
Protein	7g	14%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Pepsi Variation: While the recipe calls for Coca-Cola, Pepsi can be substituted with generally similar results. However, the distinct flavor profile of Coca-Cola contributes to the cake’s unique taste.
• Nut Allergy Substitution: Omit the peanuts from the frosting or substitute with another nut such as pecans or walnuts if allergies are not a concern. Sunflower seeds or toasted coconut flakes would offer a nut-free textural alternative.
• Spice it Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the frosting for a warm, spicy kick.
• Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Add chocolate chips to the cake batter or drizzle melted chocolate over the finished cake for an extra dose of chocolate flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use diet Coke in this recipe?
A: No, diet versions of cola should not be used. The sugar in regular Coca-Cola is crucial for the cake’s texture and flavor.

Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk?
A: You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk, then letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Q: How do I prevent the frosting from burning under the broiler?
A: Watch the frosting very closely and keep the cake about 4 inches from the heat source. The broiling process should only take a few seconds.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, the cake can be baked a day ahead of time. Store it covered at room temperature. Frost it just before serving.

Q: The marshmallows sank to the bottom of the cake. What did I do wrong?
A: Next time, toss the marshmallows in a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter. This will help them stay suspended throughout the cake.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Coca-Cola Cake brings you as much joy as it has brought me over the years. It’s a simple cake with a complex flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and make it your own. And most importantly, enjoy the process of baking and sharing this delicious treat with your loved ones. I’d love to hear your feedback and see your creations, so please feel free to share your experiences and photos!