Joanna Gaines Cola Cake Recipe

This rich, fudgy joanna gaines cola cake is made with classic Coca-Cola, buttermilk, and cocoa powder, ready in 55 minutes. Pouring the warm, sweet pecan icing directly over the hot cake allows it to soak into the sponge for incredible moisture. I love how the carbonation creates such a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Why This Classic Works

Southern cola cake has been a staple for decades, but getting the texture right can be tricky. I used to wait for the cake to cool before frosting, which resulted in a dry surface.

The secret is pouring the hot cocoa icing over the freshly baked cake right out of the oven. This creates a dense, fudgy layer that locks in moisture for days.

Joanna Gaines Cola Cake Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup regular cola (not diet)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 6 tablespoons regular cola
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup chopped pecans

How To Make Joanna Gaines Cola Cake

1. 1. Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk the flour and granulated sugar together in a large mixing bowl.
2. 2. Boil the Liquids: In a saucepan, bring the butter, cocoa powder, and cola to a boil, then pour it over the flour mixture and stir until combined.
3. 3. Add the Eggs: Whisk in the buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla extract until the batter is completely smooth.
4. 4. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake at 350 degrees F for 35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. 5. Make the Frosting: Five minutes before the cake is done, boil the butter, cocoa, and cola in a saucepan, then whisk in the powdered sugar and pecans.
6. 6. Frost and Cool: Pour the hot frosting evenly over the hot cake immediately after removing it from the oven, then let it cool.

Recipe Tips

• Use regular cola: Diet soda lacks the necessary sugar and reacts poorly when boiled, altering the final texture of the crumb.
• Pour while hot: Applying the frosting while the cake is fresh from the oven ensures a fudgy, dense seal.
• Sift the powdered sugar: This prevents lumps in your icing, keeping the texture perfectly smooth and glossy.

What To Serve With Cola Cake

A warm slice of this rich chocolate cake begs for a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to cut through the sweetness. A hot cup of dark roast coffee also pairs perfectly with the sweet pecan icing.

How To Store

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to a week.

FAQs

Can I use a different soda?

Yes, Dr Pepper or root beer work well in this recipe. They provide a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile.

Do I have to use pecans?

No, you can omit the nuts entirely if you prefer a smooth frosting. You can also substitute them with chopped walnuts.

Why did my frosting get grainy?

Boiling the frosting mixture for too long can cause the sugars to crystallize. Only bring it to a brief boil before whisking in the powdered sugar.

Nutrition

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 70g
• Protein: 4g

Try More Recipes:

• Joanna Gaines Cupcake Recipe
• Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
• Joanna Gaines Chocolate Cake Recipe

joanna gaines cola cake

Recipe by Imen Dridi

Servings

12

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Total time

55

minutes

Rich, fudgy joanna gaines cola cake with classic Coca-Cola, buttermilk, and sweet pecans ready in 55 minutes for an easy weekend dessert. The warm icing soaks right into the hot sponge to create a dense, perfectly moist chocolate treat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)

• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 cup regular cola (not diet)

• 1/2 cup buttermilk

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)

• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

• 6 tablespoons regular cola

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• 1 cup chopped pecans

Directions

• 1. Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk the flour and granulated sugar together in a large mixing bowl.
• 2. Boil the Liquids: In a saucepan, bring the butter, cocoa powder, and cola to a boil, then pour it over the flour mixture and stir until combined.
• 3. Add the Eggs: Whisk in the buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla extract until the batter is completely smooth.
• 4. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake at 350 degrees F for 35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
• 5. Make the Frosting: Five minutes before the cake is done, boil the butter, cocoa, and cola in a saucepan, then whisk in the powdered sugar and pecans.
• 6. Frost and Cool: Pour the hot frosting evenly over the hot cake immediately after removing it from the oven, then let it cool.