Easy Cracker Barrel Chocolate Cola Cake Recipe Perfect for Any Occasion

Cracker Barrel is a name synonymous with homestyle comfort food, and one of the most beloved desserts from their menu is the Chocolate Cola Cake.

This decadent cake combines two classic ingredients—rich chocolate and cola—into a moist, melt-in-your-mouth creation that leaves you craving more.

It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tender, and just a little bit fizzy, thanks to the cola, which helps the cake achieve a soft, almost pudding-like texture.

If you’ve ever enjoyed a slice at Cracker Barrel, you know how addictively delicious it is.

The good news? You don’t have to wait for your next visit to enjoy it!

In this blog, we’ll share how to recreate this beloved cake right at home, with a simple recipe that brings all the magic of Cracker Barrel’s Chocolate Cola Cake to your kitchen.

What Makes Cracker Barrel’s Chocolate Cola Cake So Special?

There’s something uniquely satisfying about a cake that’s both rich and refreshing.

The combination of cola with chocolate may seem unusual, but it works wonders in creating a cake that’s moist, flavorful, and light all at once.

What truly sets Cracker Barrel’s Chocolate Cola Cake apart, however, is its perfect texture and the indulgent cola-flavored frosting that gives it an extra layer of sweetness.

The cake itself is remarkably tender, with a deep, chocolatey taste that doesn’t overwhelm your senses but complements the gentle sweetness from the soda.

The carbonation in the cola adds airiness to the batter, allowing the cake to rise beautifully and stay wonderfully soft and moist.

It’s a dessert that feels indulgent without being overly heavy, making it perfect for a variety of occasions.

Another standout feature is the frosting.

Made with cola, butter, and cocoa, it’s smooth, slightly tangy, and perfectly sweet—just the right topping for this already rich cake.

When the frosting is spread over the warm cake, it soaks in slightly, creating a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite.

This cake has become a staple on Cracker Barrel’s menu, not only because of its unique flavor but because it reminds many of the simple pleasures of homemade cooking.

It’s a dessert that brings a little bit of nostalgia to the table, and now you can enjoy it from the comfort of your home, all thanks to this recipe.

Health Benefits of Chocolate Cola Cake

While this dessert is indulgent, some ingredients provide potential benefits:

• Cocoa Powder: Rich in antioxidants, cocoa may help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.
• Buttermilk: Contains probiotics that can aid digestion and support gut health.
• Eggs: A great source of protein and essential vitamins, including B12 and choline.
• Nuts (if added): Provide healthy fats, fiber, and protein for better heart health.
• Dark Cola (in moderation): The carbonation helps create a lighter texture, though it should be consumed mindfully due to sugar content.

Ingredients for the Chocolate Cola Cake

To create a homemade version of Cracker Barrel’s famous Chocolate Cola Cake, you’ll need a combination of simple ingredients that come together to create a rich, decadent dessert.

Below is a detailed list of what you’ll need:

Cake Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour – The base of your cake, providing structure and texture.
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Adds depth of flavor and that rich chocolate taste.
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda – Helps the cake rise and gives it that perfect, soft texture.
• 1 tsp salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature) – Creates a moist, tender cake crumb.
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar – For sweetness and to help the cake rise.
• 2 large eggs – Provides structure and helps bind the ingredients.
• 1 cup cola (preferably a dark soda like Coca-Cola) – The secret ingredient that gives the cake its moist texture and subtle flavor.
• ½ cup buttermilk – Helps create a tender crumb and adds moisture to the cake.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the cake.

Frosting Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter – The base of the frosting, providing richness and creaminess.
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder – Intensifies the chocolate flavor in the frosting.
• ¼ cup cola – Adds the signature cola flavor to the frosting and helps achieve a smooth consistency.
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar – For sweetness and the right frosting texture.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the frosting.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cracker Barrel Chocolate Cola Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

This ensures that your cake won’t stick to the pan and will come out perfectly.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Set it aside. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

This step helps incorporate air into the batter, which is key for a light texture.

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that warm flavor.

Now, alternately add the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients—first the buttermilk and then the cola—starting and ending with the dry ingredients.

Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Keep an eye on it, as oven temperatures can vary.

The cake should be firm to the touch but still soft.

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Cola Frosting

While the cake cools, it’s time to make the cola frosting. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Stir in the cocoa powder and cola, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.

Let it simmer for a minute, then remove it from the heat.

Slowly whisk in the powdered sugar until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Stir in the vanilla extract and give it a final mix to ensure it’s well combined.

Step 5: Frost the Cake

Once the cake has cooled slightly, pour the warm frosting over the cake.

The warmth of the frosting will allow it to soak into the cake a little, making it extra moist and flavorful.

Use a spatula to spread the frosting evenly over the top.

Let the cake sit for a few minutes to allow the frosting to firm up, and then slice and serve.

The result is a wonderfully moist, flavorful cake that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Cola Cake

Making the perfect Chocolate Cola Cake is easier than you think, but a few tips can help you elevate the final product to a whole new level.

Here are some key pointers to keep in mind:

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Make sure that your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature before you begin.

This helps the ingredients combine more easily and evenly, preventing a lumpy batter and ensuring a smoother texture in your cake.

2. Sift the Dry Ingredients

While not strictly necessary, sifting the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together will ensure that there are no clumps in your dry ingredients, which helps the batter come together smoothly and evenly.

It also adds air into the mixture, which can contribute to a fluffier texture.

3. Don’t Overmix the Batter

Once you add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mix until just combined.

Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense and tough.

Stir gently and stop mixing once everything is incorporated.

4. Choose the Right Cola

For the best flavor, use a traditional dark cola like Coca-Cola or Pepsi.

These sodas provide the right balance of sweetness and depth that enhances the overall taste of the cake.

Avoid using clear sodas, as they don’t provide the same richness.

5. Frost While the Cake Is Warm

Apply the frosting while the cake is still warm, but not hot.

This allows the frosting to slightly soak into the cake, adding moisture and intensifying the flavor.

The warmth helps the frosting adhere more effectively to the cake, creating a smooth finish.

6. Serve at Room Temperature

This cake is best enjoyed at room temperature, as the flavors will be more pronounced and the frosting will have a better texture.

Let it sit out for about 30 minutes before serving for optimal taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Chocolate Cola Cake

Even with a simple recipe like this, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

Here’s how to avoid them:

1. Overmixing the Batter

Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake.

Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, mix only until just incorporated.

Be gentle and try not to overwork the batter to maintain a light, fluffy texture.

2. Using Cold Ingredients

Cold butter, eggs, or buttermilk can cause your batter to seize up, resulting in an uneven cake.

Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

3. Not Baking the Cake Long Enough

This cake is incredibly moist, so sometimes it can be hard to tell when it’s fully baked.

Be sure to check doneness with a toothpick or cake tester; it should come out clean when inserted into the center of the cake.

If the cake is undercooked, it may be too gooey to frost properly.

4. Adding Too Much Cola

While cola is a key ingredient in this cake, using too much of it can make the batter too wet, resulting in a cake that’s too soft or even undercooked.

Stick to the amount specified in the recipe to get the perfect texture.

5. Not Letting the Cake Cool Before Frosting

If you frost the cake while it’s too hot, the frosting will melt and may not set properly.

Allow the cake to cool for at least 10 minutes after baking before applying the frosting.

This will give the cake time to firm up, allowing the frosting to stay intact.

6. Forgetting the Sifting Process for the Frosting

While it’s easy to focus on the cake, don’t neglect the frosting.

If the powdered sugar isn’t sifted well, your frosting can become lumpy and difficult to spread.

Make sure to sift your powdered sugar to ensure a smooth, creamy frosting.

By following these tips and avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be able to bake a Chocolate Cola Cake that’s as rich, moist, and flavorful as the one you’d enjoy at Cracker Barrel!

How to Serve and Store Chocolate Cola Cake

Serving the Chocolate Cola Cake

Once your cake is baked, frosted, and ready to go, it’s time to serve it.

For the best experience, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

This allows the flavors to fully develop and the frosting to set just right.

• Serving Suggestions:
  • Serve a generous slice on its own to highlight the richness of the cake and frosting.
  • Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
  • For a festive touch, garnish with a few chocolate shavings or chopped nuts, like pecans, to add a crunchy contrast.

Storing Leftovers

While it’s tempting to devour the entire cake in one sitting, if you happen to have leftovers, it’s important to store the cake properly to keep it fresh and moist.

• Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to eat the cake within a few days, store it at room temperature in an airtight container.
  This will help preserve the cake’s moisture and the integrity of the frosting. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake. Simply cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
  The cake will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep in mind that refrigeration can make the frosting a little firmer, but the cake will still taste great.
• Freezing the Cake: If you want to keep the cake for an extended period, freezing is a good option.
  Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.
  The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave the cake at room temperature for a few hours or refrigerate overnight.

Recipe Variations

Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a crunchy texture.

Cherry Cola Twist: Substitute cherry cola for regular cola to give the cake a fruity note.

Spiced Chocolate Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle warmth.

Different Frosting Options: Try a cream cheese frosting for tangy contrast or a peanut butter frosting for a rich, nutty taste.

Storage Instructions

1. Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
2. Refrigeration: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it sit at room temperature before serving for the best texture.
3. Freezing: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Conclusion

Cracker Barrel’s Chocolate Cola Cake is a delightful dessert that brings the comfort of a classic treat into your home.

With a rich, moist cake and a perfectly sweet cola-infused frosting, this dessert is sure to impress family and friends alike.

Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply because you’re craving something indulgent, this cake offers the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and nostalgia.

Follow this recipe and enjoy the flavors of Cracker Barrel, right from your own kitchen!

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this cake a day or two ahead of time.

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh.

It actually tends to taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.

• Can I substitute ingredients like cola or buttermilk?

You can substitute the cola with a caffeine-free or diet cola if you prefer.

However, the cake might have a slightly different taste and texture.

As for the buttermilk, you can use regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to create a buttermilk substitute.

• How do I know when the cake is done baking?

To test if the cake is done, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center.

If it comes out clean (or with just a few crumbs), the cake is ready. If it comes out wet, it needs more time in the oven.

• Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the frosting in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day.

If it hardens, you can gently reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop and stir until it reaches a smooth consistency again.

• Why is my cake too dense or dry?

If your cake turns out dense or dry, it could be due to overmixing the batter or overbaking the cake.

Be sure to mix gently and check for doneness using the toothpick test to avoid overbaking.