Cracker Barrel Coca-Cola Cake is a double chocolate concoction topped with a sticky sweet layer of marshmallow cream and decadent chocolate frosting that crackles and splits together atop a rich chocolate base.

Forking standing up in a slice of Cracker Barrel Coca Cola Cake

Why this recipe works

Coca cola isn’t just for sippin’ on friends. If you are a fan of Cracker Barrel, you’ll likely know what I’m talking about and you’ll definitely want to try this copycat coke cake out for yourself.

The frosting is pretty sugary on this Cracker Barrel coca cola cake, but if you have a sweet tooth I’m sure you will love it! If you prefer a cake that is less sweet, omit the marshmallow cream layer, poke holes in the cake, then add the chocolate frosting. Either way is good. Whichever way you try it, the trick is to do it Texas sheet cake style by pouring the frosting over while the cake is still hot for a deliciously fudgy layer in between.

bite out of a slice of Cracker Barrel Coke Cake

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Cracker Barrel Coca Cola Cake ingredients

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

CAKE – Made with all the classic ingredients of a regular chocolate cake, with a little more cocoa powder and a cup of Coke. I think it goes without saying that you shouldn’t substitute the coke in this recipe. I have not tried this cake with Diet Coke, off-brand, or Coke Zero, so I can’t give insight but I would assume it would work out fine. This cake is all about Coca-Cola, so I recommend sticking with the regular.

TOPPING – If you don’t like marshmallow cream, you can try using mini marshmallows. However, mini marshmallows will leave the top looking lumpy. If you’d like, you can omit the marshmallow altogether and stick to just the chocolate frosting.

How to Make Cracker Barrel Coca Cola Cake

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 baking pan with nonstick spray.
Whisk together flour, granulated sugar and baking soda in mixing bowl. Set aside.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup butter with 5 tablespoons cocoa and 1 cup Coca Cola. Bring to a boil, whisking together as it melts.
Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the flour mixture and whisk until thoroughly combined. Add buttermilk, eggs and vanilla and continue whisking until combined.
Pour batter into prepared 9×13 pan and bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes.
During last 10 minutes of baking, prepare frosting.
Set the marshmallow cream aside. Sift 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar into a large mixing bowl.
In a small saucepan over medium heat melt 1/2 cup butter, 3 tablespoons cocoa powder and 9 tablespoons Coca Cola. Whisk together and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and whisk in 1 teaspoon vanilla.
Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the sifted confectioners’ sugar. Whisk together until completely combined.
Remove cake from oven and immediately drop dollops of marshmallow cream onto the top of the hot cake. Allow it to sit for a minute or so. Carefully spread the marshmallow cream across the top of the cake.
Slowly drizzle the warm chocolate frosting over marshmallow layer.
Allow cake to cool completely before serving. Tastes even better the next day!

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

How do I store coke cake?

Store coca cola cake at room temperature tightly covered with plastic wrap or an air-tight lid for up to 4 days.

Can I make it a day in advance?

Yes, absolutely. This cake tastes even better the next day! You can make the cake a day in advance and store it with an air-tight lid or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap on the counter until you are ready to serve.

Cracker Barrel Coca Cola Cake with ice cream

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy a slice of copycat cracker barrel coke cake warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the chocolatey richness, or go the extra mile and drizzle it with chocolate fudge!

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This recipe originally appeared here on April 1, 2014 and has since been updated with new photos and expert tips.