Chocolate Coca Cola Cake

Tags: cookery school, cooking classes, Italian cooking, learn to cook, pasta making

There are only two occasions when full sugar Coca Cola are welcome in this house – one as a cure after a big night out (can’t even remember when that was a thing!!) and the other to use in this delicious chocolate cake!

It seems like a weird combination; Coke, buttermilk and cocoa powder, but it creates a light and moist cake that is super delicious. I got the recipe from an old American cookbook that also includes a chocolate cake requiring a full jar of mayonnaise. I can safely say, that’s a recipe I’m not tempted to try!

On this Blue Monday in January, I hope the recipe perks you up. We can still have a treat…you’re worth it xxx

Chocolate coca cola cake on a plate.
Chocolate coca cola cake on a plate.
Ingredients:
  • 250g self-raising flour
  • 3 heaped tblsp good quality cocoa powder
  • 1/4 tsp bicarbonate soda
  • 280g caster sugar
  • 200g butter
  • 250ml regular Coca Cola
  • 100ml buttermilk
  • 2 large free range eggs, gently whisked
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Frosting:
  • 50ml Coca Cola
  • 150g butter
  • 3 heaped tblsp good quality cocoa powder sifted
  • 400g icing sugar, sifted
Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180C / 170C fan / Gas 4. Butter a 24cm springform cake tin and line the base with parchment.
2. Sift the flour, cocoa powder and bicarb soda into a large bowl then stir in the caster sugar.
3. In a small pot, gently melt the butter and coca cola together before pouring over the dry mixture in the bowl. Add in the eggs, buttermilk and vanilla then combine everything gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until thoroughly mixed. Pour into the prepared tin and bake in the oven for approx 40 minutes until skewer inserted into cake comes out clean.
4. Transfer cake to a wire rack, carefully removing sides of the cake tin then allowing to cool fully.
5. Meanwhile make the frosting by slowly melting the butter, cocoa powder and Cola in a small pan. Sift the icing sugar into a bowl then pour the melted ingredients over the dry ingredients. Beat well until combined and smooth.
6. When the cake is cold, carefully spread the frosting all over using a spatula. If you like, dust with some icing sugar and serve with fresh raspberries, cream or just on its own!

"A Magical West Cork Escape"

We stayed at Dunowen House for a long weekend and genuinely didn’t want to leave. From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by the beauty of the house and its surroundings – the views, the gardens, the quiet… it’s pure magic. The house itself is full of character and history but still feels incredibly cosy and luxurious.

We loved having our morning coffee overlooking the sea and strolling down to the nearby coves. It was the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Clonakilty is only a few minutes away too, so we had some lovely meals out and picked up bits from the local markets.

"A Dream Wedding Come to Life"

We were blown away with the unmatched beauty of Dunowen – the set- ting, the people and all the details make it come to life. We feel so blessed to have had our wedding here and so grateful for Kela and Stephen for making this the most special day of our lives. We are leaving a piece of our hearts here so we will absolutely have to come back again. All our love

"An Unforgettable Celebration of Love"

I could not have imagined a more beautiful stay and wedding. We took a chance and put our trust in Kela and Stephen, booking Dunowen sight un- seen! What a wonderful experience to celebrate our love with the people we care about most without having to worry about the details. The flow- ers, the food and the accommodations were unforgettable. Thank you for giving us the space to create lifetime memories! Dunowen will have a piece of our heart. We hope to come back and do it again!

"A Perfect Stay"

Kela and Stephen. Thank you for our wonderful stay at Dunowen House and letting us enjoy the beauty of West Cork in your wonderful home and surroundings. We absolutely loved it.

"Another Unforgettable Stay"

Thank you Kela & Stephen for another amazing stay. When you’ve stayed in Dunowen it’s impossible to stay elsewhere. Your house is per- fection!

"A Perfect 70th Celebration"

Many thanks Kela and Stephen for a wonderful stay at Dunowen House. The house is so spacious, especially for our smallish family group who helped me celebrate my 70th birthday. Thanks for the beautiful flowers throughout and all the home baking. We loved the location.

"Surrounded by Dunowen’s Gardens and Coastal Beauty"

Thank you for a wonderful week. Everything was perfect and we loved being able to walk to the beach and sit in the beautiful gardens. Hope to come again.

"A Perfect 80th Birthday Celebration"

The end of a fabulous week celebrating my 80th birthday. It has been a brilliant stay with everything we needed. Just perfect. Thank you so much Kela & Stephen for your thought and kindness. All the best for the future and perhaps we will see you again!

The Ultimate 5-Star Escape

Bravo! You have created the perfect backdrop for a 5 star vacation. Our group of 18 could not have imagined a more comfortable and luxe week. I’ll see you on Instagram and we will all see you again in person next va- cation.

Flowers and fruits cake close up Flowers and fruits cake close up