Description
A true Southern delight! This Coca-Cola Bundt Cake is rich, moist, and filled with the sweet crunch of coconut and pecans. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, it’s an old-fashioned favorite with a decadent twist.
Ingredients
For the Coca-Cola Pound Cake:
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
2¾ cups (550g) granulated sugar
5 large eggs
3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup (240ml) Coca-Cola (not diet)
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp almond extract (optional)
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans (toasted if desired)
For the Coconut Pecan Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
3½ cups (420g) powdered sugar, sifted
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp coconut extract (optional)
½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
½ cup finely chopped pecans (toasted)
2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk (as needed)
Instructions
Make the Cake:
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan. (
5 minutes)
In a large bowl, cream together butter, oil, and sugar until light and fluffy. (
3–5 minutes)
Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. (
5 minutes)
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. (
2 minutes)
Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with Coca-Cola. Begin and end with flour. (
5 minutes)
Stir in vanilla, almond extract (if using), coconut, and pecans. (
2 minutes)
Pour batter into pan, smooth the top, and bake 75–85 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. (
80 minutes)
Cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack and cool completely. (
40 minutes)
Make the Frosting:
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. (
3 minutes)
Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy. (
5 minutes)
Mix in vanilla and coconut extract. (
1 minute)
Fold in coconut and pecans. (
2 minutes)
Add heavy cream or milk as needed until spreadable. (
2 minutes)
Frost the Cake:
Once cooled, frost the top and sides generously. (
10 minutes)
Garnish with extra pecans, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of Coca-Cola glaze if desired.
Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 80 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 12 | Calories: ~670 kcal per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for success. First, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for proper emulsification. When creaming the butter, oil, and sugar, aim for a pale, fluffy texture. When adding eggs, incorporate each fully to prevent a broken batter. The alternating dry and wet additions are crucial: start with one-third of the flour mixture, mix until just combined, then add half the Coke. Repeat, ending with flour. Do not overmix once the flour is added. For the frosting, ensure the cream cheese and butter are truly softened to avoid lumps. Fold in the nuts and coconut last to maintain texture.
Serving Suggestions
This rich cake stands beautifully on its own but can be elevated with simple pairings. Serve slices with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For a coffeehouse touch, drizzle with caramel sauce. It pairs perfectly with strong coffee, cold milk, or even a small glass of Coca-Cola for the full thematic experience. For special occasions, garnish each plate with a few extra toasted pecans and a sprinkle of coconut.
How-to Summary
To make Coca-Cola Bundt Cake: Cream butter, oil, and sugar. Add eggs one by one. Alternately add dry ingredients and Coca-Cola. Fold in coconut, pecans, and extracts. Bake in a prepared Bundt pan at 325°F for 75-85 minutes. Cool completely. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter, add powdered sugar and extracts, then fold in coconut and pecans. Frost the cooled cake generously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use diet Coca-Cola?
No. Diet soda contains artificial sweeteners that will not provide the correct sugar content or caramelized flavor needed for the cake’s texture and taste.
How should I store this cake?
Due to the cream cheese frosting, store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let slices come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes. Bake the cake 1-2 days ahead, wrap it tightly once cool, and store at room temperature. Make and apply the frosting the day you plan to serve it.
What can I substitute for almond extract?
You can simply omit it or use an additional 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. A bit of rum or butterscotch extract could also be interesting alternatives.
My Bundt cake stuck to the pan. How can I prevent this?
Thoroughly grease every crevice of the pan with solid shortening or butter, then dust with flour. For extra insurance, use a baking spray that includes flour. Let the cake cool in the pan for only 15-20 minutes before inverting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter after adding flour, which develops gluten and leads to a tough, dense cake.
- Using cold ingredients for the frosting, resulting in a lumpy, difficult-to-spread consistency.
- Overbaking the cake, which dries it out. Start checking with a toothpick at the 75-minute mark.
- Frosting a warm cake, which will cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
- Not properly preparing the Bundt pan, leading to the cake sticking and breaking during removal.
Conclusion
This Coca-Cola Bundt Cake is a spectacular showstopper that masterfully blends nostalgic flavor with rich, satisfying texture. The process is straightforward but rewards attention to detail, like proper ingredient temperature and pan preparation. The result is a supremely moist, decadent dessert that’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any gathering where you want to impress. The unique combination of Coke, coconut, and pecans, crowned with creamy frosting, creates an unforgettable treat that truly celebrates Southern baking tradition.