Cracker Barrel Coca Cola Cake (Copycat Recipe)
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Are you craving a sweet treat that’s easy to make and tastes amazing? Look no further than this copycat Cracker Barrel Coca Cola Cake recipe! This moist, chocolatey cake uses Coca-Cola in both the batter and frosting for a unique flavor that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

You can whip up this yummy dessert in just 50 minutes. It serves 10 people and has only 200 calories per slice. The rich cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality cake you can make at home!
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this yummy Cracker Barrel Coca-Cola cake:
For the cake:
- 1 cup Coca-Cola
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the frosting:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup Coca-Cola
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start baking. It’s always a good idea to measure everything out ahead of time. This way, you won’t forget anything or mess up the amounts while you’re in the middle of mixing.
Remember, using the exact ingredients and amounts listed will help you get that authentic Cracker Barrel taste. Happy baking!
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 13×9-inch baking pan.
In a large saucepan, combine 1 cup Coca-Cola, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1/2 cup butter, and 1/3 cup cocoa powder. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring often.
Take the pan off the heat. Quickly stir in 2 cups sugar and 2 cups flour until well mixed.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Add this to your cocoa mixture and stir until smooth.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean.
While the cake bakes, make the frosting. In a clean saucepan, bring 1/2 cup butter, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, and 1/4 cup Coca-Cola to a boil.
Remove from heat and whisk in 3 cups powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Pour this warm frosting over your freshly baked cake.
Let the cake cool completely before slicing. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the full Cracker Barrel experience!

Possible Substitutes List
You can try some tasty swaps in this Coca-Cola cake recipe. For the soda, use Pepsi or Dr Pepper instead. They’ll give a similar sweet flavor. If you’re out of buttermilk, mix regular milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar.
No vegetable oil? Use canola oil or melted coconut oil. For the butter, try margarine or dairy-free spread. Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to add some fiber.
Here’s a quick list of more substitutes:
- Sugar: brown sugar or coconut sugar
- Cocoa powder: carob powder
- Eggs: mashed banana or applesauce
- Vanilla extract: almond extract
For the frosting, try cream cheese instead of butter for a tangy twist. You can also use milk instead of Coca-Cola in the frosting for a simpler taste.
Remember, these swaps might change the cake’s texture or flavor a bit. But they’re great options if you’re missing an ingredient or want to try something new!
How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly
To make this Cracker Barrel Coca Cola Cake more diabetes-friendly, you can try a few simple swaps. Replace the regular Coca-Cola with diet soda to cut down on sugar. Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar.
Swap out half the all-purpose flour for almond flour or whole wheat flour to add fiber and reduce carbs. Try using Greek yogurt in place of buttermilk for extra protein and fewer carbs.
For the frosting, use a sugar-free powdered sweetener instead of regular powdered sugar. You can also reduce the amount of frosting or skip it entirely to lower the sugar content.
Here’s a quick list of diabetes-friendly substitutions:
- Diet soda instead of regular Coca-Cola
- Sugar substitute for sugar
- Almond or whole wheat flour for half the all-purpose flour
- Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk
- Sugar-free powdered sweetener for frosting
Remember to check with your doctor or dietitian before making big changes to your diet. They can help you figure out the best ways to enjoy treats while managing your blood sugar.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
For the best Cracker Barrel Coca Cola Cake, use room temperature ingredients. This helps them mix better. Make sure your Coca-Cola is flat before using it. Open the can and let it sit for a bit.
Don’t overmix the batter. Stir just until the ingredients are combined. This keeps the cake tender. Pour the hot frosting over the cake right away. It will set quickly as it cools.
Here are some storage tips:
- Keep the cake at room temp for 2-3 days
- Cover it with plastic wrap or foil
- Put it in the fridge for up to a week
- Freeze slices for up to 3 months
To freeze, wrap each slice in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight before eating.
Try these fun twists:
- Add chopped nuts to the batter
- Mix in mini chocolate chips
- Top with whipped cream instead of frosting
Remember, the cake tastes even better the next day! The flavors have time to blend.