Coca-Cola Cake (Georgia)

Georgia is Coca-Cola country, where everyone loves a chocolaty, moist sheet cake made with the iconic soft drink. This rich version does the tradition proud.

2 cups all-purpose flour, unbleached
2 cups sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. sea salt
½ tsp. ground cinnamon
1 (12 oz) can cola
1 cup butter, cubed
¼ cup baking cocoa
2 large eggs
½ cup buttermilk
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Glaze:
1 (12 oz) can cola
½ cup butter, cubed
¼ cup baking cocoa
4 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 13x9” baking pan.

In a large bowl, whisk the first five ingredients. In a small saucepan, combine cola, butter and cocoa; bring just to a boil, stirring occasionally. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until moistened.

In a small bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk and vanilla until blended; add to flour mixture, whisking constantly.

Transfer to prepared pan. Bake 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

About 15 minutes before cake is done, prepare glaze. In a small saucepan, bring cola to a boil; cook 12-15 minutes or until liquid is reduced to ½ cup. Stir in butter and cocoa until butter is melted; remove from heat. Add confectioners' sugar; stir until smooth. Pour immediately over hot cake.

Makes 15 servings.

Cook’s Notes:  Try using root beer, Dr Pepper or cherry cola. Sifting the confectioners' sugar helps keep the frosting smooth and lump-free.