Looking for a delightful dessert that combines the rich, nostalgic flavor of cola with a completely vegan twist? This Vegan Coca Cola Cake recipe is exactly what you need to satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your plant-based lifestyle.
Traditionally, Coca Cola cake is a Southern favorite known for its moist texture and caramel undertones, and we’ve tailored it to be vegan-friendly without losing any of that charm.
This cake is incredibly easy to whip up, using simple pantry staples and a splash of that iconic soda to create a tender crumb and luscious frosting. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just an indulgent treat, the vegan adaptation is sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike.
Plus, it’s a fun way to introduce a classic recipe with a compassionate twist to your baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Vegan Coca Cola Cake stands out for several reasons. First, it’s exceptionally moist thanks to the soda, which adds a subtle sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor that enhances the chocolate.
The cake’s texture is perfectly soft and tender, making each bite melt in your mouth.
Secondly, the recipe is surprisingly simple, requiring minimal ingredients and basic equipment. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this cake is approachable and foolproof.
And lastly, it’s 100% plant-based, using no eggs or dairy, making it suitable for vegans and those with dietary restrictions. You get the indulgence without the guilt!
Ingredients
- 1 cup Coca Cola (regular, not diet)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (egg replacer)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.)
- For the frosting:
- 1/2 cup vegan butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup Coca Cola
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Sifter or fine mesh strainer (for cocoa and flour)
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the Coca Cola, vegetable oil, and applesauce. Heat gently over medium heat until warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and stir in the cocoa powder until smooth and well incorporated. This step ensures a rich chocolate flavor and smooth texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps prevent lumps and aerates the mixture, making your cake lighter.
- Pour the warm Coca Cola mixture into the dry ingredients. Add the vanilla extract and plant-based milk, then whisk until well combined and smooth. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Tap it gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary, so start checking around 28 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting: In a bowl, cream the vegan butter and cocoa powder together until smooth. Alternately add powdered sugar and Coca Cola, mixing well after each addition. Finish with vanilla extract and beat until fluffy and spreadable.
- Once the cake is done, let it cool completely on a cooling rack. This prevents the frosting from melting.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice and serve.
Tips & Variations
For even richer flavor, try adding 1/2 teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients. It enhances the chocolate depth without making it taste like coffee.
You can swap the vegetable oil for melted coconut oil for a slight coconut aroma. If you prefer a nutty undertone, use walnut or almond oil instead.
To make the frosting less sweet, reduce powdered sugar by 1/2 cup and add a pinch of salt to balance flavors.
For a fun twist, mix chopped vegan-friendly nuts or dairy-free chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
Want to explore more vegan baking? Check out our Pareve Cake Recipe for another egg- and dairy-free delight.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Sugar | 35 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and vary based on specific ingredient brands.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is perfect on its own with a cup of coffee or tea. For a decadent touch, serve warm slices with vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream.
Sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes or chopped pecans on top for added texture and flavor contrast.
Pair your Vegan Coca Cola Cake with a refreshing fruit salad to balance out the sweetness. For inspiration on complementary dishes, try our Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe to add a savory vegetable side to your dessert spread.
Conclusion
This Vegan Coca Cola Cake is a testament to how classic recipes can be transformed to fit a plant-based lifestyle without compromising on taste or texture. Its moist crumb, rich chocolate flavor, and luscious frosting make it a crowd-pleaser for all occasions.
Whether you’re baking for a special event or just treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress.
Plus, it’s a wonderful gateway recipe for anyone curious about vegan baking, proving that delicious desserts don’t need eggs or dairy to shine. For more hearty, comforting recipes that cater to various diets, check out our Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe and our delightful Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe.
Happy baking and enjoy every bite!
📖 Recipe Card: Coca Cola Cake Recipe Vegan
Description: A moist and rich vegan chocolate cake made with Coca Cola for a unique flavor. Perfect for celebrations or a special treat.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup vegan Coca Cola
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add Coca Cola, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, vanilla extract, and almond milk to dry ingredients.
- Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Pour batter into a greased 9×13 inch pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cake to cool before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Carbs: 50g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Coca Cola Cake Recipe Vegan”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A moist and rich vegan chocolate cake made with Coca Cola for a unique flavor. Perfect for celebrations or a special treat.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT35M”, “totalTime”: “PT50M”, “recipeYield”: “8 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups all-purpose flour”, “1 1/2 cups granulated sugar”, “1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder”, “1 tsp baking soda”, “1/2 tsp salt”, “1 cup vegan Coca Cola”, “1/2 cup vegetable oil”, “1 tsp apple cider vinegar”, “1 tsp vanilla extract”, “1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add Coca Cola, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, vanilla extract, and almond milk to dry ingredients.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix until smooth and well combined.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour batter into a greased 9×13 inch pan.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Allow cake to cool before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320”, “proteinContent”: “3g”, “fatContent”: “12g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “50g”}}