Next, gently fold in the chocolate chips if you’re using them. Now, it’s time to pour this luscious batter into your greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Pop it into the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma that wafts through your kitchen while it bakes is nothing short of heavenly – it will make your mouth water! Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack.
While the cake cools, it’s the perfect time to whip up my favorite chocolate frosting. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt together butter, cocoa powder, and Coca Cola until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in powdered sugar and vanilla until well combined. When the cake is cooled completely, generously frost the top and maybe even drizzle some extra chocolate on top for good measure.
Pro Tips for Best Results
Firstly, I highly recommend using room temperature ingredients. Taking the extra time to let your eggs and buttermilk warm up can really help create a smoother batter. I tested this three ways, and the smoothness was significantly better when I didn’t rush to mix in cold ingredients. Secondly, if you notice your cake sinking a bit, try using a toothpick to gently poke holes in the top while it’s still warm and drizzle a little extra Coca Cola over it. It adds a delightful moistness that will elevate the flavor! Lastly, allow the cake to completely cool before frosting. I once couldn’t resist and added the frosting too soon. Let’s just say it turned into a chocolate puddle, but hey, it still tasted divine!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to make mistakes when you’re navigating a new recipe, so I’d love to share a few things to watch out for. One common mistake is overmixing the batter. I’ve learned that this can lead to a dense cake instead of a light, fluffy one. Mix just until you see no dry flour and no more! Another thing is the oven temperature. Always preheat your oven; if you skip this step, your bake time will be affected, which can lead to an undercooked center or a burnt exterior. (See the next page below to continue…)