This decadent chocolate fudge cake, with its subtle hint of Coca-Cola, is our home-cook replication inspired by the beloved Cracker Barrel classic. Get ready for a comforting slice of Southern nostalgia!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. Alternatively, line with parchment paper leaving an overhang for easy removal.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup butter and 1 cup Coca-Cola. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the butter is melted. Remove from heat.
Pour the hot Coca-Cola mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix well with a whisk or electric mixer until just combined.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Add the buttermilk mixture to the cake batter and mix until smooth. Do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting: In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Add 1/3 cup cocoa powder and stir until smooth.
Stir in 6 tablespoons Coca-Cola and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat.
Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar and a pinch of salt until the frosting is smooth and free of lumps. If it's too thick, add a tiny bit more Coca-Cola; if too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, pour the warm frosting evenly over the top of the hot cake. The warmth of the cake will help the frosting spread and meld. Let it sit on the counter for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the frosting to slightly set and the cake to absorb some of the goodness.
Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving. This allows the frosting to firm up properly for clean slices, though it's delicious warm too!