Southern Comfort Coca-Cola Chocolate Cake (Cracker Barrel Inspired)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. 3

   In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup butter and 1 cup Coca-Cola. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then remove from heat.

4. 4

   Pour the hot Coca-Cola mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix well with a whisk or electric mixer on low speed until just combined.

5. 5

   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

6. 6

   Add the buttermilk mixture to the cake batter. Mix until smooth, being careful not to overmix.

7. 7

   Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. 8

   While the cake is baking, prepare the icing. In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Stir in 1/4 cup cocoa powder and 1/3 cup Coca-Cola. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

9. 9

   Gradually whisk in the sifted powdered sugar until smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

10. 10

    As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, pour the warm icing evenly over the warm cake. The warm cake will absorb some of the icing, making it extra moist.

11. 11

    Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the icing to set and the flavors to meld.