Southern Coca Cola Cake

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 cup Coca Cola
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows

For the Coca Cola frosting:

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup Coca Cola
– 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.

3. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the cocoa powder, Coca Cola, and bring the mixture just to a boil.

4. Pour the cola mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until well blended.

5. In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add this to the batter and stir until combined.

6. Fold in the marshmallows and pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.

7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. While the cake is baking, make the frosting by melting the butter in a saucepan, and stirring in the cocoa powder and Coca Cola. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.

9. Gradually whisk in confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth. Stir in pecans if desired.

10. Pour the frosting over the hot cake as soon as it comes out of the oven, smoothing it over the top.

11. Allow the cake to cool before serving. The frosting will set as it cools.