Coca-Cola Fudge Layer Cake with Rich Chocolate and Creamy Filling (Print version)

Moist chocolate Coca-Cola cake layered with creamy filling and finished with a glossy fudge glaze.

# Ingredients:

For the cake layers

01 - 2 3/4 cups (330 g) all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
02 - 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
03 - 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) Coca-Cola, classic regular cola
04 - 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
05 - 1/2 cup (40 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
06 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk
07 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
08 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
09 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
10 - 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
11 - Nonstick spray or softened butter, for pans

For the creamy filling

12 - 8 oz (226 g) block cream cheese, softened
13 - 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, sifted
14 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
15 - 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold

For the fudge glaze

16 - 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter
17 - 1/4 cup (20 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
18 - 1/4 cup (60 ml) Coca-Cola
19 - 1 1/2 cups (180 g) powdered sugar, sifted
20 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For garnish

21 - Whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or maraschino cherries, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans, line the bottoms with parchment, and lightly flour the sides.
02 - In a medium saucepan, combine Coca-Cola, butter, cocoa powder, and salt. Warm over medium heat, stirring, until the butter melts and the mixture just begins to bubble. Remove from the heat.
03 - Whisk the flour and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Pour in the hot cola cocoa mixture and stir until smooth. Add buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla, then mix just until combined.
04 - Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the centers spring back lightly and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto racks to cool completely.
05 - Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Beat in powdered sugar and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whip the cold cream to stiff peaks, then fold it into the cream cheese mixture until light and even.
06 - Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with half the filling. Add the second layer and remaining filling, then top with the final cake layer. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
07 - Melt the butter with cocoa powder and Coca-Cola in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until thick, smooth, and glossy.
08 - Pour the warm glaze over the chilled cake, guiding it toward the edges so it drips down the sides. Add garnish if using, then chill for at least 1 hour before slicing.

# Good to know:

01 - Use regular Coca-Cola for the best moisture and flavor.
02 - Cake layers must be fully cool before filling.
03 - Chill before slicing for the cleanest layers.

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