Coca-Cola Cupcakes
A true taste of Georgia! These intensely chocolatey cupcakes are made with Atlanta's most famous export - Coca-Cola. The soda adds incredible moisture and a unique caramel-vanilla undertone that makes these cupcakes absolutely irresistible. Topped with Georgia pecans!
Equipment Needed
Instructions
Heat the Coca-Cola mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the Coca-Cola, butter, and cocoa powder. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and let cool slightly while you prepare the dry ingredients.
Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 18 cupcake wells with paper liners. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
Combine wet and dry: Pour the warm Coca-Cola mixture over the flour mixture and stir until combined. The batter will be thin and very smooth.
Add remaining wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla. Add to the batter and mix until just combined. The batter will be quite thin - that's perfect!
Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Cool: Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Start the frosting while they cool.
Make the frosting: In a saucepan, combine the Coca-Cola, butter, and cocoa powder. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and pour over the powdered sugar in a large bowl.
Finish the frosting: Beat the frosting with an electric mixer until smooth and slightly cooled. Add the vanilla and fold in the chopped pecans. If the frosting is too thin, refrigerate for 10-15 minutes until spreadable.
Frost and garnish: Generously frost each cooled cupcake. The frosting will set to a fudgy texture. Top with a whole pecan, a maraschino cherry if desired, and chocolate shavings.
💡 Pro Tips & Variations
- Georgia heritage: Coca-Cola was invented in Atlanta in 1886. Coca-Cola Cake became a Southern tradition, and these cupcakes honor that Georgia heritage.
- Georgia pecans: Georgia is the largest pecan-producing state. Use fresh Georgia pecans for the most authentic flavor and support local farmers.
- Let it fizz: Some recipes call for flat Coca-Cola, but fresh is fine - the carbonation helps create a tender crumb and dissipates during baking.
- Cherry Cola version: Add 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract to both batter and frosting, and top with maraschino cherries for Cherry Coke cupcakes.
- Marshmallow twist: Traditional Coca-Cola Cake sometimes includes mini marshmallows in the frosting. Fold in 1/2 cup mini marshmallows if desired.
- Super moist: These cupcakes are incredibly moist thanks to the Coca-Cola. They stay fresh for days stored in an airtight container.