Pepsi-Cola Cake with Broiled Peanut Butter Fro

Y’all, cola cake is one of those old Southern recipes that sounds strange until you taste it. The Pepsi adds carbonation that lightens the crumb and a caramel sweetness that pairs with the cocoa in ways plain water never could.

Mini marshmallows stirred into the batter melt during baking, creating pockets of gooey sweetness throughout the cake. They don’t fully dissolve, so you get these soft, stretchy spots in every slice.

The frosting is where this recipe really shines. Peanut butter, dark brown sugar, and butter get creamed together, spread over the still-warm cake, then slid under the broiler for just seconds until the surface bubbles. That quick blast of heat caramelizes the brown sugar and toasts the chopped peanuts on top.

Frost the cake while it’s warm. The heat helps the frosting spread evenly and bond to the surface, so it doesn’t slide off when you broil it.

Kitchen Tips

• Watch the broiler like a hawk. The frosting goes from bubbly to scorched in under 10 seconds. Keep the oven door cracked and don’t walk away.
• Use real cola, not diet. The sugar in regular cola contributes to the cake’s moisture and browning.
• Let the cake cool at least 30 minutes after broiling before cutting. The frosting needs time to set.
• The buttermilk and baking soda react together for extra rise. Don’t substitute regular milk here.

Variations

• Dr. Pepper version: Swap the cola for Dr. Pepper. The cherry and spice notes add another layer of complexity.
• Chocolate peanut butter frosting: Add two tablespoons of cocoa to the frosting for a full chocolate-peanut butter experience.