Step 1: Preheat and Prep

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Tip: Use parchment paper overhanging the sides for easy removal and clean-up.

Step 2: Make the Cola Cake Batter

• In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour and 2 cups white sugar.
• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup butter, 1 cup cola-flavored carbonated beverage, and 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
• Pour the hot cola mixture over the flour-sugar mixture and mix well until smooth.
• Stir in 1 ½ cups miniature marshmallows, ½ cup buttermilk, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined.
• Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.

Tip: Stir gently after adding marshmallows to keep some texture, as they’ll melt into the batter.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

• Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Remove from the oven and prepare the frosting while the cake is still hot.

Tip: Check at 35 minutes to avoid overbaking; the cake should be moist but set.

Step 4: Make the Cola Frosting

• In a saucepan, combine ½ cup butter, 6 tablespoons cola-flavored carbonated beverage, and 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
• Pour the hot mixture over 4 cups confectioners’ sugar in a large bowl and mix until smooth.
• Stir in 1 cup chopped pecans.

Tip: Work quickly to mix the frosting, as it thickens as it cools.

Step 5: Frost the Cake

• Spread the warm cola frosting evenly over the hot cake, allowing it to soak in slightly for a fudgy texture.

Tip: Pour the frosting evenly and use an offset spatula to spread it smoothly over the cake.

Step 6: Serve

• Let the cake cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing into 18 pieces.
• Serve at room temperature or slightly warm for the best flavor.

Tip: Use a sharp knife for clean cuts through the nutty frosting.