Chocolate (Coke) Cake

In a small saucepan, heat 1/4# butter, 1 cup Coke, 3 Tblsp. cocoa that's been mixed with 1 Tblsp. vegetable oil (mix it into a paste). Bring to a slow boil - add 1 cup miniature marshmallows and remove from heat. Stir occasionally until marshmallows are melted. Set aside until mixture is completely cool.

Mix dry ingredients together in a mixing bowl and set aside:

2-1/3 cups flour

3/4 c. unsweetened cocoa

1 tsp. baking soda

1-1/2 tsp. baking powder

Make cake:

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 13x9" cake pan.

In a large mixing bowl, beat until fluffy (with whisk or electric mixer):

1/2 cup soft butter (or use 1/2 butter and 1/2 margarine)

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 tsp. vanilla extract

2 cups sugar

Beat in:

2 eggs

3/4 cup buttermilk

Add half the dry (flour/cocoa, etc.) mixture and stir well -

Add the cooled cola mixture.

Add the remaining half of the dry mixture (flour/cocoa, etc.)

Stir mixture thoroughly & slowly for 3-4 minutes.

Spoon into the prepared pan & bake for 40-50 minutes until center is done. Test with toothpick. When done, cool on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes. Spread frosting over warm cake. Cool completely before serving. I usually refrigerate the cake, but it's not necessary.

FROSTING:

In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly:

1/2 cup (1 stick) softened butter

1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 cup Coke

1 teasp. vanilla extract

1/4 cup Hershey's chocolate syrup

3 cups powdered sugar