Double Chocolate Coca Cola Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup butter

3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup Coca-Cola

1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 cup buttermilk

2 eggs, beaten

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 cup chopped pecans, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F; grease and flour a 13×9 inch baking pan.

Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar in a large mixing bowl.

Combine 1 cup butter, 3 tablespoons cocoa powder, and 1 cup of Coca-Cola in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add marshmallows and vanilla, stirring until marshmallows are melted.

Pour mixture over dry ingredients and blend in well. Add the buttermilk, beaten eggs, baking soda and pecans, if using. Beat well.

Spread batter in the pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the cake bounces back when lightly touched near the center. Cool completely.

Icing:

1/2 cup butter, softened

3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1 pound confectioners’ sugar

6 to 7 tablespoons Coca-Cola

1 cup chopped pecans, optional

In a standing mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or in a large mixing bowl with a hand blender), blend the softened butter with cocoa powder, confectioners’ sugar, and Coca-Cola. Beat ingredients until smooth and creamy; spread on cooled cake with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle finely chopped pecans over the top. Serve warm.

Makes 1 (13×9) cake.