Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups spicy, fruity cola soft drink (such as Dr Pepper)
  • 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon table salt
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Vegetable cooking spray
  • 1 1/4 cups chopped toasted pecans

Method

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Bring first 3 ingredients to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring often. Remove from heat.
  • Whisk together flour and next 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Add soft drink mixture, and whisk until blended. Whisk in buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla. Pour batter into a lightly greased (with cooking spray) 17 1/2- x 12 1/2-inch sheet pan.
  • Bake at 350° for 18 to 22 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
  • Prepare Fudge Icing, and pour over warm cake. Sprinkle with pecans. Cool completely in pan (about 1 hour).