Pepsi Cake

When I think of my grandmother, I recall her love of Pepsi and what a treat it was for her to have one.  My grandmother also made mean cakes in 9X13 pans, always whipping up something amazing.  This cake is my homage to her.  A chocolate cake infused with Pepsi and also another staple in her house, marshmallows.  This is surely to take you back to the days when life seemed simpler.  I hope you enjoy my Pepsi cake!

Batter
2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 cup unsalted butter or butter shortening (room temperature)
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 cup Pepsi
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 - 10.5 oz. bag miniature marshmallows
icing recipe below - pour over hot cake

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Prepare a 9 X13 pan, I use USA Pans since they are rugged and very durable by spraying it with Bak-klene, set aside.  In the bowl of a mixer with paddle attachment combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda and butter - mix until well incorporated and there are no butter chunks - like creaming the butter into all of the dry ingredients.

In a liquid measuring cup mix 1 cup Pepsi, buttermilk, 2 beaten eggs and vanilla - using a fork, stir to combine and add to the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl.  Beat in mixing bowl on medium speed until combined, using a spatula to scrape bowl and ensure all of the ingredients are incorporated if necessary.  Add marshmallows and mix again to combine.  Let sit for 5 minutes as batter will be slightly runny but will set up and thicken.  Pour into prepared 9X13 pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.

While cake is baking, prepare icing.  In a small saucepan on the stove combine:
1 stick unsalted butter - 1/2 cup
1/4 cup cocoa powder
Remaining can of Pepsi, should be roughly half cup

Bring ingredients to a boil and remove from stove.  In the bowl of a mixer with the whip attachment place 1 lb. powdered sugar - pour hot butter mixture into mixing bowl and turn on medium to mix for a minute.  Scrape sides of bowl to make sure all powdered sugar is combined and add 2 tsp. vanilla and turn on mixer again for another minute to incoporate.  Set aside until cake come out of the oven -

Once you pull the cake out of the oven, pour icing over the top and spread evenly over top of cake, then top with 1 cup chopped nuts if desired - I used pecans here, you can use walnuts as well.  Let cool completely before cutting.  Cut in squares and enjoy with family and good friends.