Sour Cream Chocolate Cake is a rich and moist chocolate cake that incorporates sour cream into the batter. This ingredient adds a delightful tanginess and moisture, resulting in a tender crumb. The cake is often frosted with chocolate frosting or cream cheese frosting, making it a favorite for birthdays, celebrations, or any chocolate lover’s dessert.
Sour Cream Chocolate Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup hot water (or hot coffee for a richer flavor)
For the Frosting (optional):
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Incorporate Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream until well combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the hot water (or coffee). Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Frosting:
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the cocoa powder and powdered sugar, alternating with milk, and mix until smooth and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate, spread frosting on top, then place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Serve and Enjoy!
This Sour Cream Chocolate Cake is perfect for celebrations, or simply as a delightful dessert to enjoy at home. Garnish with chocolate shavings or fresh berries for an extra special touch!