Sour Cream Chocolate Cake is an old-fashioned dessert that brings a wave of nostalgia with every bite. This cake is deeply chocolatey, ultra-moist, and incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. The secret ingredient—sour cream—creates an impossibly tender crumb that stays soft for days. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just craving a comforting homemade dessert, this cake has you covered, delivering a delightful experience that will satisfy any chocolate lover.
Why You’ll Love This Sour Cream Chocolate Cake
There are countless reasons to adore this sour cream chocolate dessert. First, it boasts a rich flavor profile thanks to the combination of cocoa and sour cream. Second, it is an ideal moist chocolate cake recipe that keeps well, making it perfect for sour cream chocolate cupcakes or a layered cake. Third, it’s versatile—you can serve it as a simple dessert or dress it up with frosting for special occasions. Fourth, it’s quick to prepare, taking only 50 minutes from start to finish. Fifth, the addition of coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without imparting a coffee taste. Lastly, it’s a decadent chocolate cake with sour cream that everyone will love!
Ingredients for Sour Cream Chocolate Cake
Gather these items:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- ½ cup neutral oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee or hot water
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup sour cream or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh berries (raspberries or strawberries)
How to Make Sour Cream Chocolate Cake Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pan generously with butter or non-stick spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar until everything is evenly distributed.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Slowly stir the hot coffee (or hot water) into your wet ingredients.
- Step 5: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix just until combined.
- Step 6: Pour the batter into your prepared pan. It will be quite liquid, so pour carefully. Bake for 30–40 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Step 7: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then turn it out onto a cooling rack.
- Step 8: If you’re making the frosting, beat the softened butter until fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, sour cream, and vanilla.
Pro Tips for the Best Sour Cream Chocolate Cake
Keep these in mind:
- This cake is perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or anytime you need a comforting homemade dessert.
- Using coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Feel free to add nuts for an extra crunch or mini chocolate chips for added sweetness!
Best Ways to Serve Sour Cream Chocolate Cake
There are many delightful ways to present this cake. You can serve it plain for a simple yet indulgent dessert. Alternatively, add a generous layer of frosting for a sour cream chocolate cake with frosting experience. For special occasions, consider serving slices with fresh berries for a touch of elegance. It also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a classic dessert duo.
How to Store and Reheat Sour Cream Chocolate Cake
To store your cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you have leftovers, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy that freshly baked taste again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sour Cream Chocolate Cake
What’s the secret to perfect Sour Cream Chocolate Cake?
The secret to a perfect sour cream chocolate cake lies in using quality ingredients and ensuring that all your wet ingredients are at room temperature. This creates a smooth batter and leads to a tender cake that stays moist.
Can I make Sour Cream Chocolate Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make sour cream chocolate cake a day in advance. Just store it covered in the refrigerator, and it will taste just as delicious the next day!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Sour Cream Chocolate Cake?
To avoid common mistakes, always measure your ingredients accurately and avoid overmixing the batter. This will ensure a fluffy texture without any dense spots.
Variations of Sour Cream Chocolate Cake You Can Try
If you’re looking to switch things up, here are some fun sour cream chocolate cake variations: try adding crushed nuts for a delightful crunch, or make it a chocolate sour cream bundt cake by baking it in a bundt pan. You could also layer it with rich ganache for a decadent twist or create sour cream chocolate cupcakes for individual servings. Each variation brings a new dimension to this beloved classic!
For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making chocolate oatmeal bars for a delightful treat!
For tips on baking, you might find mini cranberry cheesecakes helpful for your next holiday gathering.
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Sour Cream Chocolate Cake: 7 Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
An old-fashioned sour cream chocolate cake recipe that’s deeply chocolatey, ultra-moist, and simple enough for beginners. The secret ingredient—sour cream—creates an impossibly tender crumb that stays soft for days.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- ½ cup neutral oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee or hot water
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup sour cream or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh berries (raspberries or strawberries)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pan generously with butter or non-stick spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar until everything is evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Slowly stir the hot coffee (or hot water) into your wet ingredients.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix just until combined.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan. It will be quite liquid, so pour carefully. Bake for 30–40 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then turn it out onto a cooling rack.
- If you’re making the frosting, beat the softened butter until fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, sour cream, and vanilla.
Notes
- This cake is perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or anytime you need a comforting homemade dessert.
- Using coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Sour Cream Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Cake, Dessert