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
Scale
- 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