Description
This sour cream chocolate cake is rich, tender, and full of deep cocoa flavor. The addition of sour cream guarantees a perfectly moist texture that holds up beautifully. A go-to sour cream chocolate cake recipe for any baker, it combines classic flavor with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (120ml) sour cream
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) boiling water or freshly brewed hot coffee
- 2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped (for ganache)
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (for ganache)
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for shine)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until no streaks of flour remain.
- Slowly pour in the boiling water or hot coffee while whisking constantly.
- Evenly divide the batter between the prepared pans and lightly tap the pans on the counter.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack.
- Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the cream until it begins to simmer, then pour it over the chocolate. Let sit for 3–5 minutes before whisking until smooth.
- Stir in the butter for added shine and let the ganache cool until it thickens.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of ganache over the top.
- Gently set the second cake layer on top and pour the remaining ganache over it.
- Garnish with chocolate curls or shavings, if desired. Let the ganache set before serving.
Notes
- This cake is perfect for birthdays and gatherings.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Try adding nuts or chocolate chips for variation.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 713
- Sugar: 60 grams
- Sodium: 300 milligrams
- Fat: 36 grams
- Saturated Fat: 21 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 86 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 10 grams
- Cholesterol: 90 milligrams
Keywords: Sour Cream Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Cake, Desserts