Chocolate Cake With Sour Cream Frosting

Name: Chocolate Cake With Sour Cream Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Highlighted under: Sweet Bakehouse

I often find myself craving a delightful chocolate cake that balances sweetness with a touch of tang. This Chocolate Cake With Sour Cream Frosting has become a go-to for me and my loved ones. The rich, moist cake is perfectly complemented by the creamy and slightly tangy frosting, creating a harmonious flavor profile. Whether it's a birthday celebration or just a cozy dinner at home, this cake never fails to impress. Plus, its simple preparation makes it even more appealing for spontaneous baking days.

Created by

Jasmine Porter

Last updated on 2026-02-01T21:17:37.375Z

When I first attempted this recipe, I was skeptical about using sour cream in the frosting. However, my curiosity led me to try it, and I was pleasantly surprised. The sour cream adds a wonderful creaminess that balances the rich chocolate flavor of the cake perfectly. The first bite is always a joyous moment!

Over the years, I've experimented with various add-ins, but I always return to the classic version. One tip I can share is to let the cake cool completely before frosting; that way, the resulting texture is ideal for slicing and serving. Trust me, your guests will keep coming back for another piece!

Why You'll Love This Chocolate Cake
Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

Understanding the Key Ingredients

The foundation of this Chocolate Cake lies in the combination of all-purpose flour and unsweetened cocoa powder. The flour provides structure, while the cocoa powder gives the cake its rich flavor and dark color. Using a high-quality cocoa powder will enhance the cake's chocolatey essence. For a lighter cake, you might consider substituting a portion of the all-purpose flour with cake flour, as it has a finer grain and less protein, resulting in a tender crumb.

Incorporating whole milk into the batter contributes to the cake's moistness and richness. It's essential to use room temperature ingredients, especially the eggs and milk, as this aids in uniform mixing and better aeration. Be sure to beat the batter until it's well combined but be cautious not to overmix, which could lead to a denser cake. Each ingredient serves a role, and a little attention to detail can significantly enhance the end product.

Frosting Mastery

The sour cream frosting brings a luscious creaminess and a slight tang that beautifully balances the sweetness of the chocolate cake. When preparing the frosting, ensure your unsalted butter is softened to room temperature, as this will help achieve that perfectly creamy texture. You can use a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment for a fluffier result, mixing on medium speed until the butter is light and airy before incorporating the sugar and cocoa.

If you find the frosting too thick, a tablespoon of milk or cream can loosen it to your desired consistency. Conversely, if it's too thin, a bit more powdered sugar will help thicken it. Additionally, for a richer chocolate flavor, consider adding melted chocolate to the frosting. It adds depth and a gorgeous sheen, making the cake even more irresistible.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

This Chocolate Cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days, making it ideal for prepping ahead of time. If you want to keep it longer, it freezes wonderfully; wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will last for up to three months. To serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and then bring it to room temperature before enjoying for the best texture and flavor.

For a special touch, consider adding fresh berries or orange slices on top of the frosted cake for contrast and flavor. This cake also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. When serving, use a hot knife (run under hot water and dried) to cut clean slices without tearing the moist cake, ensuring each piece is as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare this delicious cake:

For the Cake

1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Frosting

1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Make sure to have everything ready before you start baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Cake:

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well and then add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until well blended. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin).

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into two greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.

Prepare the Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add in powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla, mixing well. Finally, blend in the sour cream until fluffy and smooth.

Frost the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake. Decorate as desired!

Enjoy your decadent chocolate cake!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider garnishing with chocolate shavings or fruit slices. This cake also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find the cake turns out too dry, it may have been baked for too long. Always check for doneness a few minutes early, and remember that the toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean. Alternatively, if your cake sinks in the middle after baking, it could be an indicator of underbaking or too much leavening; ensure you measure your baking powder and soda accurately and use fresh ingredients for the best rise.

Sometimes, the cake might come out too dense, which usually results from overmixing the batter or using cold ingredients. Always mix just until combined and at room temperature, as proper aeration and ingredient temperatures are crucial for a light and fluffy cake.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy-free version, you can replace the whole milk with almond milk or coconut milk and the sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt. Be vigilant about the consistency, as some plant-based milks are thinner; you may need to adjust your dry ingredients slightly. If you're looking to reduce sugar, you can lower the granulated sugar by up to 1/2 cup, as the cake will still remain moist thanks to the sour cream frosting.

In case you don't have sour cream, Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute, providing similar tang and creaminess. If you’re out of cocoa powder, high-quality dark chocolate melted and cooled could replace it, ensuring a rich chocolate flavor that complements the cake beautifully.

Celebration Customizations

This recipe serves as a fantastic base for various celebrations. To customize it for specific occasions, think about adding different flavor extracts, such as almond or coffee, to the batter for a twist. For holiday celebrations, adding peppermint extract or spices like cinnamon can elevate the flavor profile dramatically while still keeping the essence of chocolate intact.

Additionally, consider layering the cake with various fillings between the layers, such as raspberry jam or a cream cheese filling, for a delectable surprise. These variations can add a unique twist to each party, making it a truly customizable dessert experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can experiment with cake flour for a lighter texture, but keep in mind that the amount may vary.

→ How should I store leftover cake?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for sour cream?

You can use Greek yogurt or a mixture of plain yogurt and a bit of milk as a substitute for the sour cream in the frosting.