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Sour Cream Chocolate Cake

YIELD: Makes one 9-inch round double layer cake
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Dessert
Author: Hip Foodie Mom

Ingredients

For the cake:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder not Dutch process
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 2 sticks 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/3 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs

For the frosting:

  • 1 1/2 sticks 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup whipped cream cheese
  • 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate melted and cooled
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

Instructions

For the cake:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease or spray two 9-inch round cake pans and line them with parchment paper on the bottom of each cake pan.
  • Using a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, water, and vanilla.
  • Using your stand mixer fitted with the flat beater attachment, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in batches alternating with the sour cream mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture and beating until the batter is blended well.
  • Divide batter between prepared pans and smooth tops. Bake the cakes in middle of oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until a tester inserted comes out clean. Cool cake layers in pans on racks for about 10 minutes before turning out onto racks to cool completely.

For the frosting:

  • In a bowl with an electric mixer beat together the butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add the melted (but cooled) chocolate, vanilla and the confectioners sugar (1/2 to one cup at a time) and beat until combined well.

To assemble:

  • Place one cake on cake stand or plate and frost the top. Place second cake on top and frost the top and sides completely. I just used an offset spatula. Slice and enjoy!