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: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; 1 ½ tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup sour cream; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 cups powdered sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Delightful Desserts

I absolutely love making this Chocolate Cake With Sour Cream Frosting. The rich chocolate flavor combined with the creamy, tangy frosting creates a dessert that feels both decadent and refreshing. Every bite is a delight, and it's surprisingly simple to whip up. Whether it's for a special occasion or just a treat for myself, I find that this cake never fails to impress. It has become a staple in my baking repertoire, and I enjoy experimenting with different toppings to make it even more special.

Created by

Vanessa Doyle

Last updated on 2026-02-01T21:17:37.578Z

Baking this cake has always been a joyous occasion in my kitchen. I remember the first time I made it; I was skeptical about using sour cream in the frosting, but it added a delightful creaminess that balanced the richness of the chocolate perfectly. I learned that allowing the cake to cool completely before frosting is key to achieving a smooth finish. This simple step transforms the presentation and makes it look so professional.

Experimenting with different types of chocolate has also been fun. I’ve tried dark chocolate, semi-sweet, and even adding espresso powder for an extra kick. Each time it turns out delicious, proving that this base recipe is versatile and forgiving. It's a cake that I can confidently serve to guests, knowing it will leave them wanting more.

Why You'll Love This Cake
Decadent chocolate richness that satisfies every sweet tooth
Tangy sour cream frosting that perfectly complements the cake
Perfect texture that stays moist for days

Understanding Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Chocolate Cake With Sour Cream Frosting plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture. For instance, the unsweetened cocoa powder not only provides rich chocolate flavor, but it also helps create a moist crumb. When selecting cocoa powder, I recommend using high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa for a deeper flavor. Additionally, using whole milk instead of low-fat or skim adds creaminess to the batter, which contributes to its overall richness.

The sour cream in the frosting is essential for adding a tangy balance to the sweetness of the cake. It also provides a creamy texture that spreads smoothly. If you're in need of a substitute, Greek yogurt works well, offering a similar tang while keeping the frosting luscious. On the other hand, opting for light butter or margarine can alter the consistency, so it's best to stick with unsalted butter for optimal results.

Perfecting Techniques

Baking times can vary based on your specific oven, so make sure to check the cakes for doneness around the 25-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Additionally, if you notice that the edges of your cakes are pulling away from the sides of the pan, that’s a good sign they are ready to come out. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to a dry cake.

When it comes to frosting, ensure your cakes are completely cool before applying the sour cream frosting. If you frost the cake while it’s still warm, the frosting will melt and slide off. For a professional touch, I recommend using an offset spatula to spread the frosting evenly, and you can use a bench scraper for smooth sides. If you prefer a bit of texture, simply use the spatula to create swirls and peaks.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious cake:

For the Cake

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Frosting

1 cup sour cream
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups powdered sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your chocolate cake:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, mixing until well combined.

Incorporate Boiling Water

Slowly stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth; it will be thin.

Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Prepare the Frosting

In another bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy, then mix in the cocoa powder, sour cream, and powdered sugar until smooth.

Cool and Frost

Allow the cakes to cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting with the sour cream mixture.

Once frosted, let the cake set for a bit before slicing to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add a tablespoon of espresso powder to the cake batter for a deeper chocolate flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This chocolate cake can be made ahead of time, and its flavors actually enhance after a day. You can bake the cake layers and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Just be sure to thaw them completely before frosting to avoid any condensation affecting your creamy topping.

The sour cream frosting can also be made in advance. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before using, let it sit at room temperature and give it a good stir to revive the creamy texture. If you find the frosting too stiff after chilling, a splash of milk can help loosen it to the desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

This decadent chocolate cake is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving suggestions. You might enjoy it simply as is, but it pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for an added layer of flavor and texture. If you're feeling adventurous, drizzle some chocolate ganache over the top for a more luxurious touch.

For special occasions, consider adding layers of fresh fruit or even a layer of chocolate mousse between the cake layers before frosting for a truly gourmet experience. You can also incorporate crushed nuts or chocolate shavings as a topping for an appealing finish. Regardless of how you serve it, this cake is sure to impress!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of frosting?

Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting or a simple chocolate ganache would be great alternatives.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers in advance and frost them on the day you plan to serve.

→ What can I use instead of sour cream?

Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for sour cream in the frosting.