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 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 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 unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; A pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Cakes & Confections

I absolutely love baking this Chocolate Cake With Sour Cream Frosting for special occasions. The combination of rich cocoa and creamy frosting is simply irresistible. Each bite is moist and decadent, making it a perfect dessert to impress your family and friends. The tanginess of the sour cream in the frosting surprisingly enhances the chocolate flavor, creating a delightful balance. Whether it’s a birthday celebration or just a cozy weekend treat, this cake never fails to bring smiles to the table. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Created by

Freya Cooper

Last updated on 2026-01-22T07:58:18.164Z

When I first attempted this Chocolate Cake With Sour Cream Frosting, I was on a mission to create a dessert that would wow my guests. After some experimentation, I discovered that adding sour cream to the frosting gave it an exquisite richness. The result was beyond my expectations, with a luscious texture and a balance of sweetness that only a little tang can provide.

Over the years, I’ve perfected the baking time and temperature for the cake, ensuring it comes out perfectly moist every time. A key tip I've learned is to let the cake cool completely before frosting it; otherwise, the heat can melt the frosting and ruin that beautiful finish. Trust me, patience is key!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy sour cream frosting
Moist texture that keeps getting better over time
Easy to make and perfect for special celebrations

Understanding the Ingredients

To achieve the rich and decadent flavor of this cake, the quality of cocoa powder plays a crucial role. Opt for a high-quality Dutch-process cocoa to enhance the chocolate notes. Alternatively, you can use natural cocoa powder, but the flavor will differ slightly, resulting in a lighter taste. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature; this helps to create a stable emulsion, giving the cake its moist and tender structure.

The addition of boiling water in the batter is a key step that often goes unnoticed. This technique helps bloom the cocoa, intensifying its flavor and improving the texture of the cake. The resulting batter will have a thin consistency, which allows for an incredibly moist crumb as it bakes. Be cautious when adding the boiling water; mix slowly to prevent splattering and ensure an even blend.

Perfecting the Frosting

When making the sour cream frosting, the temperature of the butter matters. Make sure it's softened to room temperature, which should feel slightly cool but not too soft. This consistency helps create a fluffy texture when whipped. Overbeating can cause the frosting to become too loose, so beat until smooth and creamy without overdoing it.

If you prefer a sweeter frosting, you can adjust the amount of powdered sugar according to your taste. For a tangier profile, add a bit more sour cream, but keep in mind that this will change the consistency. If the frosting becomes too runny, refrigerate for a short time to allow it to firm up before spreading.

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients before you start to ensure a smooth baking experience.

For the Cake

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 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 Sour Cream Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
A pinch of salt

Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a delicious cake.

Prepare the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water until well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pans.

Bake the Cake

Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix thoroughly. Mix in sour cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth and fluffy.

Assemble the Cake

Once cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top, then place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake as desired.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake and serve it to your guests, relishing the delighted expressions as they taste your creation!

Don’t forget to store any leftovers in an airtight container.

Pro Tips

Make sure to let the eggs and butter sit out to reach room temperature before you begin for a better-flavored cake. Also, try experimenting with different types of cocoa powder for diverse flavor profiles.

Serving Suggestions

This Chocolate Cake With Sour Cream Frosting pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The acidity of berries can complement the rich chocolate flavor, adding a refreshing contrast. For a festive touch, top the cake with chocolate shavings or a drizzle of chocolate ganache, enhancing both its appearance and flavor profile.

If you're looking to make the cake extra special, consider layering it with fresh fruit jam between the cake layers. Raspberry or cherry jam adds a delightful sweetness and a pop of color. Just make sure to apply a thin layer to keep the cake from becoming too moist.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This cake can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to develop even further. Once the cake is fully cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. The frosting can also be prepared in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to frost, let the frosting come to room temperature and re-whip it briefly for the best spreadability.

For longer storage, consider freezing the cake. Wrap the layers individually in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the layers overnight in the refrigerator, then frost as directed for a homemade treat that tastes freshly made.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Just make sure to wrap them tightly and refrigerate until you're ready to frost.

→ Can I use a different frosting?

Definitely! You can use cream cheese frosting or even a dark chocolate ganache if you prefer.

→ Is there a gluten-free option?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that can be used cup-for-cup.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.