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 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; ½ cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Easy Desserts Favorites

I absolutely adore this Chocolate Cake with Sour Cream Frosting. The rich, velvety chocolate flavor combined with the tangy undertones of the sour cream frosting creates a perfect balance that’s hard to resist. I’ve made this cake for various occasions, from birthdays to casual gatherings, and it always steals the show. The moist, tender crumb of the cake paired with the creamy, luscious frosting makes it a delightful experience for anyone who takes a bite. This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, and I can't wait for you to try it!

Created by

Ottoline Reeves

Last updated on 2026-01-24T13:59:34.654Z

During my baking adventures, I stumbled upon the idea of using sour cream in cake frosting, and it transformed my chocolate cake experience. The extra moisture from the sour cream adds a delightful creaminess that complements the cake beautifully. I initially thought this combination might be too rich, but the slight tanginess rounds out the sweetness, making each slice utterly satisfying.

As a tip, I recommend letting the cake cool completely before frosting it. This ensures the frosting doesn’t melt off and gives you that gorgeous, thick layer I love on my cakes. I tried frosting it while it was still warm once, and the result was less than appealing!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
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 Role of Ingredients

The cornerstone of this chocolate cake's success is the balance between the dry and wet ingredients. The use of all-purpose flour in tandem with unsweetened cocoa powder not only contributes to the cake's rich flavor but also ensures a light and fluffy texture. For a deeper chocolate taste, consider using Dutch-processed cocoa powder. The sugar plays a dual role in sweetness and aids in achieving a moist crumb by retaining moisture during baking.

Sour cream is a key ingredient in both the cake and frosting, providing moisture and a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness. If you want to lighten the cake, you can substitute half the sour cream with Greek yogurt. Just be aware that this may slightly alter the flavor profile. Additionally, the use of boiling water helps to bloom the cocoa powder, enhancing the cake's overall chocolate flavor.

Frosting Techniques for Perfect Consistency

When preparing the sour cream frosting, it’s essential to ensure that your butter is at room temperature—soft but not melted. This gives the frosting the creamy, smooth texture that you want. If your frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency; if it's too runny, incorporate more powdered sugar gradually. Mixing at medium speed until fluffiness is achieved will yield a glossy finish.

I recommend pouring the frosting over the sides of the cake to create a drip effect. This not only adds a beautiful aesthetic but also makes for a delightful eating experience as the frosting incorporates itself into each slice. Take your time with the frosting; using an offset spatula can help create even layers and smooth edges.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to start your baking journey:

For the Cake

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

For the Sour Cream Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
½ cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Make sure you have everything ready before you start baking!

Instructions

Let’s get started on baking this delicious cake!

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well mixed.

Add Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in the boiling water until well combined.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by sour cream and vanilla. Mix until smooth.

Frost the Cake

Once the cake layers are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting on top, then place the second layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake.

Enjoy your deliciously rich chocolate cake!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, try garnishing your cake with chocolate shavings or fresh berries on top. It adds color and a delightful flavor contrast that everyone will love.

Serving Suggestions

This chocolate cake pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. You can also drizzle a homemade chocolate sauce over the top for added richness. Should you choose to serve it at a special occasion, consider garnishing with chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance its flavor profile.

For an interesting variation, you might try layering the cake with raspberry or orange compote for a burst of refreshing flavor. Additionally, serving the cake slightly warm will emphasize its moist texture and make the sour cream frosting even more delightful as it melts into the layers.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This cake can be made ahead of time and stored effectively. To preserve freshness, wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you opt to freeze the layers, double wrap them to prevent freezer burn; they can last up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.

Once frosted, store the cake in a cool area or in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for about a week. To maintain its texture, cover the cake with a cake dome or loosely with plastic wrap to avoid drying out. If possible, it's best enjoyed at room temperature.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of frosting?

Absolutely! While sour cream frosting complements the chocolate cake well, you can also use cream cheese frosting or traditional buttercream.

→ How do I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to make it last a week.

→ Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake a day ahead. Just keep it tightly wrapped until you're ready to frost and serve.

→ Is it possible to freeze the cake?

Definitely! You can freeze the un-frosted cake layers in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge before frosting.