Chocolate Sour Cream Cake

Prep: 30 min Cook: 90 min Serves: 16 Cuisine: American

Indulge in this rich Chocolate Sour Cream Cake, featuring moist layers infused with cocoa flavor and a tender crumb. Perfect for celebrations or a decadent treat, its combination of sour cream and chocolate creates a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth experience suitable for chocolate lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups sifted flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup baking cocoa
  • 1 cup margarine, softened
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 5 eggs
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Mix flour, baking powder, and baking cocoa in a bowl.
  2. Cream margarine, shortening, and sugar in a large mixer bowl until light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. Alternately add flour mixture with sour cream and milk, beating well after each addition.
  5. Stir in vanilla.
  6. Pour batter into a greased and floured 10-inch tube pan.
  7. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 1 1/2 hours.
  8. Cool in the pan for several minutes.
  9. Invert onto a serving plate.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using high-quality dark cocoa powder. If you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute. Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing. If you want to add a twist, fold in chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for added texture. This cake is similar to the beloved Dunbar Cake.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with coffee or vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. Consider serving it alongside fresh berries for a refreshing contrast. For a fun twist, try it with a side of Nancy'S Clam Chowder for an unexpected meal pairing.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Chocolate Sour Cream Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. If you wish to freeze it, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it can last for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chocolate Sour Cream Cake contains roughly 656 calories, with 4g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 52g fat.

656 kcal 33% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.2g 8% DV
Total Fat 52.3g 67% DV
Carbs 35.6g 13% DV
Fiber 0.7g 3% DV
Sugar 2.4g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 177.3mg 8% DV
Potassium 202.2mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 44.4mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 43.9mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 2.9mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 109.5mg 8% DV
Iron 1.1mg 6% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use butter instead of margarine and shortening?

Yes, you can substitute butter for both margarine and shortening. Just keep in mind that using all butter may give a slightly different texture and flavor, but it will still yield a delicious cake.

What can I do if my cake sinks in the middle?

A sinking cake can be caused by overmixing or underbaking. Ensure you mix just until combined and check the doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, it’s done; if it sinks, it may need a few more minutes in the oven.

How can I make this cake more chocolatey?

To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider adding chocolate chips or increasing the amount of cocoa powder slightly. You can also drizzle a chocolate ganache over the cooled cake for an indulgent finish.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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