Mom'S Sour Cream Chocolate Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A rich, moist chocolate cake with a hint of tang from sour cream, perfect for satisfying chocolate cravings and suitable for family gatherings or special occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 1/3 cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 3 squares unsweetened chocolate
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 cup hot water

Instructions

  1. Blend sugar, sour cream, and eggs until well combined.
  2. Mix hot water and melted unsweetened chocolate to form a paste.
  3. Add the chocolate mixture to the sugar, sour cream, and eggs mixture.
  4. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Sift together the flour, salt, and baking soda; add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and beat until smooth.
  6. Pour batter into a prepared tube pan.
  7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 30 to 45 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, use high-quality unsweetened chocolate. If you don’t have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature to help the batter mix more evenly. To elevate the cake, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the batter for added depth.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delightful on its own but can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. Fresh berries make a lovely garnish, adding a pop of color and flavor. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee, making it a perfect dessert for afternoon gatherings or special occasions.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, allow slices to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mom'S Sour Cream Chocolate Cake contains roughly 421 calories, with 8g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of iron (18% of the Daily Value), protein (16% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1061mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).

421 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.8g 16% DV
Total Fat 2.9g 4% DV
Carbs 68.1g 25% DV
Fiber 3.9g 14% DV
Sugar 5.3g 11% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1060.7mg 46% DV
Potassium 307.4mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 9.9mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 22.4mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 11.3mg 13% DV
Calcium 66.6mg 5% DV
Iron 3.3mg 18% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
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 different types of chocolate in this recipe?

Yes, you can use semisweet or dark chocolate if you prefer a sweeter cake. Just adjust the sugar in the recipe accordingly. Keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, so choose a chocolate that you enjoy.

What if my cake is too dry?

If your cake turns out dry, it may be due to overbaking. To ensure a moist cake, check for doneness at the lower end of the baking time. Adding a simple syrup or glaze after baking can also help add moisture.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. You can bake it up to two days in advance. Store it covered at room temperature, and it will be ready to serve when you need it!

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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