Sour Cream Chocolate Cake

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A rich, moist chocolate cake infused with the tang of sour cream and deep cocoa flavor, perfect for celebrations or decadent desserts. Its tender crumb and luscious taste appeal to chocolate lovers of all ages, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or special occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups self-rising flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 3/4 cup cocoa
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup shortening
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 eggs

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Measure all ingredients into a large bowl. Mix for 30 seconds on low speed, scraping the bowl constantly.
  3. Beat for 3 minutes at high speed, scraping the bowl occasionally.
  4. Pour the batter into prepared pans.
  5. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer chocolate flavor, consider using dark cocoa instead of regular cocoa powder. If you don't have sour cream, plain yogurt can be a great substitute. Make sure to mix the batter just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy. If you want to reduce sugar, you can use a sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Sour Cream Chocolate Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. It pairs beautifully with President Clinton's Lemon Chess Pie for a delightful dessert spread. Fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can enhance presentation and flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Sour Cream Chocolate Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold for a refreshing treat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sour Cream Chocolate Cake contains roughly 411 calories, with 9g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

411 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.8g 18% DV
Total Fat 6.7g 9% DV
Carbs 68.2g 25% DV
Fiber 7.7g 27% DV
Sugar 3.3g 7% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 277.3mg 12% DV
Potassium 774mg 16% DV
Cholesterol 68.9mg 23% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 72.4mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 22.1mg 25% DV
Calcium 183.5mg 14% DV
Iron 3.5mg 19% DV
Diet fit High-fiber 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 all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for self-rising flour by adding 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt for every cup of flour used in the recipe.

What can I do if my cake is dry?

If your cake turns out dry, it may be due to overbaking or not enough moisture. Ensure you follow the baking time closely and consider adding an extra egg or a bit more sour cream to the batter next time.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version of this cake, substitute the self-rising flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and add the appropriate amount of baking powder and salt. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

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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