Chocolate Cake with Sour Cream

Total Time Prep: 20 min. Bake: 30 min. + cooling
Yield 12-16 servings
Contest Winner
Test Kitchen Approved
This luscious chocolate layer cake gets wonderful moistness from sour cream. Its irresistible topping and marvelous from-scratch goodness make it a classic! I keep the recipe handy for birthdays, holidays and other special occasions.

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
  • 1 cup water
  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup shortening
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1-1/4 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • FROSTING:
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 6 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
  • 6 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 6 tablespoons milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the chocolate, water sour cream, shortening, vanilla and eggs; mix well. Combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and baking powder; gradually add to chocolate mixture. Beat on low speed just until moistened. Beat on high for 3 minutes.
  2. Pour into two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
  3. In a large bowl, combine frosting ingredients. Beat until smooth and creamy. Spread between layers and over top and side of cake. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 477 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 356mg sodium, 84g carbohydrate (67g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.

This luscious chocolate layer cake gets wonderful moistness from sour cream. Its irresistible topping and marvelous from-scratch goodness make it a classic! I keep the recipe handy for birthdays, holidays and other special occasions.
Recipe Creator

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