How to Make Sour Cream Cake: A Moist and Delicious Treat

Sour cream cake. The name itself evokes a sense of comfort, doesn’t it? It’s a classic for a reason – moist, tender, and bursting with flavor, this cake is incredibly easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is for you. Today, we’ll unlock the secrets to a perfectly moist and delicious sour cream cake that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Sour Cream Cake Ingredients

Equipment:

• Two 9-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Serrated knife
• Cake stand or serving plate

Instructions:

Getting Started:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Making the Cake Batter:

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is where your stand mixer or electric hand mixer comes in handy.

4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure each ingredient is fully incorporated before adding the next.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – be careful not to overmix.

Baking the Cake:

6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.

7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Frosting:

9. While the cakes cool, make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth.

10. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.

11. Beat in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt.

Assembling the Cake:

12. Once the cakes are completely cool, use a serrated knife to level the tops if necessary.

13. Place one cake layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Frost the top evenly with about half of the frosting.

14. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

Time to Decorate!

15. Get creative with your decorations! You can keep it simple with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or go all out with fresh fruit, chocolate shavings, or chopped nuts.

Frosted Sour Cream Cake

Tips and Tricks:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before starting. This will help them blend together more smoothly.

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.

• Cooling is Key: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

• Sour Cream Substitutes: If you’re out of sour cream, you can substitute it with plain yogurt or even buttermilk.

FAQs:

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?
  Absolutely! The cake can be baked a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

• What can I substitute for all-purpose flour?
  While all-purpose flour works best, you can try using a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend.

• How do I store leftover cake?
  Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Conclusion:

There you have it! Now you’re equipped to make a moist and delicious sour cream cake that will impress your friends and family. It’s a simple recipe with incredible results. So go ahead, preheat that oven, and bake yourself a slice of happiness! Don’t forget to share your baking triumphs with us in the comments below.

For more delicious cake recipes, check out our guide on how to make a classic sour cream coffee cake.