Dreamy Sour Cream Cake Recipe: Moist, Sweet Homemade Joy

Baking a delectable sour cream cake brings pure joy to your kitchen adventures.

Soft, velvety textures melt into every delightful bite.

Creamy ingredients create a magical dessert that feels like a warm hug.

Sweet aromas will drift through your home, tempting everyone nearby.

Gentle mixing techniques ensure a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

Simple steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Let’s whip up a cake that promises to become your new favorite indulgence.

Why Sour Cream Cake Is Always So Moist

• Whip Up Quickly: Perfect for bakers who want a delightful dessert without spending hours in the kitchen, this sour cream cake comes together with simple ingredients and basic mixing techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Offers a moist, tender texture that appeals to all ages, making it an ideal treat for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual celebrations.
• Versatile Dessert Option: Adaptable recipe that can be dressed up with different frostings or served plain, allowing creative bakers to personalize the cake to their taste preferences.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking: Straightforward instructions and minimal ingredients make this recipe welcoming for novice bakers looking to build confidence in the kitchen.

Gather Ingredients For Soft Sour Cream Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and helps create the cake's tender crumb.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the cake rises and becomes light and fluffy.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the cake's soft texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender, creating a soft texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic flavor to the cake.
• Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tangy flavor to the cake.

• Unsalted Butter, Powdered Sugar, Sour Cream: Create a smooth, creamy frosting with a light tang that complements the cake's flavor.

Steps For Making Moist Sour Cream Cake Easy

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab an 8-inch cake pan and lovingly line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of non-stick cooking spray to ensure your cake comes out perfectly.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt

Whisk these dry ingredients until they’re well acquainted and free of any stubborn lumps.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Vegetable oil
• Pure vanilla extract
• Fresh egg
• Creamy sour cream

Use a whisk or electric mixer to create a smooth, harmonious mixture that looks silky and well-blended.

Step 4: Create Cake Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Gently fold and mix until just combined.

Be careful not to overmix – a few small lumps are totally okay and will keep your cake tender.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Transfer the batter into your prepared pan.

Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

• Softened butter
• Powdered sugar
• Sour cream

Beat until the frosting becomes light, fluffy, and irresistibly smooth.

Once the cake has cooled completely, generously spread this dreamy frosting on top.

Tips For The Perfect Sour Cream Cake Texture

• Stir wet and dry ingredients just until combined to keep the cake tender and prevent a tough texture.
• Start testing cake at 30 minutes with a toothpick to avoid overbaking and ensure a moist result.
• Allow eggs and sour cream to reach room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake consistency.
• Let butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before making frosting for a creamy, spreadable texture.
• Chill cake completely before frosting to prevent melting and create a cleaner, more professional look.

Sour Cream Cake Variations For Dessert Fans

• Greek Yogurt Swap: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-rich cake with similar moisture and texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour, ensuring the same soft crumb and tender structure.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute sour cream with coconut cream and use plant-based butter for frosting, perfect for those avoiding dairy products.
• Chocolate Marble Version: Add cocoa powder to half the batter, creating a marbled effect with swirls of chocolate and vanilla throughout the cake.

Serving Sour Cream Cake With Berries Or Cream

• Sweet Slice Companion: Pair this tender sour cream cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a creamy, cool contrast.
• Morning Mood Boost: Enjoy a slice alongside your favorite coffee or chai tea, creating a delightful breakfast or mid-morning treat.
• Festive Fruit Topping: Garnish with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries, adding a bright, tangy layer that complements the cake's richness.
• Elegant Dessert Presentation: Dust with powdered sugar and serve on a beautiful plate for an instantly sophisticated dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

How To Store Sour Cream Cake For Later

• Store cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Wrap completely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Cut individual portions, wrap separately in plastic wrap and place in freezer bag. Freeze up to 3 months for quick single servings.
• Warm refrigerated cake slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. For frozen slices, thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before gently warming.

FAQs

• Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt works perfectly as a substitute with similar moisture and tanginess.

• Is this cake considered a light dessert?

Absolutely! The sour cream creates a tender, moist texture that’s lighter than traditional dense cakes.

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done.

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Replace regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Sour Cream Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent sour cream cake promises a delightful journey through rich, velvety layers of homemade comfort. Gentle crumb and smooth texture invite you to savor each delectable bite of this classic dessert perfect for any celebration.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups plain flour
• 3/4 cup caster sugar

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients:

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup sour cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8-inch cake pan with a light coating of grease or parchment paper.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the dry ingredients until well integrated, ensuring no lumps remain.
3. In a separate bowl, vigorously combine the wet ingredients, creating a smooth and uniform liquid mixture.
4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring with minimal strokes until just incorporated – avoid overmixing to maintain the cake’s delicate texture.
5. Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading evenly with a spatula to ensure consistent depth.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean and the top turns golden brown.
7. While the cake cools completely, prepare the frosting by whipping butter until soft and creamy.
8. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and sour cream into the butter, blending until achieving a smooth, spreadable consistency.
9. Once the cake has reached room temperature, generously frost the top and sides with the prepared creamy mixture.

Notes

• Prevent overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender and light, stopping when ingredients are just combined to avoid developing tough gluten.
• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative that maintains similar moisture and texture in the cake.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and sour cream to ensure even mixing and a smoother, more consistent cake batter.
• Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean with a few moist crumbs for the perfect, soft texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 453
• Sugar: 49 g
• Sodium: 144 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 38 mg