Go Back
A delicious plate of Easy Chocolate Cake

Easy Chocolate Cake

This easy chocolate cake is a rich and moist dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Top it with a chocolate sour cream frosting for an extra indulgent treat.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 16 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 428

Ingredients
  

For the chocolate cake
  • 227 g unsalted butter
  • 240 ml water
  • 33 g unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 240 g all-purpose flour
  • 350 g granulated sugar
  • 1.5 tsp baking soda
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 120 ml sour cream, at room temperature
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
For the chocolate sour cream frosting
  • 360 g confectioner's sugar
  • 60 g unsweetened cocoa powder, or Dutch process cocoa
  • 113 g unsalted butter
  • 120 ml sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch Pan

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine the butter, water, cocoa powder, and salt and place over medium heat. Cook, stirring with a spatula, just until melted and combined. Remove from the heat and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking soda. Add half of the melted butter cocoa mixture and whisk until completely blended. The mixture will be thick. Add the remaining butter mixture and stir until combined.
  4. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking until completely blended. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract and whisk until smooth.
  5. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, 25-30 minutes. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
  6. For the frosting: In a large bowl, sift together the confectioner's sugar and cocoa powder. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter until smooth, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the confectioner's sugar and cocoa, sour cream, vanilla, and salt. Beat until frosting is smooth, about 3 minutes. If you need to scrape down the sides, do so, and mix again.
  7. Frost the cooled chocolate cake with the chocolate sour cream frosting. Cut cake into squares and serve.

Notes

Ensure the cake is completely cool before applying the frosting to avoid melting. This cake pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.