Craving a decadent treat with a tangy twist? Dive into the world of sourdough chocolate cake recipes! Elevate your baking game with the rich flavors of high-quality Dutch Processed Cocoa and dark baking chocolate. Skip the chocolate chips for a smoother melt and opt for 60% Semisweet or 70% Bittersweet chocolate for a perfect batter-frosting balance.
Indulge in the delightful combination of chocolate and sourdough with my sumptuous Sourdough Chocolate Cake. This recipe promises a light, fluffy texture with a delightful sourdough tang, layered with luscious chocolate buttercream frosting. Not only is this cake a celebration of flavors, but it also offers a healthier twist to your classic dessert, thanks to the fermentation process that enhances both taste and digestibility.
Ingredients
For this scrumptious sourdough chocolate cake recipe, you’ll need a combination of cake and frosting ingredients to create a truly delightful treat. Below are the ingredients required for both the cake and frosting:
Cake Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cold milk
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup sourdough starter
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 tablespoons room temperature butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream
Gathering these ingredients will set you on the path to creating a delectable sourdough chocolate cake with a rich and creamy frosting.
Required Tools and Equipment
To bake a delicious sourdough chocolate cake, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment to ensure everything turns out perfectly. Here is a list of what you’ll require:
Tools:
- Mixing Bowls: Have a few large mixing bowls on hand to mix the ingredients thoroughly without any spills.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: A hand mixer or a stand mixer will help you beat the batter to the perfect consistency.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key in baking, so ensure you have measuring cups and spoons.
- Rubber Spatula: A rubber spatula will help you scrape the sides of the bowl and ensure no ingredients are left unmixed.
- Cake Pans: You’ll need two 9-inch round cake pans for baking the cake layers.
- Cooling Rack: A cooling rack is essential to cool the cake layers evenly.
- Cake Plate: Make sure you have a cake plate ready for assembling and serving the finished cake.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to the specified temperature before starting to bake.
- Parchment Paper: Optional but helpful for easy removal of the cake from the pans.
- Saucepan: You’ll need a saucepan to heat water for the cake batter.
- Whisk: A whisk is important for combining dry ingredients and ensuring a smooth batter.
- Sieve: Use a sieve to sift the cocoa powder for a lump-free batter.
- Cake Decorator’s Tools: If you plan to decorate the cake, have your decorating tools ready.
Having these tools and equipment ready will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable, resulting in a delicious sourdough chocolate cake that everyone will love.
Preparation Steps
Preparing the Sourdough Starter
To kick off the preparation, I usually begin with the sourdough starter. In a separate bowl, I combine the sourdough discard with milk, flour, and cocoa, creating a shaggy dough. I cover it with plastic wrap and let it sit on the counter overnight for that perfect fermentation.
Gathering and Prepping Other Ingredients
Next up, it’s time to gather and prep the remaining ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, I mix together the dry ingredients like flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. After achieving a well-combined mix, I add in the wet ingredients such as vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla, sour cream, and of course, the prepared sourdough starter. Mixing everything thoroughly is crucial for a thick batter. Once these are all blended, I pour in the boiling water and stir briskly until a smooth batter takes form.
Directions
Now let’s dive into the fun part – making this delicious Sourdough Chocolate Cake! Follow the detailed steps below to create a cake that will be a hit at any gathering.
Making the Cake Batter
To start, preheat your oven to the recommended temperature of 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch cake pan and set it aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Mix these dry ingredients well to ensure even distribution.
Next, add the sourdough discard, milk, coconut oil, and eggs to the dry mixture. Use a whisk and spatula to combine everything until a thick and lumpy batter forms. Don’t worry about the lumps; they’ll disappear later.
Bring some hot water to a simmer. Add the hot water to the batter and mix until smooth. The batter will transform into a silky, luxurious consistency.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
Baking the Cake
Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake – it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparing the Frosting
While the cake is cooling, it’s time to prepare the decadent chocolate buttercream frosting. In a medium bowl, cream softened butter with powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting generously over the top. You can get creative with the frosting by adding a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or nuts for a beautiful finish.
Assembly and Decoration
Assembling the Layers
To assemble the Sourdough Chocolate Cake, start by placing one cake layer on a cake plate with the flat side facing up. Spread approximately a quarter of the chocolate buttercream frosting evenly across the cake layer.
Next, gently position the second cake layer on top of the first, ensuring the flat side faces down. Proceed to spread the remaining frosting uniformly over the top and sides of the cake for a beautifully finished presentation.
Decorating the Cake
For a simple and elegant decoration, consider garnishing the Sourdough Chocolate Cake with chocolate shavings, cocoa powder dusting, or fresh berries. These embellishments not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide a delightful contrast of flavors to the rich chocolate cake and buttercream frosting. Let your creativity shine through in decorating this decadent dessert masterpiece.
Serving and Storage
Best Practices for Serving
When serving your Sourdough Chocolate Cake, consider letting it come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture. This will ensure that the cake maintains its moistness and allows the flavors to fully develop. Slicing the cake with a sharp knife dipped in hot water between cuts can help achieve clean and neat slices.
How to Store Leftovers
To store any leftover Sourdough Chocolate Cake, place the slices in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The cake will become denser and more fudgy as it cools, creating a delightful treat for later enjoyment. If you prefer a softer texture, allow the cake to come back to room temperature before savoring it. Proper storage will help maintain the freshness and quality of the cake for several days.
Conclusion
Sourdough chocolate cake recipes are a delightful way to infuse tangy flavors into traditional desserts. By incorporating sourdough starter into your baking, you can achieve a unique taste profile that sets your chocolate cake apart. Remember to use high-quality ingredients and follow the fermentation process for the best results. With the right tools and techniques, you can create a decadent Sourdough Chocolate Cake with a light texture and rich flavor. When serving and storing your cake, allow it to come to room temperature for optimal taste. By following these tips, you can enjoy the deliciousness of Sourdough Chocolate Cake for days to come.