Rich & Tangy Sour Cream Pound Cake Recipe for Sweet Success

Soft, buttery, and utterly irresistible, this sour cream pound cake recipe promises a delightful journey of pure indulgence.

The secret to its incredible texture lies in the rich sour cream that creates a remarkably moist crumb.

Every slice brings a tender, velvety experience that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Dense yet surprisingly light, this classic dessert strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication.

Home bakers adore how easily this recipe comes together with basic pantry ingredients.

The golden-brown exterior gives way to a delicate, moist interior that whispers comfort with each heavenly bite.

Prepare to dive into a slice of pure baking bliss that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Storage Pointers for Chocolate Sour Cream Cake

• Smart Slice Strategy: Cut the cake into individual portions and wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap for easy grab-and-go treats during the week.
• Chilled Delight Storage: Keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum moisture and freshness.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap the entire cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in the freezer for up to 3 months – perfect for future dessert emergencies.
• Room Temperature Magic: Allow the cake to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance its rich chocolate flavor and soft, tender texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Calories: 389 kcal

Servings: 11

Building Blocks of Chocolate Sour Cream Pound Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the cake, choose unbleached flour for better texture and flavor.
• Dutch Process Cocoa Powder: Offers deep chocolate flavor with smoother taste, look for high-quality brands for richer color.
• Black Cocoa Powder: Delivers intense dark chocolate color and robust flavor, great for creating dramatic chocolate appearance.
• Espresso Powder: Enhances chocolate depth, optional but recommended for chocolate lovers wanting complex taste.
• Baking Powder: Ensures cake rises evenly and creates light, tender crumb, check freshness for best results.
• Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies overall flavor, use fine-grain for smooth distribution.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, tender texture, ensure room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create tender crumb, use pure cane sugar for best results.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add structure, bring to room temperature for even mixing.
• Vanilla Paste or Extract: Adds warm, complex flavor, choose pure vanilla for best taste.
• Sour Cream: Contributes moisture and tanginess, select full-fat version for richest texture.

• Heavy Cream: Creates smooth, glossy glaze texture, use fresh, high-fat content cream.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Provides rich chocolate flavor for topping, choose good quality chocolate for best results.

Bakeware That Works for Pound Cake Recipes

• 9×5 inch loaf pan: sturdy and perfect for creating a classic pound cake shape.
• Large mixing bowl: essential for combining dry ingredients smoothly.
• Electric mixer: helps cream butter and sugar to light, fluffy perfection.
• Whisk: great for blending dry ingredients evenly.
• Rubber spatula: helps scrape batter from sides of bowl and ensures no ingredient is left behind.
• Cooling rack: allows cake to cool evenly and prevents soggy bottom.
• Small saucepan: used for melting chocolate glaze.
• Measuring cups and spoons: precise measurements guarantee baking success.

Baking Chocolate Pound Cake with a Rich Finish

• Cozy Kitchen Prep

Get ready for a delightful baking adventure by warming up your oven and setting the stage with a perfectly lined loaf pan. The magic begins with a gentle heat that promises a golden, tender cake.

• Butter Bliss

Whip up a creamy cloud of butter and sugar until they dance together smoothly. Gently introduce vanilla and eggs, creating a luxurious base that’ll make your cake irresistibly soft and rich.

• Flour Power

Softly fold dry ingredients and velvety sour cream into your butter mixture. The key is to mix with a gentle touch, keeping the batter light and airy.

• Baking Transformation

Pour the silky batter into your prepared pan, giving it a little tap to chase away any sneaky air bubbles. Let the oven work its magic, transforming your mixture into a golden, fragrant masterpiece.

• Chocolate Finale

Once cooled, drape your cake in a luscious chocolate glaze that cascades down the sides like a sweet waterfall. Allow the glaze to set, creating a glossy, tempting finish that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Tricks That Make Pound Cake Dense and Moist

• Lower oven heat by 25 degrees if your pan tends to brown quickly, ensuring an evenly baked golden cake without burning edges.
• Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist that keeps the cake's signature moistness and rich texture intact.
• Wrap the cooled pound cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, maintaining its delectable softness.
• Fold in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or sprinkle chocolate chips into the batter for added crunch and extra chocolate intensity that elevates the entire dessert experience.
• Transform the chocolate glaze by adding a splash of espresso or bourbon for deeper flavor complexity, or incorporate orange zest for a bright, citrusy undertone that complements the rich chocolate perfectly.

Slicing and Serving Chocolate Pound Cake

• Decadent Dessert Pairing: Serve thick slices alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a rich, creamy contrast that elevates the chocolate flavor.
• Sweet Morning Treat: Enjoy a slice with a hot cup of coffee or espresso, letting the cake's deep chocolate notes complement the morning brew.
• Elegant Dessert Presentation: Dust the glazed cake with cocoa powder or sprinkle crushed toasted almonds on top for an extra layer of texture and visual appeal.
• Entertaining Centerpiece: Slice the cake into elegant wedges and arrange on a beautiful serving platter, perfect for casual gatherings or afternoon tea with friends.

Velvety Sour Cream Pound Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Sour cream pound cake delights taste buds with its rich, buttery crumb and delicate vanilla notes. Moist layers promise comfort and indulgence for anyone seeking a classic dessert that feels like home.

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Ingredients

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• 14 tbsps (198 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup (227 g) sour cream
• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (42 g) Dutch process cocoa powder
• ¼ cup (21 g) black cocoa powder
• ¾ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp (1½ tsp) espresso powder (optional)
• ½ cup (113 g) heavy cream
• 3 oz (85 g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 tsp vanilla paste or extract

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Coat a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. Position oven rack in the center and preheat to 325°F (165°C).
2. Dry Ingredients: Sift cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl, ensuring a uniform mixture with no lumps.
3. Butter Mixture: Cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light, pale, and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes. Add vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly and scraping bowl sides between additions.
4. Batter Assembly: Gently fold dry ingredients into butter mixture, alternating with sour cream. Begin and end with dry ingredients to maintain a smooth, consistent texture. Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the top and tapping to release air bubbles.
5. Baking Process: Place cake in preheated oven and bake for 75-85 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with minimal crumbs.
6. Cooling and Glazing: Allow cake to rest in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, prepare chocolate glaze by melting dark chocolate and heavy cream together until smooth and glossy.
7. Finishing Touch: Drizzle warm glaze over cake, allowing it to naturally flow down the sides. Let glaze set for 20-30 minutes before slicing and serving this rich, decadent dessert.

Notes

• Temperature Precision: Use an accurate oven thermometer to ensure exact 325°F for perfect cake texture and even baking.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring butter, eggs, and sour cream to room temperature at least 30 minutes before mixing to achieve smooth, consistent batter.
• Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing after adding flour to prevent tough, dense cake texture; fold gently until ingredients are just combined.
• Cooling Strategy: Cool cake completely before glazing to prevent glaze from melting and ensure clean, professional-looking finish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 389
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 139 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 91 mg