This French Chocolate Cake boasts a luxurious, velvet-like texture and deep, moist richness. It features sour cream and cocoa for depth, and whipped egg whites for an airy crumb. Known for its ultra-smooth crumb and satisfying chocolate flavor, this cake was clearly crafted for both elegance and indulgence, perfect for special occasions or as a standout dessert on any table. The addition of hot water and soda-activated sour cream ensures a tender, well-risen result.
Ingredients
- ½ cup cocoa (unsweetened)
- ¾ cup boiling water
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups cake flour (measured for 2 siftings)
- 3 egg whites (beaten stiff)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Cocoa Mixture
- Dissolve cocoa in boiling water. Let cool slightly.
- Mix baking soda into sour cream and let sit.
Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Cocoa & Sour Cream Mixtures
- Add the cooled cocoa mixture and the sour cream mixture alternately into the creamed butter and sugar. Mix well after each addition.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour
- Sift the cake flour twice, then gradually add it to the batter, mixing gently.
Step 5: Fold in Egg Whites & Vanilla
- Carefully fold in stiffly beaten egg whites and vanilla extract, preserving airiness.
Step 6: Bake
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9″ x 13″ cake pan.
- Bake at 300°F for 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool & Frost
- Do not remove from pan while warm. Let cool completely in the pan.
- Frost with whipped chocolate frosting or your favorite chocolate icing.
Tips
- Add 1 tsp instant espresso to boiling water to deepen chocolate flavor.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream if needed.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips or finely chopped nuts for added texture.
- Frost with ganache for a modern twist.
Nutrition
Calories: 291kcalCarbohydrates: 59gProtein: 5gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 137mgPotassium: 117mgFiber: 2gSugar: 38gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 49mgIron: 1mg
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