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–+ servings
French Chocolate Cake
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.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine French
Servings 12
Calories 291 kcal

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

Tips

  • Add ½ to 1 tsp espresso powder to intensify cocoa flavor.
  • Replace some water with hot coffee for a deeper taste.
  • Fold in mini chocolate chips for extra richness.
  • Serve with whipped chocolate frosting (as the card suggests).
  • Add orange zest or 1 tbsp Grand Marnier for a French twist.
  • Use high-quality cocoa for best texture and color.
  • Bake in two round pans for a layer cake instead of a tube pan.
  • Chill overnight to enhance the velvety texture.
  • Top with powdered sugar for a simple finish.

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
Keyword chocolate cake, classic baking, dessert, family recipe, from scratch, heirloom recipe, moist cake, old fashioned, vintage
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