Few things in life are as satisfying as a moist, rich, and decadent chocolate cake. Whether it’s for a birthday celebration, a special occasion, or just because you’re craving a delicious dessert, this chocolate cake recipe is bound to impress. This recipe is one I learned years ago, and it has become my go-to chocolate cake for every occasion. It’s easy to make, full of deep chocolate flavor, and perfectly moist every time.

How to Make Chocolate Cake: A Delicious and Simple Recipe

In this article, I’ll walk you through all the steps you need to make a mouthwatering chocolate cake from scratch. With simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, you’ll be able to create a chocolate cake that rivals any bakery. Follow the tips and FAQs at the end to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time!

Ingredients for the Chocolate Cake

This chocolate cake recipe uses classic ingredients, but with the addition of sourdough starter, which gives the cake a rich and slightly tangy flavor. It may seem like an unusual ingredient for a chocolate cake, but it helps to keep the cake moist and adds depth to the overall flavor.

Ingredient List:

3 eggs – Adds structure and richness to the cake.
¾ teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cake rise and creates a fluffy texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour – The base of the cake, giving it structure.
½ teaspoon baking powder – Adds lift and ensures the cake is light and airy.
1 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.

¾ cup cold water – Helps hydrate the batter and makes it easier to mix.
⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – The star ingredient that gives the cake its rich chocolatey flavor.
1 cup sourdough starter – Keeps the cake moist and adds a subtle tangy flavor.

⅔ cup shortening – Provides fat to keep the cake tender and moist.
1 ⅔ cups white sugar – Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.

Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Before you start mixing the ingredients, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9 x 13-inch cake pan. This ensures that your cake doesn’t stick to the pan and allows for easy removal once baked.

Tip: You can also line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper for extra insurance against sticking.

Step 2: Sift the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting these ingredients together ensures that they are well-combined and helps to aerate the flour, which contributes to a lighter, fluffier cake.

Tip: If you don’t have a sifter, simply whisk the dry ingredients together thoroughly to break up any clumps, especially the cocoa powder.

Step 3: Cream the Shortening, Sugar, and Eggs

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the shortening and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This can take around 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Once the sugar and shortening are fully creamed, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

This step is important because it creates air pockets in the batter, which helps give the cake its light, fluffy texture.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients with the Wet

Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the creamed mixture. Beat the batter slowly, ensuring everything is well combined. The batter may become thick at this stage, but don’t worry!

Once the dry ingredients are fully incorporated, slowly add the vanilla extract and cold water, mixing until the batter is smooth.

Tip: Be sure not to overmix the batter at this stage. Overmixing can result in a dense cake, so mix just until everything is combined.

Step 5: Add the Sourdough Starter

Now, add the sourdough starter to the batter. The sourdough starter will give your cake a moist texture and add a slight tang that pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate. Gently fold the starter into the batter until it is fully incorporated.

Tip: If you don’t have a sourdough starter on hand, you can substitute with 1 cup of buttermilk, but the unique flavor from the sourdough will be missed.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the cake batter into your prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for approximately 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tip: Every oven is different, so check your cake after 30 minutes. If the edges are browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the cake with foil for the remaining bake time.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or frosting.

Tip: Wait until the cake is completely cool before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Cake

Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder
Since cocoa powder is the star of this recipe, use a good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best flavor. You can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a richer, smoother taste, but regular cocoa powder works well too.
Ensure Ingredients Are at Room Temperature
Bring your eggs and sourdough starter to room temperature before using them in the recipe. This allows them to blend more easily with the other ingredients and ensures a smoother batter.
Do Not Overmix
Overmixing the batter after adding the dry ingredients can result in a tough, dense cake. Mix just until everything is combined for the best texture.
Try Different Pans
This recipe works well in a 9 x 13-inch pan, but you can also bake it in two 8-inch round pans if you prefer to make a layered cake. Just adjust the baking time to about 25-30 minutes for round pans.
Add Some Extras
If you’re feeling creative, add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for extra texture. You can also mix in a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Frosting Ideas
This chocolate cake pairs beautifully with a variety of frostings. You can try a simple chocolate buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or even a rich ganache for a truly indulgent dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Make This Cake Without Sourdough Starter?

Yes! If you don’t have sourdough starter on hand, you can substitute 1 cup of buttermilk or even regular milk. However, the sourdough starter adds a unique depth of flavor and extra moisture, so if you can, give it a try!

2. What Type of Cocoa Powder Should I Use?

You can use either Dutch-processed or natural unsweetened cocoa powder in this recipe. Dutch-processed cocoa will give the cake a deeper, smoother chocolate flavor, while natural cocoa powder provides a slightly more intense, bitter taste.

3. Can I Freeze This Cake?

Yes! This cake freezes very well. Allow the cake to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

4. How Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Just make sure the flour blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to help maintain the cake’s structure.

5. What Frosting Pairs Well with This Chocolate Cake?

This chocolate cake pairs beautifully with a variety of frostings, from classic chocolate buttercream to tangy cream cheese frosting. For a richer option, try topping it with a dark chocolate ganache or a simple whipped cream for a lighter touch.

Conclusion

This simple chocolate cake recipe is not only easy to make but also delivers a rich and moist texture with a deep chocolate flavor. The sourdough starter adds a unique tang and moisture that elevates the cake, making it stand out from other chocolate cakes. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something sweet, this chocolate cake is sure to be a hit.

Follow the steps closely, use the tips provided, and you’ll have a delicious homemade chocolate cake that everyone will love. Enjoy this cake with your favorite frosting, or serve it plain with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant dessert!