Bakery-Style Sourdough Chocolate Cake Recipe

Sourdough chocolate cake recipe is a rich, moist chocolate cake made using sourdough discard, cocoa powder, and freshly brewed coffee.

I have made this sourdough chocolate cake recipe several times, adjusting ingredients slightly to balance sweetness and enhance texture.

The result is a deeply flavorful, tender cake that slices beautifully. I made the recipe in a bakery style but added my own touch by using hot coffee to intensify the chocolate flavor.

This sourdough chocolate cake recipe has become a favorite, and I am excited to show a detailed step-by-step process for making it.

About This Sourdough Chocolate Cake Recipe

This sourdough chocolate cake recipe delivers a rich, deep chocolate flavor with a slightly tangy note from the sourdough discard, creating a moist and tender texture.

The hot coffee in the batter intensifies the chocolate taste, while eggs and oil keep the cake soft and airy. Made with all-purpose flour, Dutch cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract, the cake has a balanced sweetness.

The frosting, made from butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, adds a creamy, velvety layer, making each slice indulgent and satisfying.

How To Prepare Sourdough Chocolate Cake Recipe?

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 60 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 servings

Kitchen Utensils

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• 9-inch round cake pans
• Cooling rack
• Electric mixer
• Sieve for cocoa powder

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
• 1 ⅔ cups granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sourdough discard
• ½ cup canola or vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups freshly brewed hot coffee

For the Frosting:

• ⅓ cup cocoa powder
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Get the oven and pans ready

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inches round cake pans by greasing them and dusting with flour, or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk or stir until everything is evenly mixed.

3. Prepare the wet ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully blended.

4. Combine wet and dry mixtures

Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring lightly. Mix just until everything is incorporated to avoid a dense texture.

5. Add hot coffee

Slowly pour the hot coffee into the batter while stirring. The mixture will be thin, but this ensures a soft and moist cake.

6. Bake the batter

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Place them in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Cool the cakes

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before adding frosting.

8. Make the frosting

Beat the butter in a bowl until creamy. Add cocoa powder, then gradually incorporate powdered sugar and milk, mixing until smooth and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract for flavor.

9. Assemble the cake

Once the cakes have cooled, spread frosting over one layer, place the second layer on top, and cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting.

Notes: Sourdough discard adds moisture and a subtle tang but does not affect leavening significantly due to baking powder. Coffee enhances the chocolate flavor use decaf if preferred.

Nutrition Facts Of Sourdough Chocolate Cake Recipe

Nutrition	Amounts
Calories	420 kcal
Fat	20 g
Carbohydrates	55 g
Protein	5 g
Sugar	38 g

Why This Recipe Is A Must-Try?

This sourdough chocolate cake recipe is a must-try because it combines a rich, chocolate flavor with a moist, tender texture that lasts for days.

The sourdough discard adds a subtle tang that enhances the depth of the cake, while the coffee brings out the cocoa’s full flavor.

Sourdough chocolate cake recipe is easy to make with common ingredients and allows room for personal touches, like adjusting sweetness or frosting.

The creamy cocoa frosting perfectly complements the cake, creating a dessert that is indulgent, memorable, and impressive for gatherings or simple home baking.

How It Works

This sourdough chocolate cake recipe works by combining the natural acidity of the sourdough discard with baking powder to create a light, tender crumb. The flour, sugar, and cocoa powder form the structure and chocolate base, while eggs and oil provide moisture and richness.

Adding hot coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor and keeps the batter smooth. During baking, the heat activates the leavening agents, causing the cake to rise evenly.

Once cooled, the cocoa butter frosting clings to the cake, adding creamy sweetness and enhancing the chocolate taste, resulting in a moist, flavorful, and balanced dessert.

Decorate And Servings Ideas

For a different take on decorating this sourdough chocolate cake recipe, try creating a rustic look by leaving the frosting slightly textured instead of perfectly smooth, giving it a homemade charm.

Top the sourdough chocolate cake recipe with a mix of fresh berries, such as blueberries and raspberries, and scatter edible flowers for a colorful, elegant touch.

Drizzle caramel or white chocolate over the frosting to add a contrasting flavor and visual interest. For a fun twist, add a few chocolate-covered coffee beans or sprinkles on top.

When serving, pear slices with a dollop of flavored whipped cream, a side of fresh fruit, or a warm sauce like raspberry caulis, making each bite rich, decadent, and visually appealing.

Professional Baking Tips

➢ Baking is a science, so accuracy matters. Use a kitchen scale for dry ingredients whenever possible. If using measuring cups spoon the ingredient in lightly and level it off instead of scooping directly from the bag.

➢ Butter, eggs, and milk mix more evenly when they’re not cold. Take them out of the fridge 30–60 minutes before baking so they reach room temperature. This ensures smoother batters and better texture.

➢ Once you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they are blended. Over mixing can make baked goods tough and dense instead of light and tender.

➢ Always allow the oven to reach the correct temperature before putting in your baked goods. Using an oven thermometer can help, since some ovens run hotter or cooler than the dial shows.

➢ Line pans with parchment or silicone mats to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. It also helps cakes and cookies bake evenly without burning on the bottom.

➢ Check cakes, muffins, or bread by gently inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Avoid over baking, which dries out your baked goods.

Best Variations

1. Mocha Sourdough Cake: Enhance the chocolate flavor by adding a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter along with the hot coffee. This gives a rich mocha taste without being overpowering.

2. Berry-Filled Sourdough Cake: Fold in a cup of fresh or frozen berries like raspberries, blueberries, or chopped strawberries. For a pretty marbled effect, gently swirl them into the batter instead of fully mixing.

3. Nutty Sourdough Chocolate Cake: Add ½ to 1 cup of chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Toast the nuts lightly beforehand to bring out their flavor. This adds crunch and a nutty aroma that pairs well with sourdough.

4. Citrus-Infused Sourdough Cake: Mix in the zest of one orange or a teaspoon of lemon zest into the batter. A splash of orange or lemon juice can brighten the flavor and give the chocolate a fresh, vibrant note.

5. Spiced Sourdough Chocolate Cake: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, or even a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients. The spices bring warmth and complexity, making the cake feels cozy and sophisticated.

Additions For Extra Delicious Ideas

➤ Chocolate Chips or Chunks: Fold in semi-sweet, dark, or white chocolate chips before baking. They melt slightly in the oven, creating pockets of gooey chocolate throughout the cake.

➤ Caramel Swirl: Drizzle caramel sauce over the batter and gently swirl it in with a knife. This adds a rich, buttery sweetness that pairs perfectly with chocolate.

➤ Toasted Coconut: Mix in ¼ to ½ cup of shredded toasted coconut for a nutty flavor and light crunch. Sprinkle some on top before baking for extra texture and visual appeal.

➤ Peanut Butter or Nut Butter: Add spoonfuls of peanut butter, almond butter, or hazelnut spread and swirl them into the batter. This creates a rich, nutty ribbon throughout the cake.

Storage Instructions

To store sourdough chocolate cake recipe, keep it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap to maintain its moisture and flavor. At room temperature, the cake stays fresh for 2–3 days.

For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator, where it can last up to 5–7 days, and allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

The sourdough chocolate cake recipe can also be frozen for 2–3 months if wrapped securely in plastic and foil, and then thawed slowly to preserve its rich, tender crumb.

FAQs About Sourdough Chocolate Cake Recipe

Conclusion

This sourdough chocolate cake recipe has become a favorite every time I make it, and everyone who tries it truly enjoys it.

The rich chocolate flavor, moist texture, and creamy frosting always receive compliments, making it perfect for serving to family, friends, or guests.

I make this sourdough chocolate cake recipe regularly for special occasions and casual gatherings, and each time, I enjoy every step of baking and tasting it.

I hope you try making this sourdough chocolate cake recipe too, and experience the same joy and delicious results that make it so memorable and satisfying.

More Chocolate Cake Recipes You’ll Love

Nora Cooks Chocolate Cake Recipe | Vegan Here’s

Ricardo Chocolate Cake Recipe | Moist Texture

Chocolate Ricotta Cake Recipe – Easy Homemade

Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake – Make 2 Minutes

Moist Chocolate Mint Cake Recipe