Name: Sourdough Chocolate Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour; ½ cup (50 g) cocoa powder; 1 tsp (5 g) baking soda; 1 tsp (5 g) baking powder; ¼ tsp (1 g) salt; ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla extract; ½ cup (120 g) sourdough starter (active, unfed); ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk; ½ cup (120 ml) hot water; ½ cup (90 g) chocolate chips; ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar; ¼ cup (25 g) cocoa powder; 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract; 2–4 tbsp (30–60 ml) milk

Jump to Recipe

If you love rich, moist chocolate cake but crave something with a little extra character, then you are going to adore this Sourdough Chocolate Cake. It’s a delightful blend of deep cocoa flavor combined with the subtle tang and complexity that only sourdough starter can provide. This cake is not just another chocolate dessert—it’s a unique twist that will have your guests asking for the recipe again and again. The magic lies in how the sourdough starter interacts with the ingredients to create a texture that is tender yet slightly airy, making every bite feel like a wonderful celebration of flavor and tradition.

Sourdough Chocolate Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward baking this irresistible Sourdough Chocolate Cake. Each element plays an essential role, from the cocoa powder adding that intense chocolate punch to the sourdough starter bringing a subtle tang and structure to the crumb. Let’s dive into what you’ll need.

All-purpose flour: The foundation providing structure and body for the cake.
Cocoa powder: Delivers the rich, deep chocolate flavor that defines this cake.
Baking soda: Reacts with sourdough for a perfect lift and light crumb.
Baking powder: Adds additional leavening to keep the cake tender.
Salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.
Unsalted butter, melted: Adds moisture and richness for a luscious texture.
Brown sugar: Brings a subtle caramel note that complements the chocolate beautifully.
Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure.
Vanilla extract: Elevates the overall flavor with sweet floral notes.
Sourdough starter (active, unfed): The secret ingredient giving the cake its unique tang and tender crumb.
Buttermilk: Adds acidity that reacts with baking soda for extra fluffiness.
Hot water: Intensifies cocoa flavor and helps dissolve the dry ingredients.
Chocolate chips (optional): For those who love pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.

How to Make Sourdough Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when your batter is ready. Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line it with parchment paper; this ensures your cake will come out cleanly with beautiful edges every time.

Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This dry blend is essential as it evenly distributes the leavening agents and cocoa, setting the foundation for your Sourdough Chocolate Cake to rise beautifully with consistent flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Combining the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, gently whisk the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and glossy—it’s like creating a sweet, luscious base. Beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate air and richness, then add your vanilla extract. Fold in the star of the show, the sourdough starter, along with the buttermilk. This combination creates a silky batter with just a touch of tang that’s so unique and delightful.

Step 4: Bringing It All Together

Carefully fold the dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Be gentle here because you want to keep the batter light and airy—overmixing can toughen your cake. When the mixture is mostly combined, stir in the hot water; the batter will loosen a bit, but that is exactly what makes the cake wonderfully moist. For an extra indulgence, fold in chocolate chips for melty bursts of goodness.

Step 5: Baking the Cake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the cake settle into its deliciously tender texture.

Step 6: Frosting Your Sourdough Chocolate Cake (Optional)

For those who love a luscious finish, beat softened butter until creamy, then sift in powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Mix until velvety smooth, add vanilla, and then milk little by little to reach your favorite frosting consistency. Once the cake is fully cooled, spread this decadent chocolate frosting on top, letting it drip enticingly down the sides for a stunning finish.

How to Serve Sourdough Chocolate Cake

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can transform your Sourdough Chocolate Cake from everyday to extra special. Consider dusting the top lightly with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for a rustic look. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of toasted nuts can add texture and a burst of contrasting flavor that beautifully complements the cake’s tangy chocolate essence.

Side Dishes

Pair your slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance out the richness. A cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk also makes for a classic companion that enhances every chocolatey bite of your Sourdough Chocolate Cake.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve slices of this cake layered with fresh fruit and whipped cream for an inviting dessert trifle. You could also cut it into small cubes and skewer with fruit for fun, bite-sized cake pops—perfect for parties or casual snacking. Presentation is all about celebrating the cake’s gorgeous texture and flavors in ways that delight the eye as well as the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and frosted, store your Sourdough Chocolate Cake covered at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator—it will stay moist and flavorful for up to five days.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge. This way, great-tasting fun is always just a slice away, and the special sourdough tang remains perfectly intact.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warm, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This brings out the flavors wonderfully, especially if you’ve included chocolate chips, making each bite feel freshly baked.

FAQs

What makes sourdough starter special in this chocolate cake?

Sourdough starter adds a subtle tang and complexity to the flavor profile, while also contributing to a lighter, tender crumb through its natural fermentation process. It distinguishes this cake from traditional chocolate cakes by giving it a unique depth that’s both delicious and interesting.

Can I use fed sourdough starter instead of unfed?

Unfed sourdough starter is preferred here because it has less active yeast and acidity, which helps balance the rise and flavor. Using fed starter isn’t impossible, but it may affect the cake’s texture and tanginess, sometimes making it more sour or leading to a different rise.

Do I need to add frosting to the Sourdough Chocolate Cake?

Frosting is totally optional! The cake itself is moist and flavorful enough to enjoy on its own, but the cocoa buttercream adds a luscious layer of sweetness and richness that many find irresistible. You can also try dusting with powdered sugar if you want a lighter finish.

Can I substitute buttermilk with something else?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to ½ cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This mild acidity is necessary for reacting with baking soda to achieve the cake’s perfect rise and tenderness.

How long will the Sourdough Chocolate Cake stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, this cake will stay fresh at room temperature for about two days, or up to five days refrigerated. If you want to enjoy it longer, freezing unfrosted cake layers is a great option without losing flavor or texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a Sourdough Chocolate Cake that goes beyond just being another dessert. It celebrates tradition, flavor, and love in every bite, pairing the familiar joy of chocolate with the nuanced charm of sourdough. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and share this little slice of tangy, chocolatey magic with your friends and family. Happy baking!