Sour Cream Dark Chocolate Cake

Recipe View 5 mins Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round baking pans. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

Recipe View 25 mins In a bowl, dissolve the cocoa powder in the boiling water. Stir until smooth and set aside to cool completely. (Prep time: 5 minutes, Cool time: 20 minutes)

Recipe View 10 mins In a large bowl, beat the white sugar and canola oil together with an electric mixer until smooth and well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. (Prep time: 10 minutes)

Recipe View 5 mins In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

Recipe View 10 mins Gradually mix the flour mixture and sour cream alternately into the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat until just combined. Gently beat in the cooled cocoa mixture until fully incorporated and the batter is smooth. (Prep time: 10 minutes)

Recipe View 5 mins Divide the batter evenly among the prepared baking pans. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

Recipe View 35 mins Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean, approximately 30-35 minutes. (Bake time: 30-35 minutes)

Recipe View 30 mins Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, wrap each cake layer in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make frosting easier. (Cool time: 30 minutes)

Recipe View 5 mins While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

Recipe View 10 mins Gradually mix in the confectioners' sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, until fully incorporated. Add the salt and beat on medium-high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. (Prep time: 10 minutes)

Recipe View 15 mins To assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread 1/4 of the frosting evenly over the top. Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting. Spread another 1/4 of the frosting over the second layer. Top with the third cake layer. Spread the remaining frosting over the top and around the sides of the entire cake. (Prep time: 15 minutes)