Sandy’s Chocolate Cake

Name: Sandy's Chocolate Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 16 servings.
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 3 cups packed brown sugar; 4 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2-2/3 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup baking cocoa; 3 teaspoons baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1-1/3 cups sour cream; 1-1/3 cups boiling water; FROSTING:; 1/2 cup butter, cubed; 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped; 3 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped; 5 cups confectioners' sugar; 1 cup sour cream; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Years ago, I drove 4-1/2 hours to a cake contest, holding my entry on my lap the whole way. But it paid off. One bite and you'll see why this velvety beauty was named the best chocolate cake recipe won first prize. —Sandra Johnson, Tioga, Pennsylvania

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
3 cups packed brown sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2-2/3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup baking cocoa
3 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/3 cups sour cream
1-1/3 cups boiling water
FROSTING:
1/2 cup butter, cubed
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
3 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
5 cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour three 9-in. round baking pans.
In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream, beating well after each addition. Stir in water until blended.
Transfer to prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean, 30-35 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
For frosting, in a metal bowl over simmering water, melt butter and chocolates; stir until smooth. Cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine confectioners' sugar, sour cream and vanilla. Add chocolate mixture; beat until smooth. Spread frosting between layers and over top and sides of cake. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 685 calories, 29g fat (18g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 505mg sodium, 102g carbohydrate (81g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.

Originally published as Sandy's Chocolate Cake in Taste of Home February/March 1994

Reviews

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Average Rating:

mackenzie

Oct 21, 2018

I just want to say that "Shirley" and "vsailaway" are WRONG. This recipe is, hands down, the best chocolate cake recipe I've ever used. The three cups brown sugar is NOT too much for a cake of this volume. My cake has always come out great. The only thing I change is I use cake flour, softassilk brand.
Shirley

Jul 14, 2018

I haven't made it but THREE cups of brown sugar - REALLY? I've always thought the one on the cocoa can was excellent - wouldn't make this one!
vsailaway

Jun 27, 2018

Three cups of brown sugar? Is this a typo? I just threw this cake in the trash. It boiled over in the oven. It fell apart. I am an experienced cake baker. Not making this again. It tasted like pure sugar.
jgeraghty

Jun 20, 2018

I've made this cake many time and I LOVE IT!! I can see why it won first prize.
JeJo8337

Jun 20, 2018

Fabulous flavor and texture. I love baking this cake and everyone loves eating this cake. I have a favorite chocolate buttercream icing I use, but this cake recipe is the BEST! Thank you Sandy.
buttermilk maid

Jun 19, 2018

Sandy is known as an excellent cook. Her cake always comes out great! Way to go Sandy.
Gabriella

Jun 17, 2018

I was highly disappointed in the icing because I went exactly by the recipe and when I finished it it tasted more like sour cream and confectioners sugar I didnt enjoy it I wanted more a chocolate taste. :/
Brooke

Jun 17, 2018

Is it normal for the cake to boil in the oven? I’m baking it right now and it’s boiling!: if This turns out good then I will rate it!
Christopher

May 28, 2018

I tried to make this cake but for some reason I ended up making brownies. I literally have no idea how this happened. From the other reviews, it seems like a good cake so I might just have to try again. At least I have a good recipe for brownies now.1* for finished product.5* for how funny it was when I took the brownies out of the oven.
gommyof5

May 20, 2018

Tis cake is so like my aunt's scratch cake, but quicker! For the person who said it wasn't chocolatey enough, try replacing the water with strong coffee. I do this for most chocolate bake goods and people always mention the flavor being kicked up a notch from what they bake.!