A rich and moist chocolate cake topped with a creamy chocolate-sour cream frosting.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating ensures even baking from the start.
Prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by greasing them and lining the bottoms with waxed paper.
Lining the pans helps the cakes release easily after baking.
In a bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Sifting these ingredients together ensures a lump-free batter.
In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Creaming incorporates air, making the cake lighter.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Adding eggs gradually prevents the batter from curdling.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
Vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
Smoothing the tops ensures even baking.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Avoid opening the oven door too often to maintain a consistent temperature.
Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Cooling on racks prevents the cakes from becoming soggy.
For the frosting, melt the chocolate chips and butter in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly.
Stirring prevents the chocolate from burning.
Let the chocolate mixture cool slightly, then stir in the sour cream.
Cooling the chocolate prevents the sour cream from curdling.
Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable.
Adding the sugar gradually helps achieve a smooth consistency.
Spread the frosting over the cooled cakes, stacking them to create layers.
Use an offset spatula for a professional finish.
Serve and enjoy your Decadent Chocolate Delight Cake.
Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
