The BEST CHOCOLATE CAKE?! SOURDOUGH Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Buttercream | FERMENTED

sourdough starter

🥗Healthier: whole wheat starter

💰Cheaper: store-bought sourdough starter

Whole wheat starter adds fiber while store-bought is convenient.

unsweetened cocoa powder

🥗Healthier: carob powder

💰Cheaper: Dutch-process cocoa

Carob powder is caffeine-free, while Dutch-process is often less expensive.

buttermilk

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + vinegar

Greek yogurt adds protein, while milk with vinegar is a budget-friendly substitute.

chocolate chips

🥗Healthier: dark chocolate chunks

💰Cheaper: chopped chocolate bars

Dark chocolate offers more antioxidants, while bars can be more economical.

In a bowl, combine 1 cup of discarded sourdough starter with 2 cups of flour and 1 cup of milk, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Let this rest for 2 to 3 hours.

In a separate bowl, combine 1.5 cups of granulated sugar, 1 cup of vegetable oil, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1.5 teaspoons of baking soda, and 3/4 cup of cocoa powder. Beat until well blended.

Add 2 eggs to the mixture one at a time, mixing in between each addition until combined.

Combine the chocolate mixture with the rested sourdough mixture until smooth, noting that it will be a gloopy consistency initially.

Prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by spraying and lining them with parchment paper.

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.

Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until springy in the middle and a toothpick comes out clean.

Allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

For the frosting, in a food processor, combine 2 sticks of room temperature butter, 3 cups of powdered sugar, 4 ounces of melted unsweetened chocolate, a pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of milk or cream. Blend until smooth, adding 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Frost the cooled cakes with the chocolate buttercream, using an offset spatula to smooth it out.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens