Sour cream in cakes?

[Dina]

I've been searching some cake recipes and founds several that ask for sour cream and/or cream cheese. I'm wondering what sour cream does for cakes?

 

[kyles]

I'm not sure if there is chemistry involved, the lactic acids would certainly have an aerating effect with the raising agent - however they certainly lend something to the flavour, giving the cake a bit of a tang. I remember many years ago making a chocolate sour cream cake that was divine.

 

[Constance]

The sour cream makes them rich and moist.

 

[sattie]

Would think it similar to using plain yogurt? I could see the benefits it would have in adding body and moisture to a cake recipe.

 

[CharlieD]

It doeswonders. I have some sour cream cake recipe, it's out of this world.

 

[AllenOK]

I make a Sour Cream Coffee Cake that's out of this world as well.

 

[Dina]

Thanks for your info you all. I ended up making a marbel cake with chocolate buttercream frosting and decided to add a couple tablespoons of sour cream to the mix. We loved it and it's all gone! I will use it forever in my cakes and muffins from now on.

Allen,
Would you post your recipe? We love all kinds of cakes here and coffee cake is one of our favorites.

 

[licia]

Sour cream gives a mellow rich taste that nothing else gives.

 

[Constance]

I make a Sour Cream Coffee Cake that's out of this world as well.

I wonder if it's like mine? It has a rich streudal filling and topping, with a powdered sugar glaze on top.

 

[AllenOK]

I also have a Sour Cream Apple cake, that's one of Emeril's. Basically, it's like a pineapple-upside-down cake, but with apples, and a spice cake instead of a yellow cake.

 

[Dina]

I'm drooling with the apples and spice cake

 

[praetorian2000]

Sour cream also tenderizes a cake. I'll use it or yogurt in place of buttermilk or milk. I've found that they're all interchangeable in cakes and quick breads.