Ingredients

Scale

For the Sour Cream Cake:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup sour cream (full fat)
½ cup whole milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese (softened)
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon milk (if needed, to thin frosting)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter & Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). This step is crucial for a soft, airy cake.

Step 4: Add the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Step 5: Incorporate Sour Cream & Vanilla

Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract, ensuring the batter is smooth.

Step 6: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients & Milk

Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool the Cake Completely

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to reach your desired consistency.

Step 10: Assemble & Frost the Cake

Once the cake is completely cool, spread a layer of frosting over the first cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake evenly.

Notes

Use Full-Fat Sour Cream – It provides the best texture and moisture.
Bring Ingredients to Room Temperature – This ensures even mixing and a smooth batter.
For a Super Smooth Frosting – Sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the frosting.
Don’t Overbake – Check the cake at the 30-minute mark to prevent dryness.