You might be surprised to know that sour cream is a crucial ingredient in many cakes. While it might seem like an odd addition, sour cream provides several benefits that make it an essential component of any cake recipe. Read on to learn more about why sour cream belongs in your cake!
Sour cream is one of the fattiest dairy products; the extra fat content (for example, adding sour cream to a cake instead of milk) will make the cake moister and richer, says Wilk. “Fat, in any form (butter, lard, cream, etc.) shortens gluten strands, which essentially leads to the most tender baked goods,” she adds.
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Sour cream gives cakes a subtle tang.
If youve ever had a store-bought or restaurant cake that tasted a little off, its probably because it was lacking in sour cream. Thats because sour cream contains lactic acid, giving cakes a subtle tanginess that helps balance the sweetness of the sugar and other ingredients. This slight tang is what makes homemade cakes taste so much better than their store-bought counterparts!
Why Add Sour Cream to Cake?
Have you ever made a cake that was dry and crumbly? Chances are, the recipe didnt call for any sour cream. Thats because sour cream adds moisture and density to cakes, resulting in a richer, more delicious final product. If you want your cake to be moist and dense, be sure to add some sour cream to the recipe!
Sour Cream Pound Cake
FAQ
What happens when you add sour cream to cake mix?
Does adding sour cream to cake change the taste?
Can I skip sour cream in cake?
Can sour cream be used in cakes?
Cakes with fat are less delicate but are richer and creamier (e.g. pound cake). To summarize, sour cream can be used in cakes to: add moisture without thinning the cake batter, adding fat for creaminess, controlling browning and to activate baking soda. The sour cream does all of this thanks to its high fat content & acidity.
How to make sour cream from sweet cream?
You will need the following ingredients: 1 can of whey-free cream, 2 squeezed lemons, 1 spoon of salt and pepper to taste. Then you will follow the following method of preparation: squeeze the lemon and remove the seeds, mix all the ingredients in a bowl, take it to the fridge for 10 minutes and it is ready.
How does sour cream affect cake batter?
Sour cream adds extra fat and acidity to cake batter. Fat enriches and tenderizes the cake. Acidic ingredients weaken the gluten formed in the batter, which tenderizes the cake crumb. If you don’t use baking soda to neutralize the acid, sour cream will also lend a slightly tangy flavor to the cake.
Why do cake recipes use baking soda & sour cream?
Cake recipes often call for baking soda or baking powder because they help the cake expand when it cooks. Baking soda relies on acid to work properly, and sour cream can replace the baking powder to activate the baking soda and allow the cake to rise.