Chocolate Cake!
I saw this chocolate-sour cream cake on Apartment Therapy’s The Kitchn last week and simply could not get it out of my mind. A two-layer chocolate-sour cream cake! I had to make it. HAD TO. Because Gil’s birthday was just a few days ago, it gave me the great excuse I didn’t really need (because I have this here blog, you see).
So I got to work as soon as Gil left for for the office this morning, and it still took most of the day because I’m not much of a baker. Nor am I much of an icer, from the evidence presented above. Still, a crumb coat must be applied, no matter how messily.
I think it looked pretty nice once I was finished. And even though powdered sugar-based frostings aren’t really my thing, I couldn’t stop sampling. I think it was the sour cream that made it so irresistible.
Just to be safe, though, I decided to add a layer of poured ganache. What could it hurt?
You really should’ve seen my absurd setup for this shot: Seated on the floor, camera balanced on my right knee with auto focus engaged (I hoped), while my left hand stretched as far as possible to get the ganache close to the center of the cake. Oh, and let’s not forget the big reflector balanced on my left shoulder. It’s a wonder I ever get anything in focus at all. The things I do for you!
Naturally, I allowed the ganache to cool just long enough lose the completely smooth surface I made it for IN THE FIRST PLACE, so I rummaged around in the fridge till I found a visual distraction — pecans. PECAAAAANS! (Have I mentioned that I’m not much of a baker? Because I’m not. At all.)
See? All you notice is the pecans, right?
I think I am drooling over the keyboard so early in the morning. Love the idea of sour cream so looks like I HAVE to make it too.
Comment by Meeta — January 17, 2012 @ 3:03 am
I was trying to lose weight. was…………
*dreamy*
Comment by Rushil — January 17, 2012 @ 3:12 am
I’m literally speechless!
Comment by Zielenina — January 17, 2012 @ 4:35 am
Thanks, everybody! It was well worth the trouble, but I’d recommend halving the recipe if you’re not feeding an army. A little goes a LONG way with this baby!
Comment by Amy — January 17, 2012 @ 8:37 am
Ok Am.. can you not bake for me sometime? OMG..I’m not a cake eater but I want this one sooo bad. YUM!!
Comment by Chris C — January 17, 2012 @ 9:18 am
Anytime (or not), Chris!
Comment by Amy — January 17, 2012 @ 10:15 am
Wow, I can’t believe I just found you (through Tastespotting). Your pictures are absolutely amazing! Not just this cake, but all of them.
And you did a fantastic ganache pouring job. I always fuss over mine and then it comes out looking horrible. And I like how it’s not smooth! It makes it more interesting.
I can’t tell you how much I admire your pictures. I’m going to go through all your posts on the weekend.
Comment by Erin @ Texanerin Baking — January 19, 2012 @ 3:44 pm
Ha! Photo adventures and a beautiful cake–nice juggling! I have also tried that pecan trick due to a personal inability to ice anything properly, and can’t recommend it enough.
Comment by Molly @ Wonderland Kitchen — January 19, 2012 @ 5:14 pm
I am loving – and drooling over – these shots. Gorgeous. And this cake sounds scrumptious. I think it’s a sign from the food gods that I need to make a chocolate cake.
Comment by Russell at Chasing Delicious — January 20, 2012 @ 7:17 pm
OH MY.
Comment by Kulsum@journeykitchen.com — January 27, 2012 @ 6:50 am
AMY—whaaaatttt?? just seeing this now. incredible! must. try.
ps: your photos are STUNNING. just stunning.
Comment by Megan — February 17, 2012 @ 1:16 pm
that was nice to know about.http://www.cartoonnetworkjogos.net
Comment by Aureliza — March 5, 2012 @ 2:51 pm
best pics of a chocolate cake I think I have seen recently. Gorgeous
Comment by sarah - the hedonista — March 7, 2012 @ 5:10 am
[...] idea came from looking at this gorgeous looking cake from Minimally Invasive. Which drew me to this site where I found the recipe for the Guinness Chocolate [...]
Pingback by St Patrick’s Day Tribute » The Urban Kandy Blog — March 13, 2012 @ 9:01 pm
Beautiful! I have to make chocolate cake, stat. Can I ask where you got your wooden cake pedestal? Thanks!
Comment by Mia — April 27, 2012 @ 8:40 am