Reviewed: Apr. 21, 2012

For a couple of years a dear friend has offered her sourdough starter & been after me to try making bread. My bread making experience 30 years ago had traumatized me so, I had not tried since. She finally convinced me and I'm having pretty good results so far. Like a kid with a new toy, I'm researching sourdough and using it a lot of different ways. I had started a cake recipe using 2 cups flour and 1 3/4 cup sugar combined but had misread the directions..add starter and let it rise for 2 to 3 hrs. I didn't have 2 to 3 hrs. so looked up this recipe I had saved. Having combined the 2 c. flour and sugar already, I calculated the servings to 21. I also subbed canola oil for shortening and buttermilk for water (per other reviews). Used just enough warm water to dissolve a singles packet of Taster's Choice instant coffee to strengthen the chocolate taste (I like dark chocolate). Wonderful texture and flavor!!!! Wonderful without frosting or glaze!! I'm sure this is a 5 star but since I made a few changes, will give 4.

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Reviewer:

Judy

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Reviewed: Oct. 14, 2011

This reminds me of a cake my Mom used to make. I am lactose intolerant perfect cake for anyone in those shoes. I made it today almost gone at my house. A keeper! Without any doubt.

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Reviewer:

Kos

Reviewed: Sep. 29, 2011

was quite dry even though I added a little oil in since i'd read other people's reviews. i'd probably try subbing milk in for the water and maybe halfing the butter and replacing the rest with oil

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Reviewer:

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Home Town: Seattle, Washington, USA

Reviewed: Feb. 24, 2011

This is the best cake ever.... my husband requested it 6 months before his birthday to make sure I got the sourdough starter started in time! :) To keep it from becoming too dry, be sure to not over bake it. I do 17 minutes on the middle rack and 17 minutes on the top rack of the oven, and then check it and only bake in 5 min increments on the top rack, if need be. I top it with cream cheese frosting and store it in the refrigerator.

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Reviewer:

Diana Woodbury

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Reviewed: Sep. 6, 2010

Mine turned out a bit spongy, not very fluffy. However, it tastes good and has a pleasant aftertaste.

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Reviewer:

endoalir

Cooking Level: Beginning

Living In: Billings, Montana, USA

Reviewed: Jun. 18, 2010

The cake turned out really good. I made some changes that were recommended to help keep the cake moist. I used a little bit more starter than the recipe calls for. I iced the cake with vanilla icing. It was not too sweet, moist and the sourdough gave a nice aftertaste.

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Reviewer:

Dani412

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Living In: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Reviewed: May 3, 2010

This is a nice, basic chocolate cake. I think it needs something--icing, ice cream, whatever--on top to really make it. I followed another reviewer's suggestion and added 1/2 cup of plain yogurt (in lieu of their recommended sour cream) to the batter.

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Reviewer:

Fyona

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Living In: Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

Reviewed: Apr. 12, 2010

I have made this cake a few times and have never had a problem with it being too dry. It's not a very sweet chocolate cake so I feel that's probably where most people find the disappointment. But I find it's best with some cream cheese icing drizzled over it (I use a Bundt pan for a pretty cake). Even my young kids love this cake.

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Reviewer:

chelley57

Reviewed: Apr. 5, 2010

I did not care for this cake. I used canola oil instead of shortening, added chocolate pudding, increased the cocoa powder, used buttermilk instead of water - all which were suggested by other reviews, but it still didn't have much flavor, in my opinion. I probably won't make this recipe again.

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Reviewer:

Donna

Reviewed: Mar. 1, 2010

From other comments, I adapted by using canola oil instead of solid shortening and replacing half the cocoa with pudding. Also made it in the bundt pan. It made a moist, solid very tasty cake. Did not get the sourdough tang, but it was still delicious.

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