CHOCOLATE SOUR CREAM CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Butter the bottoms and sides of three 8-inch round cakepans.
• Line the bottom of each pan with a round of parchment or waxed paper and butter the paper.
• Sift the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt into a large bowl, and whisk to combine them well.
• Add the oil and sour cream and half the water, whisk to blend; then gradually beat in the remaining water.
• Blend in the vinegar and vanilla, and whisk in eggs, beating until well blended.
• Scrape down the sides of the bowl and be sure the batter is well mixed.
• Divide among the 3 prepared cake pans.
• Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a cake tester or wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out almost clean.
• Let cool in the pans for about 20 minutes. Invert onto wire racks, carefully peel off the paper liners, and let cool completely.
• (Note: These cakes are very, very soft. I found them a lot easier to work with after firming them up in the freezer for 30 minutes. They'll defrost quickly once assembled. You'll be glad you did this, trust me.).
• Frost with desired frosting. For the Peanut Butter Frosting and Glaze with the original recipe: http://smittenkitchen.com/2008/08/chocolate-peanut-butter-cake/.