The Unbelievable Secret to the Best Chocolate Cake: Sauerkraut!
Discover the recipe for an incredibly dense, fudge-y chocolate cake, made with an unexpected ingredient – sauerkraut! Generously slathered in a rich sour cream chocolate frosting, this isn’t just a cake; it’s a revelation. Prepare to be amazed, as many proclaim this the best chocolate cake they have ever tasted!
I can practically hear your disbelief. “Sauerkraut in a chocolate cake? Are you serious?!” This common reaction is exactly what makes this recipe so exciting. Just like you, I was skeptical. How could such a combination possibly work? What’s the secret behind this unconventional pairing?
The answer lies in the incredible transformation that sauerkraut brings to a classic chocolate cake. It’s the unexpected hero that delivers the fudgiest, most dense, and impeccably moist chocolate cake you will ever experience. In fact, after baking this cake twice in a single month, every single person who tried it uttered the exact same phrase: “This is the best chocolate cake I have EVER had!” It consistently silences doubters and converts skeptics into ardent fans with just one bite.
Adding to its allure is the luxuriant sour cream chocolate frosting that envelops each layer. This frosting is so unbelievably good, it’s a challenge not to sneak spoonfuls straight from the bowl. Its creamy texture and rich flavor perfectly complement the deep chocolate notes of the cake, creating a symphony of taste that is both familiar and excitingly new. The combination is pure decadence, guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on anyone fortunate enough to try it.
Frank’s Kraut: The Secret Ingredient Source
My journey to this extraordinary recipe began through a fortunate collaboration with Frank’s Kraut. While exploring their recipe site, sauerkrautrecipes.com, for tried and true customer favorites, I stumbled upon the “Dessert Section.” My initial reaction was pure astonishment – dessert and sauerkraut in the same sentence? It seemed utterly impossible, a culinary oxymoron.
Determined to test this intriguing concept, I decided to bake the cake on a day my children were at school. When they returned, I served them generous slices, forks in hand. My challenge to them was simple: “If you had to guess who sponsored this post, who would you say?” They devoured the cake, each bite met with enthusiastic “Yumms” and “Mmms.” Their guesses ranged from every well-known chocolate company imaginable, but each time I shook my head.
My oldest son, who admittedly isn’t usually a fan of chocolate cake, devoured nearly half of it, exclaiming, “I don’t even really like chocolate cake, and I can’t stop eating this! Just tell us already!” Then, my youngest, with a mischievous grin and a flair for comedy, quipped, “It’s probably like sauerkraut or something!”
Bingo! Their faces were priceless as I confirmed her wild guess. The sheer disbelief was palpable, and the memory remains a testament to the cake’s truly deceptive deliciousness. This experience cemented my belief: this isn’t just a cake; it’s a culinary magic trick.
Just last weekend, I made this incredible cake for my Mom and her twin sister’s 65th birthday. We hosted a pool party with about 27 guests, and I prepared two desserts: this chocolate sauerkraut cake and a refreshing Banana Split Jelly Roll. I kept the secret of the sauerkraut ingredient under wraps. The result? Not a single crumb of the chocolate cake was left! To all my wonderful guests who are reading this now… SURPRISE! You enjoyed a truly unique and unbelievably delicious cake, without ever suspecting its secret ingredient. It was a perfect day for a pool party, made even sweeter by this delightful revelation.
My Mom (right) and her twin sister (left) after they had blown out the candles – a joyful celebration!
The ideal setting for a summer pool party, enhanced by delicious treats!
The Unexpected Harmony: Why Sauerkraut Works in Chocolate Cake
This is the question on everyone’s mind, and for good reason. Sauerkraut and chocolate? It sounds like a bizarre combination. When you hear “chocolate and hazelnuts,” your mind immediately jumps to “Nutella!” — a universally accepted pairing. But suggest sauerkraut, and people might start wondering if you’re experiencing unusual cravings! However, the magic happens in the palate, not in preconceptions.
Sauerkraut & Chocolate: A Pairing Better Than Peanut Butter?
For this particular dessert, discretion is often the best policy. The true test lies not in explaining the ingredients but in allowing the senses to experience its wonder. Let your guests first behold its beauty, inhale its rich aroma, and most importantly, taste its exquisite flavor. Only when they start exclaiming, “This is the best chocolate cake EVER!” is the perfect moment to reveal your secret ingredient. Timing is everything; disclose it too soon, and you risk having to enjoy the entire delicious cake all by yourself! It’s a delightful dilemma, deciding whether to share the secret upfront or savor the surprise in their reactions. The choice, ultimately, is yours!
The Culinary Logic: Why Sauerkraut Enhances Chocolate Cake
Think about it: many beloved desserts, like cheesecakes or chocolate ganache, rely on a “sour” element to achieve their unique and complex flavor profiles. This subtle tang acts as a crucial bridge, skillfully binding the often-bitter notes of chocolate with its inherent sweetness. It’s this sour component that prevents the dessert from becoming cloyingly sweet, adding a layer of sophisticated flavor. This is precisely where sauerkraut shines in our chocolate cake.
Beyond its delightful tang, sauerkraut also contributes a delicate saltiness. This combination of sour and salt works wonders, significantly deepening and intensifying the chocolate flavor, making it taste even more profoundly chocolaty. Rest assured, you won’t taste any overpowering sauerkraut flavor, nor will the texture be anything akin to toppings on a hot dog. Instead, the finely chopped kraut seamlessly integrates into the batter, becoming an invisible yet powerful flavor enhancer. It’s a culinary trick that elevates the entire cake, transforming it into something truly extraordinary.
Another Hidden Sauerkraut Benefit: Unmatched Moisture
The advantages of incorporating sauerkraut into this chocolate cake extend beyond just flavor. The briny nature of sauerkraut acts as a remarkable moisture retainer. It works to add and lock in moisture, resulting in a cake batter that produces an incredibly spongy, soft, and moist cake crumb. This ensures every slice is delightfully tender and never dry.
Much like how sour cream contributes to the lusciousness of the frosting, the sauerkraut provides that subtle, intriguing twist in the cake batter itself. It’s a foundational element that ensures the cake is not only delicious but also boasts an incomparable texture that will have everyone reaching for another piece. This secret ingredient is truly a game-changer for achieving peak moistness and flavor in your chocolate cake.
Do you share my passion for baking? If so, you’re in for a treat! My blog is a treasure trove of incredible cake recipes and delightful frosting recipes. Whether you’re looking for classic comforts or innovative creations, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to sweeten your kitchen adventures.
^Love this Unique Recipe? Pin It for Later!^
Don’t let this extraordinary Sauerkraut Chocolate Cake recipe slip away! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest dessert board so you can easily find it whenever that craving for an undeniably moist and flavorful chocolate cake strikes. Share the delicious secret with your friends and family!
And if you’re like me and have a deep appreciation for sauerkraut, you’re in the right place! Curious about its origins, how it’s made, and all its incredible culinary applications? Dive into my comprehensive Ultimate Guide to Sauerkraut, packed with tons of recipes and fascinating facts. Explore the world of this versatile ingredient today!
Dare to Bake: Experience the Magic Yourself!
I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe. Don’t let the unconventional ingredient deter you; instead, embrace the adventure and prepare to be utterly amazed by its incredible results. This Sauerkraut Chocolate Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a delightful culinary experience that will challenge your perceptions and tantalize your taste buds. Enjoy the journey, and savor every remarkably moist and chocolatey bite!
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Print Recipe
Sauerkraut Chocolate Cake with Sour Cream Chocolate Frosting
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Course: Cake & Cupcakes
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bittersweet chocolate cake, chocolate cake, desserts with sauerkraut, Sauerkraut Chocolate Cake with Sour Cream Chocolate Frosting, the BEST chocolate cake
Servings: 1 layer cake
Calories: 523 kcal
Author: Michaela Kenkel
Ingredients
- FOR THE CAKE:
- ¾ cup sauerkraut drained and chopped fine
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ½ cup butter
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ tsp. salt
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- FOR THE FROSTING:
- 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips or squares
- 8 Tablespoons. butter
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 5 cups confectioners sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees, grease, and flour two 9″ round cake pans.
- Cream together sugar, butter, and vanilla. Beat eggs in one at a time.
- Sift all dry ingredients together. (flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder)
- Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture alternately with water.
- Add sauerkraut mix thoroughly.
- Pour into prepared pans.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Frost with Sour Cream Chocolate Frosting: To Prepare the frosting: Melt the chocolate with butter on low heat until smooth. Remove from heat and pour it into a mixer. Blend in the sour cream, vanilla, and salt. Gradually add the sugar until it is your desired spreading consistency. Whip until smooth.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator.