Moist & Rich Chocolate Kefir Sheet Cake
Julia
A moist, tender, and rich chocolate sheet cake made with fermented kefir that creates an irresistibly soft crumb. Perfect for celebrations or everyday indulgence.
Prep Time 25 minutes mins
Cook Time 35 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Course Dessert
Cuisine American-European Fusion
Servings 24 servings
Calories 285 kcal
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 cup plain kefir room temperature
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot strong brewed coffee
For the Chocolate Frosting:
-
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup plain kefir
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together eggs, kefir, oil, and vanilla until well combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing with a spatula until just combined.
Slowly stir in the hot coffee until batter is smooth.
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool completely in pan on a wire rack before frosting.
For the Frosting:
Beat softened butter until creamy.
Gradually mix in powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
Add kefir and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and spreadable.
Spread evenly over cooled cake.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and kefir are at room temperature for better incorporation.
- Coffee Substitute: Can replace coffee with hot water, but coffee enhances chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.
- Storage: Keep cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Kefir Tips: Don't substitute with regular milk - kefir's acidity is important for texture and rise.
- Make Ahead: Unfrosted cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap well in plastic wrap and foil.
- Pan Options: Can be made in two 9-inch round pans (adjust baking time to 25-30 minutes).
Keyword birthday cake, celebration cake, Chocolate cake, fermented dairy dessert, kefir cake, moist chocolate cake, sheet cake