The Ultimate Sourdough Cake Recipe

If you’ve been diving deep into the world of sourdough baking, you probably already know that sourdough discard is liquid gold. It’s not just for pancakes and crackers anymore—today, we’re making a sourdough cake that’s moist, flavorful, and absolutely perfect for any occasion.

Yep, you can totally make cake with sourdough discard, and it might just become your new favorite way to bake! This recipe creates a soft, fluffy cake with a subtle tang that balances the sweetness beautifully. And we’re not stopping there—we’re topping it off with a simple, dreamy homemade frosting that comes together in minutes.

Whether you’re baking for a birthday, holiday, or just want something sweet with your coffee, this easy sourdough cakeis a keeper.

Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Cake

• 🍰 Uses sourdough discard – Waste not, want not!

• 🧁 Versatile – Works as a layer cake, sheet cake, or even cupcakes.

• ✨ Soft and tender – Thanks to the sourdough starter and buttermilk.

• 🧑‍🍳 Beginner-friendly – No special tools or fancy techniques needed.

• 🎂 Perfect base for any frosting – We’re making a vanilla buttercream today, but you can get creative.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses pantry staples you probably already have. If you’re anything like me, sourdough discard is always on hand too!

For the Sourdough Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs, room temp

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup sourdough discard (100% hydration)

• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice)

• Optional: zest of 1 lemon or orange for a citrus twist

For the Homemade Vanilla Frosting:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted

• 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk

• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

What Kind of Cake Does Sourdough Make?

The texture of this cake is fluffy yet moist—like a classic vanilla cake but with a little extra flavor from the sourdough discard. You don’t need any rising time like you would for sourdough bread. In this recipe, the starter acts more like a flavor enhancer and tenderizer than a leavening agent.

Tools You’ll Need

• Stand mixer

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk

• Rubber spatula

• Measuring cups and spoons

• 9x13” cake pan or two 8” round pans

How to Make Sourdough Cake (Step-by-Step)

1. Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pan(s) or line with parchment paper.

2. Mix the dry ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream the butter and sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

4. Add the eggs and vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Scrape down the bowl as needed.

5. Mix in the sourdough discard

Stir in the sourdough discard. It might look a little curdled—don’t worry, it’ll smooth out once the flour goes in.

6. Alternate flour and buttermilk

Add the dry ingredients in thirds, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry. Stir gently to avoid overmixing.

7. Bake!

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes (for a 9x13”) or 25–30 minutes (for rounds), or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let cool completely before frosting.

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

While the cake cools, let’s whip up a simple and delicious vanilla frosting.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Beat the butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and pale—about 2–3 minutes.

2. Add powdered sugar: Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time. It will look thick.

3. Add vanilla + cream: Pour in the vanilla and 2 tbsp of cream or milk. Beat until light and fluffy. Add more cream if needed to reach your desired consistency.

4. Add a pinch of salt: This cuts the sweetness and balances the flavor.

Cake Variations & Add-Ins

Want to change it up? Here are some fun ideas:

• 🍫 Chocolate Sourdough Cake: Add ½ cup cocoa powder and a splash of coffee for depth.

• 🍋 Lemon Sourdough Cake: Use lemon zest + 1 tbsp lemon juice in the batter, and top with lemon glaze.

• 🍓 Strawberries & Cream: Fold in 1 cup diced strawberries and top with whipped cream.

• 🥕 Sourdough Carrot Cake: Stir in shredded carrots, crushed pineapple, and cinnamon.

How to Store Sourdough Cake

• At room temp: Store the frosted cake in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• In the fridge: Keeps well for up to 5 days (especially helpful if using cream cheese frosting).

• Freeze it: Freeze unfrosted layers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

FAQs About Sourdough Cake

Is sourdough cake sour?

Nope! The flavor is more like a gentle tang, kind of like using buttermilk in baking. It rounds out the sweetness and makes the cake more interesting.

Can I use active sourdough starter?

Yes, but discard works just fine and helps avoid waste. Just make sure it's at room temperature for best results.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake the day before and frost the next day. Or freeze the layers and assemble later.

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Final Thoughts

This homemade sourdough cake is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s simple, delicious, and a great way to make the most of your discard. Plus, that buttercream? It’s the cherry on top.

So go ahead—bake a sourdough cake just because. And don’t forget to share your creations! Tag me on Pinterest or leave a comment below. Happy baking! 💛