Does sour cream make a cake moist?

Sour cream can indeed make a cake moist, but it's not the only factor at play. Here's why:

How sour cream helps:

* Moisture: Sour cream is, well, creamy! This moisture directly adds to the overall moisture of the cake batter.

* Fat content: The fat in sour cream helps to tenderize the cake, resulting in a softer and moister crumb.

* Acidity: The acid in sour cream reacts with baking soda (often included in recipes using sour cream) to produce carbon dioxide bubbles. These bubbles trap moisture in the cake, contributing to its moistness.

Other factors influencing moistness:

* Sugar: Sugar also contributes to moisture, as it attracts and holds onto water molecules.

* Eggs: Eggs bind moisture and add structure to the cake.

* Flour: The type of flour and the amount used affect the cake's texture and moisture.

* Baking time and temperature: Overbaking will dry out a cake, while underbaking can leave it dense and raw.

Overall:

While sour cream can make a cake moist, it's not a guaranteed solution. The success of a moist cake depends on a combination of factors, and the recipe itself plays a crucial role.

Bonus: If you want to boost the moisture even further, consider adding a bit of buttermilk or yogurt to the recipe alongside the sour cream.