What can I use instead of sour cream for cake?
Greek Yogurt at 1:1 is the closest match — Nearly identical acidity and thickness. Less fat, slightly tangier. If that is unavailable, Creme Fraiche (1:1).
Best Sour Cream Substitutes for Cakes
Pick substitutes that preserve tenderness, aeration, and even rise in cake batters. Cake structure depends on balanced fat, sugar, and hydration. Wrong swaps can create a dense or dry crumb.
Can I make a cake without sour cream?
Yes. Start with Greek Yogurt at 1:1, then adjust liquid or bake time in small steps after a test batch.
Top Recommendation
Greek Yogurt
Use 1:1
Nearly identical acidity and thickness. Less fat, slightly tangier.
View full adjustment notes →How much does 1 cup of sour cream weigh?
On CupOrGram, 1 cup of sour cream is treated as 230 grams. Use the conversion page if you want the original ingredient weight before choosing a substitute.
Sour Cream cups to grams →