Russian Sour Cream Cake

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the butter and sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the sour cream and vanilla extract, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
6. Stir in the walnuts, if desired.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Interesting Facts

• Russian Sour Cream Cake is also known as Smetannik.
• This cake is popular in Russia, Ukraine, and other Eastern European countries.
• The cake is traditionally served with a dusting of confectioners' sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.