In a bowl, mix together flour, coconut oil, sourdough starter, and water. Cover and allow to sit overnight or up to 24 hours. (Optional)
In a large bowl, mix together sugar, salt, and finely ground coffee (optional).
To the dry ingredients, add eggs, vanilla, cocoa powder, and whole milk.
Next, add the sourdough mixture into the rest of the ingredients. Whisk to incorporate until smooth.
Lastly, add baking soda and incorporate well.
Preheat the oven to 350º F.
Prepare two, 9-inch cake pans with butter.
Divide cake batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Remove from the oven. Allow to cool for about 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and allow to cool completely before frosting.
Create the frosting:
In a stand mixer bowl with whisk attatchment (or a large bowl with a hand mixer), add the softened butter.
Beat the butter on high speed for a few minutes until it becomes light and fluffy.
Turn the mixer down to low speed and slowly add in the cocoa powder and powder sugar until it is incorporated.
Add vanilla and 3 tablespoons of cream.
Once the ingredients are incorporated well, turn the spead back up to medium and whip until light and fluffy. Add remaining cream if the frosting seems too stiff.
Frost cake.
Notes
Ferment this recipe overnight to increase the nutritional value of the grains and make them more digestible. If you are in a pinch for time, skip the fermentation and use sourdough discard.
You could also substitute with another oil like avocado. I would avoid using vegetable oil as it is inflammatory and highly processed.
You can use active sourdough starter or sourdough discard. It is a great way to use all that extra sourdough starter you may have on hand. Learn how to create your own sourdough starter here.
You can opt to use Sucanat or rapadura for a healthier option than sugar.
Add finely ground coffee to give this a deeper and richer chocolate flavor. Coffee and chocolate go together perfectly in baked goods