Plan to use all room temperature ingredients. It helps the cake to rise.
If chocolate in icing does not melt completely, you can microwave for 20 second intervals, stirring in between.
You can freeze this cake after it cools completely. Wrap in two layers of plastic wrap. Defrost for 5 hours at room temperature. Ice the cake once completely defrosted.
You an also serve this cake with whipped heavy cream. Do not sweeten. The cake is sweet enough on it's own.
If you do not have sour cream or yogurt, you can use buttermilk.