Despite their differences, sour cream and plain yogurt can be used interchangeably in some recipes, especially when you're looking for a tangy flavor. For example, if you're making a salad dressing or a marinade, you can probably get away with using sour cream instead of plain yogurt. However, if you're making something like curry or baked goods, you might want to stick with the original recipe.
In baking, sour cream can actually be a great substitute for plain yogurt, as it adds a moisture and tenderness that's hard to replicate with other ingredients. But, be warned, using sour cream can also make your baked goods more dense and heavy, so it's all about balance. And, let's be real, who doesn't love a good dense and heavy cake every now and then?