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If you have a soft spot for cozy mornings and irresistible treats, this Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Moist, tender, and bursting with pockets of melty chocolate chips, it combines the comforting warmth of cinnamon-spiced cake with a buttery, crumbly streusel topping that takes every bite to the next level. Whether you’re serving it with your morning coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up, this cake effortlessly delivers moments of pure joy in every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Recipe couldn’t be simpler—the ingredients are pantry staples, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the softness of sour cream to the richness of butter, every component brings something special to the table.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cake its tender crumb and structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise to a light, fluffy perfection.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Adds extra lift and tenderness when combined with sour cream’s acidity.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings that warm, inviting spice that defines a true coffee cake.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture, making every bite luscious.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a light texture.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and richness, binding ingredients seamlessly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the batter with a fragrant, sweet note.
- 1 cup sour cream: Keeps the cake moist and tender while adding a slight tanginess.
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate): The star of the show, adding bursts of melty chocolate in every bite.
- For the Streusel Topping: A mix of flour, packed brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cold butter comes together for a delightfully crumbly and golden topping.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan to ensure your cake releases easily after baking. A properly prepared pan is key to a clean slice every time.
Step 2: Whip Up the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend everything together until it resembles coarse crumbs. This crumbly mixture will create the irresistible crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients for the Cake
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This blend ensures your cake will have the right rise and warm flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—about three minutes. This step incorporates air, which helps give your cake a tender, airy crumb.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat the eggs in one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, pour in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with a lovely, aromatic sweetness.
Step 6: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream
Gradually introduce the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream—starting and ending with the dry. This method keeps the batter smooth and prevents overmixing, so your cake stays soft and tender.
Step 7: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter. These little pockets of chocolate add delightful surprises throughout every slice.
Step 8: Assemble and Bake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter, then bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If the topping is browning too fast, cover it loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for around 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Whether you slice it warm or at room temperature, the Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, dust the top of your cake with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple vanilla glaze for added sweetness and visual appeal. A sprinkle of toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts can also introduce a pleasant crunch that complements the streusel topping.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with fresh fruit such as berries or sliced apples. A creamy dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can transform it into a decadent dessert anytime you like.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into bite-sized squares to serve at brunch or parties, or layer slices with mascarpone and fruit for a stunning dessert trifle. You can even turn leftovers into French toast for a delicious breakfast treat the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cake fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This method preserves its moistness and prevents the streusel topping from becoming soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the coffee cake either whole or sliced. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen properly, it will maintain its delightful flavor and texture for up to two months.
Reheating
To enjoy your cake warm, gently reheat slices in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in an oven set to 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes. This revives the moistness and softens the chocolate chips to their delicious, gooey best.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate for this recipe?
Absolutely! While semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips work wonderfully, you can swap in dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even a mix to suit your taste preferences. Just be mindful of the sweetness level to maintain balance.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use a plant-based yogurt or sour cream alternative. Keep in mind, the flavor and texture might vary slightly, but the cake will still be delicious.
Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour is ideal for this cake’s texture, but if you want to try whole wheat flour, substitute up to half for a nuttier flavor and slightly denser crumb. Gluten-free blends can be used as well but may require minor adjustments to moisture.
How do I prevent the streusel topping from getting soggy?
The key is to use cold butter and mix the topping until it’s crumbly before sprinkling on the batter. Also, avoid spreading the topping too thickly. Baking at the right temperature ensures it crisps up beautifully.
Can I double this recipe for a larger gathering?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in a larger pan or split into two pans. Keep an eye on the baking time, as larger cakes may need extra minutes to cook through.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Recipe with you feels like passing along a piece of happiness wrapped in cinnamon and chocolate. It’s one of those recipes that’s simple enough for everyday baking but special enough to impress guests and family alike. So roll up your sleeves, gather those straightforward ingredients, and enjoy every comforting, chocolate-studded bite!
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Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake is a moist, tender cake loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips and topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack alongside your favorite coffee, this cake combines rich flavors with a crunchy topping for delightful texture in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the mixture until it forms coarse crumbs. Set aside for later use.
- Mix Dry Ingredients for Cake: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step adds air to the batter, contributing to a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly without deflating the mixture.
- Fill the Pan and Add Topping: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the surface evenly. Sprinkle the prepared streusel topping evenly over the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the cake’s top begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy this delightful treat with your coffee!
Notes
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor and added protein.
- Ensure the butter for the streusel is very cold to achieve the crumbly texture.
- If you prefer, use dark chocolate chips for a richer chocolate flavor.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- To refresh leftover cake, warm slices briefly in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
