Introduction to Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake
Welcome to my kitchen, where the aroma of baking fills the air and warms the heart! Today, I’m excited to share my Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake recipe—a delightful treat that beautifully combines rich chocolate and soft, fluffy cake. It’s perfect for busy mornings or as a sweet indulgence after dinner. With its easy preparation and comforting flavors, this cake will become your go-to solution for those days when you need a simple yet impressive dessert. Trust me, no one can resist a slice of this luscious cake!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake
What’s not to love about a moist, chocolatey coffee cake that takes minimal effort? This Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake is your secret weapon for impressing guests or satisfying a sudden sweet craving. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can whip up a delectable treat that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or a cozy evening cup of tea. Trust me, it’s a real crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun of baking. For this Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake, you will need a few pantry staples and some delightful additions. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: This is the foundation of your cake, giving it structure and support.
- Baking powder: The leavening agent that makes your cake rise to perfect fluffiness.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness of the chocolate and combats dull flavors.
- Granulated sugar: The sweetener that gives your cake its deliciously rich flavor.
- Butter: Use good-quality butter for a moist and rich cake. It should be at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Large eggs: Eggs add moisture and richness while helping bind the ingredients together.
- Sour cream: This secret ingredient makes for a moist texture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
- Milk: Enhances the cake’s softness and keeps it from being too dense.
- Chocolate chips: The star of the show! Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips bring delightful bursts of chocolate flavor.
- For the topping: A mixture of softened butter, cinnamon, flour, brown sugar, and more chocolate chips creates a delicious crumbly finish.
Feel free to switch things up! For extra texture, consider adding some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. You could also use flavored chocolate chips, like caramel or mint, to elevate the taste.
Don’t worry about the exact measurements; you’ll find them at the bottom of this article—perfect for printing and keeping in your recipe collection!
How to Make Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake
Creating this Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake is as easy as pie—or should I say cake? Let’s dive into the steps that will lead you to a warm, chocolaty delight that smells heavenly. Grab your apron, and let’s get started!
Step 1: Preheat Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly and rises beautifully. While the oven gets cozy, you can focus on the other steps.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial as it ensures uniform distribution of the leavening agent and flavor. Set this bowl aside for now; it’ll be back in action shortly!
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Use a mixer if you have one! Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step adds air into the batter, making for a lovely texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Sour Cream
Now, beat in your eggs one at a time, allowing each to blend well. Then, mix in the sour cream and milk. The sour cream is like the secret agent here, making your cake extra moist!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Gently fold in the chocolate chips while trying not to overmix. This folding technique keeps your cake light and airy—just what you want!
Step 6: Make Topping
In a small bowl, blend the softened butter, cinnamon, flour, brown sugar, and a handful of chocolate chips. This crumbly topping adds a sweet crunch and extra chocolatey goodness to your cake. Trust me; it’s the icing on the cake!
Step 7: Assemble Cake
Pour the batter into your greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Make sure it’s evenly spread. Sprinkle the topping generously over the batter, spreading it out so every slice gets a bit of that delightful crunch.
Step 8: Bake
Pop your cake in the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it—every oven is a little different! You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell like a chocolate lover’s dream!
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once the baking is done, let your cake cool in the dish for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. After it’s cooled, slice it into squares and serve. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for that perfect moment of indulgence.
Tips for Success
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Don’t skip the sour cream; it’s key to moistness!
- For a crunchy top, make sure to sprinkle the topping evenly.
- Keep an eye on your cake while baking; every oven varies.
- Let the cake cool completely for better slicing.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need a large bowl for your wet ingredients and a medium one for dry. Any nesting set works!
- Hand mixer or whisk: A hand mixer makes quick work of creaming butter and sugar, but a whisk can do the job, too.
- Spatula: A good rubber spatula is perfect for folding in chocolate chips and scraping the bowl clean.
- Baking dish: A 9×9-inch greased baking dish is ideal, but a similar-sized pan works just as well.
- Cooling rack: If you have one, it allows your cake to cool evenly. A plate can substitute in a pinch!
Variations of Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delicious crunch.
- Fruit Fusion: Incorporate fresh berries like raspberries or sliced bananas for a fruity twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.
- Vegan Version: Replace butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use almond milk to cater to vegan diets.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of nutmeg or switch cinnamon for pumpkin spice for a seasonal flare.
Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake
- Coffee or Tea: Serve slices with a steaming cup of coffee or your favorite herbal tea.
- Fresh Fruit: Add some fresh berries or slices of banana on the side for a refreshing touch.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it an indulgent dessert.
- Plate It Up: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant finish.
FAQs about Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake
Can I make Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This makes it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake can be kept in an airtight container for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze individual slices. Just wrap them tightly and store them in a freezer-safe bag.
Can I substitute the sour cream?
Yes, if you’re out of sour cream, you can use plain yogurt or buttermilk as alternatives. They’ll still give your cake the moisture it needs while keeping that lovely texture.
Is Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake suitable for brunch?
Definitely! This cake is a fantastic addition to any brunch spread. Its combination of flavors pairs exceptionally well with coffee, making it a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
What can I add to enhance the chocolate flavor?
For an extra indulgence, you can add dark chocolate chips or even swirl in some chocolate fudge before baking. This will elevate the chocolate experience to a whole new level!
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on baking this Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake, I’m reminded of the joy it brings to my family. The moist, chocolatey goodness creates smiles at the breakfast table and makes ordinary afternoons feel special. Whether you’re celebrating a morning gathering or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this cake easily becomes a beloved staple in your home. Trust me, as you take that first bite and savor the rich flavors, you’ll understand why it has a place in so many hearts. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with warmth and love!
Print
Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake: An Irresistible Recipe!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and moist Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake that combines the richness of chocolate with a soft cake texture, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups All purpose flour
- 2 Teaspoons Baking powder
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Stick butter, room temperature
- 2 Large Eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup Sour Cream
- 1/4 cup Milk
- 1 cup Chocolate Chips
- FOR THE TOPPING:
- 3 Tablespoons Butter, Softened
- 1/2 Tablespoon Cinnamon
- 1/2 cup Flour
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 cup Chocolate Chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Sour Cream: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream and milk.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then fold in chocolate chips.
- Make Topping: In a small bowl, mix together butter, cinnamon, flour, brown sugar, and chocolate chips.
- Assemble Cake: Pour cake batter into the prepared dish, then sprinkle the topping evenly over the batter.
- Bake: Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a richer taste, you can use dark chocolate chips.
- You can add nuts like walnuts for additional crunch, if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
