Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake
Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake is the ultimate cozy treat that brings together the rich flavors of chocolate and the comforting warmth of freshly baked cake. Whether you’re serving it at a weekend brunch, enjoying it as an afternoon snack, or savoring it with your morning coffee, this cake is sure to delight everyone at the table. Its moist and fluffy texture, combined with the delightful surprise of chocolate chips and a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping, makes it a must-try recipe. Let’s dive into why this Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake is worth your time and how you can whip it up in your own kitchen.
Why Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake is Worth Your Time
There are countless reasons to adore Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake. Firstly, it beautifully blends the classic flavors of a traditional coffee cake with the indulgence of chocolate chips. It’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed any time of day, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Additionally, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring mostly pantry staples, which means you can whip it up whenever the craving strikes. The crumbly topping adds a delightful texture that complements the moist cake, making each bite a heavenly experience. Trust us, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredient Checklist
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Cinnamon Sugar Topping/Filling:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
Equipment Breakdown
- Mixing Bowls: A medium bowl for dry ingredients and a large bowl for wet ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate measurements of your ingredients.
- Whisk: For combining dry ingredients and mixing wet ingredients smoothly.
- Spatula: Perfect for folding chocolate chips into the batter.
- Baking Pan: A 9×13 inch pan works best for this recipe.
- Oven: Preheat to ensure even baking.
Step-by-Step: Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake starts baking at the right temperature, giving it a nice rise.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray, then set aside.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 7: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 8: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until well combined.
Step 9: Layer the Batter
Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top, then add the remaining batter. Finish by sprinkling the rest of the cinnamon sugar topping over the top.
Step 10: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 11: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy your delicious Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake!
Spring to Winter: Ideas
- In the spring, pair your cake with fresh berries for a delightful contrast.
- During summer, enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing treat.
- In the fall, add chopped walnuts to the batter for a nutty flavor.
- This winter, serve it warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and a cup of hot cocoa.
Little Things that Matter
For the best results, make sure your butter is truly at room temperature—this creates a smoother batter. Additionally, using high-quality chocolate chips can elevate the overall flavor of your Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake. If you prefer a richer taste, consider using dark chocolate chips.
- Always check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer for accuracy.
- Letting the cake cool slightly before slicing will help maintain its structure.
Leftovers & Meal Prep
This Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake makes for excellent leftovers! Store any uneaten cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up before enjoying.
- For meal prep, you can bake the cake ahead of time and freeze it.
- Slice it into portions for easy grab-and-go snacks during the week.
Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Q&A
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. However, this may change the texture slightly, making it denser. For a lighter cake, consider using a mix of both flours.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use a dairy-free yogurt or sour cream. Just make sure your chocolate chips are also dairy-free.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
Greek yogurt works as a great substitute for sour cream, providing a similar tangy flavor and moisture to the cake.
How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?
Make sure to grease your pan well with butter or non-stick spray, and consider lining the bottom with parchment paper for extra protection against sticking.
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Ready to Cook?
Are you ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of this delightful Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake? With its rich chocolate flavor and tender crumb, it’s sure to become a favorite. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the sweet aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes. Happy baking!
Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease your 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray, then set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Mix until well combined.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top, then add the remaining batter. Finish by sprinkling the rest of the cinnamon sugar topping over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Using high-quality chocolate chips can elevate the flavor.
- Let the cake cool slightly before slicing to maintain structure.
