Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake

You know those days when you want a little something sweet but comforting, something that makes you feel like everything’s right in the world? That’s where Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake comes in. It’s the perfect marriage of soft, fluffy cake, gooey pockets of melted chocolate, and a sweet, crunchy streusel topping that brings it all together. Honestly, each bite feels like a cozy hug.

This coffee cake isn’t just for your morning cup of joe (although, let’s be real, it pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee). It’s the kind of cake that works for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, it’s guaranteed to make you smile. Trust me, it’s an easy win.

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake

Sweet and Savory Balance
The balance of rich chocolate chips with the mild, slightly sweet cake is pure perfection. Then, the streusel topping gives it that extra layer of indulgence, making each bite feel like a treat.

Perfect for Any Occasion
It’s versatile enough for breakfast with your morning coffee, an afternoon treat, or a light dessert after dinner. This cake is for all moments, big and small.

Foolproof Recipe
Even if you’re new to baking, this is a super approachable recipe. The steps are straightforward, and the results are incredible—perfectly soft, with a rich chocolate flavor and the right amount of crunch from the streusel.

Customizable
You can easily adjust the chocolate-to-cake ratio depending on how much of a chocolate lover you are. Want more? Add extra chocolate chips! You could also experiment with adding other fun mix-ins like nuts or berries.

Crowd-Pleasing
It’s not just you who’ll love this cake—guests will rave about it. It’s one of those dishes that’s easy to make in large quantities and can feed a crowd with ease.

Ingredients in Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious, chocolatey masterpiece:

For the Cake:

• Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly here to give the cake structure and fluffiness.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar for sweetness.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and stay light.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
• Eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients together and providing moisture.
• Sour Cream: Adds richness and moisture, keeping the cake soft and tender.
• Vanilla Extract: For that sweet, comforting flavor.
• Butter: Melted butter for richness and flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips (depending on your preference) are the star of the show.

For the Streusel Topping:

• Brown Sugar: For that caramelized sweetness and a bit of richness.
• Flour: For the right consistency to form the crumbly streusel.
• Butter: A little butter to bring the topping together.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the streusel.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the chocolate chips—this is where the magic happens!
5. Prepare the Streusel: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and butter for the streusel. Use a fork or your hands to mix until it forms crumbly clumps.

Bake the Cake:

6. Assemble: Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan. Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly on top, pressing it down slightly to help it stick.
7. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool: Let the cake cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once the cake has cooled, slice it up and enjoy! The combination of the light, fluffy cake, melted chocolate pockets, and the sweet, crumbly topping is irresistible.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 250
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 160mg
Total Carbohydrates: 31g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake

• With Coffee or Tea: A classic pairing! The cake’s sweetness and chocolate flavor go hand-in-hand with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
• With Ice Cream: Serve a slice warm with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• As a Snack: This cake makes for an excellent snack, whether you’re enjoying it with a cold glass of milk or on its own.

Additional Tips

• Store Properly: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week.
• Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins. Chopped nuts or dried fruit would add a fun twist.
• Make It Ahead: This cake is perfect for making ahead of time. It holds up really well overnight, and the flavors settle in beautifully.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use a different type of chocolate?
A1: Yes, you can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness according to the type of chocolate you choose.

Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! This cake stays fresh for a few days and actually gets better the longer it sits. You can also freeze it for up to a month—just let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap.

Q3: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A3: Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just ensure the other ingredients, like baking powder and vanilla extract, are gluten-free as well.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week.

Q5: Can I use a different type of topping instead of streusel?
A5: You could make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and milk if you prefer a sweeter topping. Or, you could sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar on top for a lighter touch.

Q6: Can I make this recipe without eggs?
A6: Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer if you’re following a vegan diet or need an egg-free option.

Q7: Can I use sour cream substitutes?
A7: Yes! You can use Greek yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute for sour cream. The flavor and texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Q8: How can I make this cake more decadent?
A8: For an extra indulgent treat, try adding a layer of chocolate ganache on top after the cake cools. Or, drizzle some caramel sauce over each slice.

Q9: How do I prevent the streusel from sinking into the cake?
A9: Make sure your cake batter is thick enough before adding the streusel. You can also press the streusel gently into the batter before baking, which helps it stay on top.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan (like a 9×13-inch pan). The baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it and test with a toothpick.

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake is the perfect treat when you want something that’s sweet, comforting, and just the right amount of indulgent. With its soft, fluffy cake, melty chocolate chips, and a sweet, cinnamon-y streusel topping, it’s the kind of cake that will disappear in no time. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it solo, you’re in for a delightful treat. So, go ahead—bake it up, slice it, and savor the goodness. Happy baking!

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