Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a sweet, comforting treat that feels like a warm hug with every bite, this Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine a tender, moist cake infused with cinnamon, studded with melty chocolate chips, and topped with a buttery, crunchy streusel that adds the perfect texture contrast. It’s a classic coffee cake turned up a notch with the irresistible addition of chocolate chips that make it divine for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack. Whether you’re sharing with friends or indulging solo, this cake never disappoints.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Recipe are delightfully straightforward but crucial in creating its signature flavor and texture. Each one plays a specific role—from the flour providing the structure to the sour cream contributing moisture and tang, while cinnamon and chocolate chips bring out the rich, cozy notes that make this cake memorable.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, giving it just the right balance of tenderness and structure.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully, ensuring a light, fluffy crumb.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Provides extra lift and reacts with the sour cream for perfect texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and tenderness to the cake’s crumb.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering other flavors.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the overall flavor with a subtle sweetness.
• 1 cup sour cream: Keeps the cake moist and adds a slight tang for complexity.
• 1 cup chocolate chips: The star ingredient, melting throughout the cake for sweet pockets of chocolate delight.
• For the streusel topping: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces; these ingredients combine to create a crumbly, buttery topping that adds texture and cinnamon sweetness with every bite.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Start 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. This simple step sets the stage for perfect baking results.

Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend everything until it looks like coarse crumbs. The cold butter chunks create that signature crumbly texture, giving the topping its irresistible crunch.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients for the Cake

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, enabling your cake to rise uniformly and flavor to be well-balanced.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy—this usually takes about three minutes. This process incorporates air to help create a tender and airy cake crumb.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which adds a delicate sweetness that complements the cinnamon and chocolate beautifully.

Step 6: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with sour cream. Start and finish with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined after each addition. This method keeps the batter light and prevents overmixing, which could make the cake tough.

Step 7: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter so they are evenly distributed, promising melty, chocolatey pockets in every bite without breaking the batter’s texture.

Step 8: Assemble and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter. Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. If the topping darkens prematurely, loosely cover it with foil to avoid burning during the remaining bake time.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in its pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps the cake firm up slightly, making it easier to slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Recipe

Garnishes

This Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Recipe shines wonderfully on its own, but if you want to add a little extra flair, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar for a delicate touch of sweetness and a pretty finish. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of warm vanilla glaze also makes for an indulgent treat.

Side Dishes

Pair this coffee cake with a hot cup of your favorite coffee or tea to complement its cinnamon and chocolate notes perfectly. Fresh berries or a simple fruit salad can balance the cake’s richness and add a refreshing contrast, making your coffee break or brunch feel special.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving slices of this cake alongside a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. You can also cut it into bite-sized squares for a delightful party platter, perfect for sharing and nibbling throughout the day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh and moist for up to 3 days, making it perfect to enjoy throughout the week without losing any of its charm.

Freezing

You can freeze this Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Recipe for longer storage by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, and the cake will be just as delicious as fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, warm slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This will bring back that freshly baked warmth and melt the chocolate chips slightly, reviving all the cake’s comforting flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Whether you prefer dark, milk, or white chocolate chips, feel free to swap them according to your taste. Each type will bring a slightly different flavor, but all are delicious in this cake.

Is sour cream necessary in this recipe?

Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or buttermilk with good results.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum, you can make a gluten-free version of this Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Recipe. Just ensure the blend you choose is suitable for baking.

How do I prevent the streusel topping from burning?

If the streusel starts browning too quickly, simply cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil halfway through baking. This will protect the topping while the cake finishes baking perfectly.

Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?

Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in a larger pan, adjusting the baking time as needed. Check doneness with a toothpick to ensure it’s fully baked.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites because it’s simple, satisfying, and wonderfully versatile. It’s the kind of cake that delights every time you slice into it—rich yet tender, sweet but balanced, with that cozy cinnamon-chocolate combo you just can’t resist. I encourage you to give it a try soon. Whether it’s for breakfast, a casual gathering, or a special treat, this cake is sure to bring smiles and warm hearts.

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