There’s nothing quite like waking up to the aroma of freshly baked goods, especially when it’s a chocolate chip coffee cake. This delightful treat is the perfect marriage between a tender, moist cake and the rich, comforting flavors of coffee and chocolate. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress.
Imagine biting into a slice of this warm, comforting cake. The smell of cinnamon and coffee fills the air, while the sweet chocolate chips melt in your mouth. It’s the perfect treat to share with loved ones on a lazy Sunday morning, or to enjoy as an afternoon pick-me-up with a cup of coffee.
Ready to get baking? Let’s gather our ingredients and create something truly special!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Tools of the Trade:
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Two large mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Cooling rack
Baking Up a Storm:
1. Preparing for Perfection:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. For easy removal later, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This creates little handles for lifting the cake out once it’s baked.
2. Creating the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is where your electric mixer comes in handy!
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream and cooled coffee.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
3. The Streusel Symphony:
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel topping.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the streusel.
4. Assembling the Masterpiece:
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
- Carefully pour the remaining batter over the streusel layer, spreading it gently to cover.
- Top with the remaining streusel, making sure the chocolate chips are spread out for maximum enjoyment.
5. Baking to Golden Perfection:
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Keep an eye on the cake towards the end of the baking time. If the streusel topping starts to brown too quickly, lightly tent the pan with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
6. Cooling and Serving:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut into squares and serve. This cake is delicious on its own, but a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to the next level.
Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Ingredients
Tips and Tricks from a Seasoned Baker:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients, especially butter and eggs, ensures that everything blends together smoothly, resulting in a more even cake texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough cake. Mix until just combined for a tender crumb.
- Coffee Choice: For a bolder coffee flavor, use espresso or strongly brewed coffee. You can also experiment with flavored coffees like hazelnut or vanilla for a unique twist.
- Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
FAQs: Can I Use a Different Type of Pan?
Q: Can I use a bundt pan instead of a 9×13 inch pan?
A: Absolutely! A bundt pan works beautifully for this recipe. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on it and test for doneness with a skewer.
Q: What can I substitute for sour cream?
A: Plain yogurt or buttermilk are great substitutes for sour cream in this recipe. They provide similar moisture and tanginess.
Baking Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake
Indulge and Enjoy:
There you have it! A simple yet irresistible recipe for chocolate chip coffee cake that’s sure to become a family favorite. The combination of tender cake, sweet chocolate chips, and aromatic coffee creates a flavor combination that’s impossible to resist.
So go ahead, preheat that oven, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of homemade heaven.
Don’t forget to share your baking experience in the comments below! We’d love to hear about your delicious creations. And while you’re here, be sure to explore our other delectable recipes on Family Cuisine for more culinary inspiration.
