Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Recipe

There’s something magical about the smell of a cake baking in the oven, especially when that cake is packed with chocolate chips and has a buttery, cinnamon-streusel topping. This Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake is the stuff of weekend dreams and cozy brunches. It’s the recipe I turn to when I want to make my family feel extra special, or when I need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for a potluck. It’s not just a cake; it’s a warm, delicious hug in dessert form.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake

• Effortlessly Delicious: With a simple batter and a streusel that comes together in minutes, this recipe is surprisingly easy for such an impressive result.
• Family-Approved: Let’s be real, anything with chocolate chips is an instant hit with kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: It’s equally at home on a lazy Sunday morning with a cup of coffee as it is at a holiday brunch or book club meeting.

Ingredients

Let’s gather our ingredients. This is everything you’ll need to create this masterpiece.

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For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the Streusel: In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir with a fork until the mixture is crumbly. Set it aside.
3. Make the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract. With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the sour cream in two additions, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Gently fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Spread half of the batter into the prepared baking pan. It will be a thin layer. Sprinkle about half of the streusel topping evenly over the batter. Carefully spread the remaining batter over the top. This can be a little tricky, but just do your best—it will all work out in the oven! Sprinkle the remaining streusel over the top.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan set on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Equipment You’ll Need

• 9-inch square baking pan
• Mixing bowls (one medium, one large)
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Whisk and spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake

Room temperature eggs and butter are non-negotiable for a perfectly creamy, smooth batter that bakes up evenly. If you forget to take your eggs out, just place them in a bowl of warm water for 5-10 minutes. For the butter, I’ll sometimes gently warm it for a few seconds in the microwave—just don’t let it melt!

Don’t be tempted to overmix the batter once you add the flour. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a tough, dense cake. Mix until you no longer see streaks of flour, then stop. A few lumps are okay!

If you find your streusel is browning a bit too quickly, you can loosely tent the pan with a piece of aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is glorious all on its own, but a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving makes it look extra fancy. It’s called coffee cake for a reason—it pairs beautifully with a hot cup of French press coffee or a cold glass of milk. For a real treat, serve a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an instant dessert.

Nutrition Information

This rich and comforting cake is a special occasion treat. A typical serving contains approximately 450 calories, 55g of carbohydrates, 5g of protein, and 23g of fat. Values may vary based on specific ingredients used.

I hope this Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake becomes a beloved recipe in your home, just like it is in mine. It’s the kind of simple, from-scratch baking that fills your kitchen with an incredible aroma and your family with joy. It’s proof that the best moments often happen around the table, sharing something delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?

Absolutely! Plain, full-fat Greek yogurt is a fantastic 1:1 substitute for sour cream in this recipe. It will yield a similarly moist and tender crumb.

How should I store leftovers?

Keep any leftover cake (if there is any!) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Let a refrigerated slice come to room temperature or warm it gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.

Can I freeze this coffee cake?

Yes, this cake freezes wonderfully. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap the whole cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

Can I add nuts to the streusel?

Of course! Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition to the streusel topping. Just add about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts when you’re mixing the streusel ingredients together.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed baking this, you might also want to try my Classic Banana Bread for another easy and satisfying treat. Or, if you’re looking for another breakfast favorite, these Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes are always a hit.