If you’ve been on the hunt for a delightful treat that brings together the richness of coffee cake with the irresistible charm of chocolate chips, look no further than this Easy Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels both cozy and indulgent, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack alongside your morning cup of coffee. The tender crumb, sweet cinnamon crumble, and melty pockets of chocolate make this cake one you’ll want to keep coming back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it relies on simple, essential ingredients that come together to create a perfectly balanced cake. Each element plays its part in building layers of flavor, texture, and that inviting aroma that fills your kitchen.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note to the crumble topping that elevates the overall flavor.
- ¼ cup sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes the crumble, giving it a golden crispness.
- â…“ cup brown sugar: Brings moisture and a hint of molasses flavor to the crumble topping.
- 4 tablespoons melted butter: Binds the crumble ingredients and creates a buttery finish.
- 1½ cups flour: Provides structure to the cake, ensuring a soft but sturdy crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise for a light texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with sour cream to tenderize and lift the cake.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and boosts all the other flavors.
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened): Creamed with sugar to make the batter luxuriously smooth and rich.
- ¾ cup sugar: Sweetens the cake base without overpowering.
- 1 egg (room temperature): Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients.
- ¾ cup sour cream (room temperature): Gives the cake a tender, moist crumb and a subtle tang.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla: Adds depth and rounds out the sweetness.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: The star ingredient for melty chocolate surprises in every bite.
- 2 teaspoons flour: Tossed with chocolate chips to prevent sinking to the bottom.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For the drizzle that adds a sweet, decorative finish.
- 1 tablespoon milk: Mixed with powdered sugar to make a smooth glaze.
How to Make Easy Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Crumble Topping Preparation
Start by mixing the melted butter, sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl until well combined. This simple crumble topping will give you that irresistible sweet crunch. Once mixed, pop it into the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the cake batter.
Step 2: Prepare Cake Batter Base
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9-inch round baking pan with parchment paper to ensure a smooth release after baking. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside this dry mixture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a medium bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until you reach a smooth, creamy texture. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter tender. Then, add in the egg and mix thoroughly until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Add Sour Cream and Vanilla
Next, blend in sour cream and vanilla extract. This combo brings moisture and a subtle tanginess that makes the cake extra soft and flavorful.
Step 5: Prepare Chocolate Chips
Toss the chocolate chips with 2 teaspoons of flour in a small bowl. This helps prevent the chocolate chips from sinking to the bottom during baking—such a handy trick to maintain an even distribution of chocolate.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Slowly add the dry flour mixture to your butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light. Then fold in the floured chocolate chips carefully to distribute them throughout the batter.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Spread the thick batter evenly in the prepared pan. Sprinkle the chilled crumble topping generously over the cake. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool for about 15 minutes before moving on to the finishing touch.
Step 8: Drizzle and Serve
Mix powdered sugar with milk to create a smooth drizzle glaze to pour generously over the cooled cake. Allow the glaze to set for 15 minutes before slicing into squares for serving. This final step adds a touch of sweetness and sparkle that makes the cake look as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Easy Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flare, consider dusting the top with a pinch of cinnamon or adding a handful of extra chocolate chips just before drizzling the glaze. A dusting of powdered sugar after glazing can also make the cake look beautifully rustic and inviting.
Side Dishes
This coffee cake pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of your favorite coffee or tea. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the sweetness and add freshness to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual slices on small dessert plates with a fresh mint leaf for color or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert option. You can also cut the cake into bite-sized squares for a party tray that’s perfect for sharing with friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate to keep it fresh for up to 5 days. Covering it tightly helps maintain moisture so every bite stays delicious.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before popping into the freezer. It will keep well for up to 3 months, perfect for making ahead and enjoying anytime.
Reheating
To bring the cake back to life, warm slices in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or place them in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes. This refreshes the chocolate and crumble, making it feel freshly baked again.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips work beautifully in this Easy Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Recipe, offering a deeper, richer chocolate flavor that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Is it necessary to flour the chocolate chips?
Coating the chocolate chips with a bit of flour helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom while baking, ensuring you get chocolate in every bite. It’s a simple step that makes a noticeable difference.
Can I substitute sour cream with yogurt?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and will maintain the moist, tender texture of the cake while adding a slight tang.
How do I know when the coffee cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid overbaking to keep it soft and moist.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
With a good-quality gluten-free flour blend and ensuring your chocolate chips are gluten-free, you can adapt this Easy Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Recipe to suit gluten-free diets.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Recipe is a true gem for anyone who loves a sweet, comforting dessert that’s quick to whip up without complicated ingredients or steps. Whether it’s for a special breakfast, a cozy afternoon coffee break, or an easy dessert, this cake delivers buttery goodness and chocolate delights in every bite. Give it a try—you just might discover your new favorite go-to recipe!
Print
Easy Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake is a moist, tender treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. The cake features a rich crumb topped with a cinnamon-sugar crumble and studded with chocolate chips for a delightful texture and flavor. Finished with a simple powdered sugar drizzle, this coffee cake is sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Crumble Topping
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup sugar
- â…“ cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
Cake Batter
- 1½ cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 egg, room temperature
- ¾ cup sour cream, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons flour (for tossing chocolate chips)
Drizzle
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Make Crumble Topping: In a bowl, combine melted butter, cinnamon, sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until well blended, then refrigerate the mixture while preparing the cake batter to allow it to firm up.
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch round baking pan with parchment paper for easy cake removal and set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a medium bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Take care not to overmix as this can toughen the cake.
- Add Egg: Add the room temperature egg to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
- Add Sour Cream and Vanilla: Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.
- Coat Chocolate Chips: Toss the chocolate chips with 2 teaspoons of flour in a small bowl to prevent them from sinking during baking. Set aside.
- Combine Mixtures: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet batter and stir well to combine. Then fold in the floured chocolate chips gently just until evenly distributed.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the chilled crumble topping over the batter. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 15 minutes in the pan.
- Prepare Drizzle: Mix powdered sugar and milk together until you reach a drizzling consistency. Drizzle the icing evenly over the cooled coffee cake.
- Final Rest and Serve: Let the drizzle set for about 15 minutes before slicing the cake into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure ingredients like egg and sour cream are at room temperature for better batter consistency and cake texture.
- Coating the chocolate chips with flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and light.
- Use parchment paper in the baking pan to avoid sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Adjust drizzle consistency by adding more powdered sugar or milk accordingly.
