Suggestions

Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake

3.5 (34 ratings)
|
By Ella
Prep Time 20 min
Cook Time 40 min
Calories 355 kcal
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

Servings

Directions / Instructions

Why You'll Love This Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake

This Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake is everything you want in a classic coffee cake—soft, moist, buttery, and filled with layers of cinnamon streusel and rich chocolate chips. Every bite delivers the perfect balance of tender cake, crunchy topping, and gooey chocolate.

Whether you're serving it for breakfast, brunch, holiday mornings, or dessert, this easy coffee cake is guaranteed to impress. It also tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep and entertaining.

Ingredients

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
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Streusel

  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

For the Glaze

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Make the Streusel

Mix the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon together. Cut in the cold butter until crumbly. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Batter

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and sour cream. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.

4. Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold most of the chocolate chips into the batter, reserving a handful for the top.

5. Assemble

Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel over the batter. Add the remaining batter, top with the rest of the streusel, and scatter the reserved chocolate chips on top.

6. Bake

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.

7. Cool and Glaze

Allow the cake to cool for at least 20 minutes. Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, then drizzle over the cooled cake before slicing.

Expert Tips

Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and softer crumb. Avoid overmixing once the flour is added to keep the cake tender. Toss the chocolate chips with a tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking during baking.

Storage

Store the coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 6 days. Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with freshly brewed coffee, espresso, cappuccino, chai tea, or hot chocolate. It's also delicious with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Recipe Variations

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel, use dark or milk chocolate chips, mix in mini chocolate chips, swirl cream cheese into the batter, or add orange zest for a citrus twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Coffee cake is traditionally served alongside coffee rather than containing coffee as an ingredient.
Yes. Full-fat plain Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute and keeps the cake moist.
Yes. Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
Absolutely. Chopped pecans or walnuts make a delicious addition to the streusel topping.
Facebook Share

Reviews & Questions (34)

No ratings yet. Be the first to leave a review!

Leave a Rating & Review

You must be logged in to post a review or comment.

Log In