Chocolate Chip Crumb Coffee Cake Recipe

If you’re craving a breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug in cake form, the Chocolate Chip Crumb Coffee Cake is here to sweep you off your feet. This irresistible cake combines tender crumbs, a sweet cinnamon kick, and bursts of melty chocolate chips, all crowned with a buttery, crunchy crumb topping that keeps you coming back for one more slice. It’s simple to make, baked to golden perfection, and perfect for cozy mornings, casual brunches, or whenever you need a little sweetness to brighten your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with the Chocolate Chip Crumb Coffee Cake is a breeze because the ingredient list is straightforward, yet each component plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor and texture. You’ll find pantry basics enhanced with a few optional extracts that elevate this cake from everyday to extraordinary.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cake its tender crumb and the crumb topping its delightful crunch.
• Granulated sugar: Adds essential sweetness in both the cake and the crumb topping, balancing the chocolate chips perfectly.
• Cinnamon: A warm spice that infuses both the cake and topping, adding a cozy depth to each bite.
• Salt: Enhances flavors and balances sweetness to keep every slice tasting just right.
• Unsalted butter (melted and at room temperature): Provides richness and moistness, along with that buttery flavor in both cake and crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Brings a classic aroma and taste that complements the cinnamon and chocolate.
• Almond extract: Just a hint of this gives the cake a subtle nutty note that makes it special.
• Baking powder and baking soda: The leavening agents that make the cake light and fluffy.
• Egg: Adds structure and helps bind the ingredients together perfectly.
• Sour cream: Keeps the cake moist and tender while adding a slight tang that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
• Dark chocolate chips: The stars of the show, these pockets of melted chocolate inside every bite elevate the flavor and texture tremendously.
• Powdered sugar (optional): For a delicate dusting on the finished cake, adding a pretty finishing touch.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Crumb Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grab a 9-inch round cake pan and give it a good spritz with cooking spray. For easier cake removal, line the bottom with parchment paper and spray it lightly too. This little prep step ensures your cake will come out cleanly and maintain its beautiful crumb topping.

Step 2: Mix the Crumb Topping

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Adding melted butter, vanilla, and almond extracts, stir until the mixture forms coarse crumbs, mostly uniform in size. This crumb topping is where much of the magic happens—those buttery crumbs will bake to a golden, crunchy topping that contrasts perfectly with the soft cake beneath.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Cake Ingredients

Take another medium bowl and sift together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Setting this mix aside allows you to add it gradually, which helps avoid overmixing and keeps the cake tender.

Step 4: Cream Sugar and Butter

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a hand mixer if that’s what you have), beat the sugar and room temperature butter on medium speed until you get a light, fluffy mixture—this usually takes 2 to 3 minutes. Incorporating air at this stage makes sure your cake rises beautifully and feels super soft.

Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg until fully incorporated. Then, scrape down the sides of your bowl to make sure everything mixes well. Next, add vanilla and almond extracts along with the sour cream. These wet ingredients bring moisture and flavor, melding the cake together effortlessly.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips

On low speed, gently mix the dry ingredients into your wet mixture until just combined. The key here is to avoid overmixing, which could make the cake tough. Then fold in the dark chocolate chips carefully so they get evenly distributed without breaking up.

Step 7: Assemble and Bake

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter, making sure to cover it completely. Bake for 27 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool on a wire rack before dusting lightly with powdered sugar for that picture-perfect finish.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Crumb Coffee Cake

Garnishes

For a simple touch, dust the top of your Chocolate Chip Crumb Coffee Cake with powdered sugar to add a delicate sweetness and an elegant look. You can also top individual slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce to add a creamy or rich element that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and crumb.

Side Dishes

This coffee cake shines on its own but makes a wonderful companion to a steaming cup of coffee or tea, making your morning ritual feel indulgent. For a heartier brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a bowl of creamy yogurt with honey and nuts for balance.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress guests, consider slicing the cake into small squares and serving on a rustic wooden board with an assortment of jam jars and butter pats. You can also offer individual portions served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist that is sure to delight everyone at your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Chocolate Chip Crumb Coffee Cake fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is warm, storing the cake in the refrigerator will help it last about 4 days without losing moisture.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this cake later, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. This method protects the crumb topping and locks in freshness for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, microwave individual slices for about 15 to 20 seconds or warm the whole cake in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes. This will help restore the moist crumb inside while keeping the topping slightly crisp, bringing your Chocolate Chip Crumb Coffee Cake back to life with every bite.

FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! While dark chocolate chips provide a rich contrast, you can swap them for semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips depending on your preference. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile but all delicious.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

If almond extract isn’t on hand, you can either skip it or replace it with an equal amount of vanilla extract. The subtle nutty flavor adds depth but isn’t essential, so your cake will still taste wonderful.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for best results.

Is sour cream necessary in the recipe?

Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness wonderfully. If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt is a good substitute and will provide a similar texture and flavor.

Can I use a different pan shape or size?

You can, but keep in mind that baking times will vary. A 9-inch square pan works well too, but if using a deeper or wider pan, watch for doneness starting around 25 minutes to avoid overbaking or underbaking.

Final Thoughts

Making the Chocolate Chip Crumb Coffee Cake is such a joyful and rewarding experience, whether it’s for a lazy weekend breakfast or a special gathering. The harmony of tender cake, melty chocolate chips, and crunchy cinnamon-infused crumb topping is enough to make anyone smile. Give this recipe a try—you’ll soon discover it’s a new favorite that everyone will ask you to bake again and again.