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Moist Chocolate Chip Cake

Topic: Sweet Treats to Satisfy Any Craving

This soft homemade cake features a sour cream base, chocolate chips throughout, and a pecan-filled crumb topping. A tasty match for your morning coffee!

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Barbara Chef
Updated on Wed, 09 Apr 2025 22:59:32 GMT
A white plate with soft chocolate chip cake, melted chocolate, and tiny chocolate chips. Save
A white plate with soft chocolate chip cake, melted chocolate, and tiny chocolate chips. | cookwithcarla.com

Your Must-Try Breakfast Delight

We began whipping up this Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake during relaxed weekend mornings, and it quickly turned into the breakfast treat my family begs for most. When soft, buttery cake meets melting chocolate chunks and gets crowned with that crunchy streusel, it's breakfast heaven. Now I know we're in for a great day whenever this cake's aroma fills our home.

Delicious Throughout Your Day

This coffee cake stands out in so many ways. The soft buttery foundation gets better with chocolate spots scattered throughout, while the crumbly topping adds that sweet, satisfying crunch. Thick slices taste amazing fresh from the oven with my coffee, but they work just as well for snack time or to finish off dinner.

Ingredients List

Can I break down everything you'll need for both the cake base and the crumbly topping? I'll give you the exact amounts and specific items that deliver the best results for texture and taste.

A white plate holds a moist chocolate chip cake slice, displaying its layered texture with chocolate chips visible on the surface.
A white plate holds a moist chocolate chip cake slice, displaying its layered texture with chocolate chips visible on the surface. | cookwithcarla.com

Baking Instructions

I can guide you through my proven approach to making this amazing cake. Would you like the detailed steps for creating both the cake mixture and the crumbly topping?

Tips For Best Results

I've learned that using ingredients at room temperature really makes this cake better. Cold butter and eggs from the fridge don't mix as well. Don't overmix the batter - just blend until everything comes together for the best softness. My top tip? Coat the chocolate chips with a bit of flour before adding them in. This stops them from dropping to the bottom while baking.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ How does sour cream affect baked goods?

It makes the cake soft, adds moisture, and gives a touch of tang to balance the sweetness.

→ Can I prepare this cake earlier?

Sure! Bake it up to 48 hours before serving. Keep it covered and room temp. Add the icing later.

→ Is freezing this cake an option?

Absolutely. Wrap the cake without the icing tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight, then glaze.

→ What’s the benefit of layering streusel inside?

A middle layer of streusel means every bite has extra flavor and crunch, not just the top.

→ Can I skip the nuts here?

Of course! Leave out the pecans or swap them for more chocolate chips if you’d prefer.

Chocolate Chip Cake

A soft, fluffy cake loaded with chocolate chips, pecan sugar topping, and a light vanilla drizzle.

Preparation Time
20 mins
Time to Cook
55 mins
Total Duration
75 mins
Created By: Carla Rodriguez

Recipe Type: Desserts

Level of Difficulty: Medium Effort

Cuisine Style: American

Serves: 12 Number of Servings (1 cake)

Diet Lifestyle: Meat-Free

What You'll Gather

01 1 cup powdered sugar.
02 2 tablespoons milk.
03 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
04 1 1/2 cups brown sugar.
05 1 tablespoon cinnamon.
06 6 tablespoons butter, cold.
07 1 cup pecans, chopped.
08 1 cup chocolate chips, mini.
09 1 1/3 cups regular sugar.
10 3/4 cup butter, softened.
11 3 eggs.
12 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
13 3 cups all-purpose flour.
14 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda.
15 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder.
16 1/4 teaspoon salt.
17 1 1/2 cups sour cream.
18 1/4 cup milk.

How to Make It

Step 01

Mix everything for the streusel till crumbly, then chill it.

Step 02

Set your oven to 350°F and let it warm up.

Step 03

Whip together the butter and sugar until fluffy and light.

Step 04

One at a time, beat in the eggs completely before the next.

Step 05

Blend in the milk and vanilla until smooth.

Step 06

Stir together all the dry ingredients in a bowl.

Step 07

Add flour and sour cream in turns, mixing each time.

Step 08

Spread half the batter in the greased 13x9 pan, sprinkle a streusel layer, then repeat with batter and streusel.

Step 09

Bake it uncovered for 30 minutes.

Step 10

Cover with foil and bake another 30-35 minutes.

Step 11

Let the cake cool for about 20 minutes after baking.

Step 12

Pour the glaze on top in a drizzle.

Extra Info

  1. Great choice for a morning bite or a brunch.
  2. You can prep it in advance.
  3. Stays good frozen without the glaze.
  4. A pastry cutter comes in handy for streusel.
  5. Check with a toothpick to ensure it's baked through.

What Tools You'll Need

  • Baking pan, size 13x9 inch.
  • A mixer (electric works best).
  • Pastry cutter.
  • Bowls for mixing.
  • Measuring tools (spoons and cups).

Allergy Warnings

Always double-check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a healthcare provider if necessary.
  • Dairy (like butter and sour cream).
  • Wheat (flour).
  • Eggs.
  • Pecans (tree nuts).

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

This information is provided as a general guide and isn't a replacement for professional medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 714
  • Fats: 34 g
  • Carbs: 97 g
  • Protein: 7 g