Indulge in the Ultimate Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake with Brown Butter Streusel: Your New Favorite Breakfast Treat
Imagine your favorite chocolate chip cookie, but transformed into a decadent, moist cake that’s perfectly acceptable to enjoy with your morning coffee. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a culinary masterpiece that brings together the comforting familiarity of chocolate chip cookies with the comforting embrace of a classic coffee cake. Whether it’s a special occasion or simply a Tuesday morning that calls for a touch of sweetness, this Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake with Brown Butter Streusel is here to elevate your day. Prepare yourself for a symphony of flavors and textures, from the tender, crumbly cake studded with mini chocolate chips to the rich, nutty crunch of a brown butter streusel topping, all finished with a delicate drizzle of vanilla icing.
Why Coffee Cake is Always a Good Idea, Especially for Breakfast
There’s a unique charm to coffee cake that sets it apart from other desserts. It holds the distinguished title of being a treat you can truly savor at any time of day, effortlessly bridging the gap between breakfast and dessert. The moment that craving for something sweet and comforting strikes, especially first thing in the morning, coffee cake steps in as the ultimate rescuer. It possesses all the scrumptiousness and indulgence of a regular cake, yet its designation as “coffee cake” magically makes it a permissible delight for breakfast, brunch, or a midday snack. We owe a huge “thank you!” to the ingenious mind who coined that term, allowing us to enjoy a slice of pure happiness without a hint of guilt. This particular recipe takes that concept to a whole new level, infusing the beloved flavors of chocolate chip cookies into every tender bite, creating an experience that is both familiar and excitingly new.
This delightful creation is not just a cake; it’s an invitation to pause, pour yourself a fresh cup of coffee, and indulge in a moment of pure bliss. Its versatility makes it a perfect addition to any gathering, from a casual family breakfast to a festive holiday brunch. The simple act of slicing into a warm coffee cake, with its inviting aroma filling the kitchen, is a reminder of life’s simple pleasures. And when that cake is brimming with chocolate chips and crowned with a golden, buttery streusel, it’s truly an irresistible proposition.
The Inspiration: From Cookie Fails to Cake Wins
Some weeks simply don’t go as planned, especially in the kitchen. There are those periods where time seems to drag on endlessly, yet when it’s over, the details of what transpired remain a blur. Such was a recent week, marked by a series of less-than-stellar baking attempts. My kitchen was littered with various batches of mediocre chocolate chip cookie bars, each one a testament to my failed efforts. Despite my best intentions and numerous adjustments, the cookies just weren’t hitting the mark. It was clear that baking wasn’t exactly in my favor that week, and after the last disheartening batch, I decided it was time to change tactics. Sometimes, the best way to salvage a baking slump is to pivot completely.
Throwing in the towel on the cookie bars, I realized what I truly craved was cake. A big, comforting, delicious cake. And since all my cookie bar ingredients were already laid out, a spark of inspiration hit: why not combine my love for cookies with my craving for cake? This led to the ingenious idea of creating a cake that tastes just like the perfect chocolate chip cookie. This particular coffee cake recipe was born from that moment of creative frustration, transforming a series of baking mishaps into a truly delightful success story. The result is a cake so reminiscent of cookie dough, you might be tempted to eat the batter straight from the bowl – a truly irresistible treat that turned my baking failures into a sweet victory.
A Symphony of Flavors: Chocolate Chips & Brown Butter Streusel
What makes this Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake truly exceptional is the thoughtful combination of classic elements with a gourmet twist. The cake itself is incredibly moist and tender, baked to perfection with just the right amount of sweetness, and generously studded with mini chocolate chips that melt into pockets of joy in every bite. But the real star, the element that elevates this coffee cake from good to unforgettable, is the brown butter streusel topping. Brown butter, or beurre noisette, adds an unparalleled depth of flavor. The process of gently cooking butter until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma transforms it, imparting a sophisticated, caramel-like richness that is simply divine.
This luxurious brown butter is then combined with brown sugar and flour to create a crumbly, flavorful streusel that bakes into a delightful crisp texture on top of the cake. The nutty notes of the brown butter streusel beautifully complement the sweet chocolate chips and the tender cake, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. And as if that weren’t enough, a delicate drizzle of simple vanilla icing adds a final touch of sweetness and visual appeal. This combination ensures that every forkful is an experience, bursting with the comforting flavors of home baking and a touch of gourmet sophistication. If you weren’t craving cake for breakfast before, you certainly are now, and for that— I’m sorry and you’re welcome.
Baking Bliss: Tips for a Perfect Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake
Achieving a perfect coffee cake is easier than you might think, especially with a few key baking tips. Firstly, ensure all your cold ingredients, particularly the butter and eggs for the cake batter, are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify properly, creating a smoother batter and a more uniform, tender crumb. When creaming the butter and brown sugar, take your time – about 2-3 minutes – until the mixture is light and creamy. This incorporates air, which contributes to the cake’s light texture. When adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, alternate them in additions and mix just until combined. Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in a tough cake, so mix gently.
For the star of the show, the brown butter streusel, pay close attention when browning the butter. Keep the heat low and stir constantly until the butter solids turn amber and smell nutty. It can go from perfectly browned to burnt very quickly! Let it cool slightly before mixing with the other streusel ingredients. Finally, always trust your oven. Oven temperatures can vary, so the baking time of 35-40 minutes is a guideline. The best way to check for doneness is to insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a bit before releasing it from the springform and letting it cool completely before drizzling with icing. These simple steps will help you create a coffee cake that is consistently moist, flavorful, and absolutely delightful.
Serving Suggestions and Enjoying Every Slice
This Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake with Brown Butter Streusel is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways. For the ultimate breakfast experience, serve a generous slice warm, perhaps with an extra pat of butter or a dollop of whipped cream, alongside your favorite cup of freshly brewed coffee or a soothing tea. The warmth of the cake enhances the melty chocolate chips and the rich notes of the brown butter streusel. It’s also an ideal centerpiece for a brunch spread, where it can shine amongst other breakfast favorites like fruit salads, quiches, and savory pastries. Its crowd-pleasing flavors are sure to delight all your guests.
Beyond breakfast and brunch, this coffee cake makes for a fantastic afternoon snack or a light dessert after dinner. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra indulgent treat, or simply enjoy it as is, letting the harmonious flavors speak for themselves. The subtle vanilla icing adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overpowering the rich, complex flavors of the cake and streusel. Whether you share it with loved ones or keep it all to yourself, this cake is designed to bring joy with every single bite. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or freeze slices for a quick and easy indulgence whenever the craving strikes.
Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake with Brown Butter Streusel
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Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter , at room temperature (113 grams)
- 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar (213 grams)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk (125 ml)
- ½ cups mini chocolate chips (85 grams)
For the streusel:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup packed light or dark brown sugar (105 grams)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (30 grams)
For the icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar , sifted (227 grams)
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
Equipment
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and grease with nonstick spray.
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In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and brown sugar together until light and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each, followed by the vanilla.
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Add the dry ingredients in 2 additions, alternating with the buttermilk, scraping down the bowl as needed. Stir in the mini chocolate chips. Spread into the prepared cake pan.
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To make the streusel topping, cook the butter over low heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Let cool slightly.
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Combine the brown butter, brown sugar and flour with a fork in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the cake batter. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 35-40 minutes.
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Let cool in the pan 15 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and remove springform pan sides. Let cool completely.
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To make the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk. Drizzle over cooled cake and let sit 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Whether you’re looking for a delightful breakfast, a comforting afternoon treat, or a simple yet impressive dessert, this Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake with Brown Butter Streusel is guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe collection. Its irresistible blend of familiar chocolate chip flavors with the rich depth of brown butter streusel offers a unique and satisfying experience. So go ahead, treat yourself, and discover the joy of this truly exceptional coffee cake.