Chocolate Chip Crumb Cake

Introduction

Chocolate Chip Crumb Cake is the kind of treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cake generously studded with gooey chocolate chips, topped with a sweet, crunchy crumble that melts in your mouth. It’s a dessert, a breakfast, and a snack all rolled into one delicious creation. Perfect for cozy mornings with a steaming cup of coffee or as the centerpiece of a casual brunch spread, this cake is sure to win hearts wherever it’s served.

What I adore about this Chocolate Chip Crumb Cake is its balance of textures and flavors. The tender, moist cake contrasts beautifully with the buttery crumb topping, while the chocolate chips add little pockets of sweetness in every bite. I remember the first time I baked it—it was a rainy Sunday, and the smell of the cake filled the house, lifting everyone’s spirits instantly. By the time it was ready to serve, we couldn’t wait to dig in, and let’s just say there weren’t any leftovers.

This cake is also incredibly versatile. Serve it warm for that fresh-from-the-oven comfort, or enjoy it chilled for a denser, dessert-like treat. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, Chocolate Chip Crumb Cake is a timeless classic that always hits the sweet spot.

Perfect for:

• Breakfasts and brunches
• Afternoon tea
• Holiday gatherings
• Coffee breaks
• Chocolate lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Chocolate Chip Crumb Cake is a must-bake treat:

• Perfect Balance of Textures: The soft, moist cake pairs beautifully with the buttery, crunchy crumb topping for a texture that’s hard to beat.
• Chocolate Lovers’ Delight: Every bite is bursting with gooey chocolate chips, making it an irresistible choice for chocoholics.
• Versatile Treat: Serve it as a breakfast pastry, a snack, or a dessert—this cake fits every occasion.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it a day in advance to save time and enjoy a stress-free gathering.
• Simple Yet Elegant: Easy enough for everyday baking but impressive enough for special occasions.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50-55 minutes
• Servings: 12 slices
• Calories per serving: Approximately 320 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for the Chocolate Chip Crumb Cake:

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Crumb Topping:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted

Ingredient Highlights

• Sour Cream/Greek Yogurt: Adds moisture and tanginess to the cake, ensuring a tender crumb.
• Brown Sugar in Crumb Topping: Enhances the crumb topping with a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
• Chocolate Chips: The star of the show, these add bursts of chocolatey goodness throughout the cake.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this irresistible Chocolate Chip Crumb Cake:

Prepare the Crumb Topping:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Add Melted Butter: Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.

Prepare the Cake Batter:

3. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
7. Incorporate Sour Cream and Flour Mixture: Gradually mix in the flour mixture, alternating with the sour cream, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
8. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter using a spatula.

Assemble and Bake the Cake:

9. Spread Batter in Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
10. Add Crumb Topping: Sprinkle the prepared crumb topping evenly over the batter.
11. Bake: Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
12. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

Chocolate Chip Crumb Cake is a versatile treat that can be served in various ways:

• With Coffee or Tea: A classic pairing for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up.
• Warm with Ice Cream: Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: Add a touch of elegance by dusting the top with powdered sugar before serving.
• As Part of a Brunch Spread: Pair with fresh fruits, muffins, and quiches for a complete brunch table.
• Pack for a Picnic: Slice and pack for a sweet treat on the go during picnics or outings.

Additional Tips

Ensure your Chocolate Chip Crumb Cake is a success with these tips:

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Use Cold Crumb Topping: Chilling the crumb topping for a few minutes before sprinkling helps maintain a crisp texture during baking.
• Line the Pan with Parchment Paper: This makes it easier to lift the cake out of the pan for slicing and serving.
• Evenly Spread the Crumb Topping: Ensure the topping is evenly distributed for a consistent crunch in every bite.
• Check for Doneness: Begin checking the cake around the 50-minute mark to prevent overbaking.

Recipe Variations

Try these 10 variations to customize your Chocolate Chip Crumb Cake:

1. Nutty Crumb Cake: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for a crunchy twist.
2. Double Chocolate Crumb Cake: Replace ¼ cup of flour in the batter with cocoa powder for a chocolate base.
3. Cinnamon Swirl Crumb Cake: Swirl a cinnamon-sugar mixture into the batter for added warmth and flavor.
4. Berry Crumb Cake: Fold in fresh or frozen berries like blueberries or raspberries along with the chocolate chips.
5. Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make it gluten-free.
6. Espresso Chocolate Cake: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter for a coffee-flavored twist.
7. Coconut Chocolate Cake: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the crumb topping before baking.
8. Salted Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the cake just before serving.
9. Peanut Butter Chip Cake: Swap half the chocolate chips for peanut butter chips for a nutty flavor.
10. Mini Crumb Cakes: Divide the batter into muffin tins to create individual-sized crumb cakes.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Special Equipment

Here are 10 special equipment items for making Chocolate Chip Crumb Cake:

1. Electric Mixer: For creaming butter and sugar to achieve a fluffy batter.
2. 9-Inch Square Baking Pan: The perfect size for this cake recipe.
3. Mixing Bowls: Multiple sizes are needed for preparing the batter and crumb topping.
4. Rubber Spatula: Ideal for folding in chocolate chips and scraping down the bowl.
5. Whisk: Useful for mixing dry ingredients evenly.
6. Cooling Rack: Ensures the cake cools evenly after baking.
7. Parchment Paper: Makes removing the cake from the pan hassle-free.
8. Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
9. Pastry Blender: Helpful for making a crumbly topping (optional).
10. Toothpicks: Essential for checking doneness during baking.

FAQ Section

1. Can I substitute the sour cream with something else?
   Yes, you can use plain Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream.
2. Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
   Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips add a richer, slightly less sweet flavor.
3. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
   Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
4. What’s the best way to store this cake?
   Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
5. Can I freeze this cake?
   Yes, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
6. Can I use salted butter for the recipe?
   If using salted butter, reduce the added salt in the batter and topping.
7. How can I prevent the crumb topping from sinking into the cake?
   Ensure the batter is thick enough to support the topping, and evenly sprinkle the crumbs.
8. Can I add nuts to the batter?
   Definitely! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch.
9. What’s the best way to serve this cake warm?
   Heat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to slightly warm them.
10. Can I use a round pan instead of a square one?
    Yes, a 9-inch round pan will work, though baking times may vary slightly.

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Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Crumb Cake is a delightful treat that’s sure to please everyone. The tender, chocolate-studded cake, paired with a buttery, crunchy topping, creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite. Whether you’re hosting brunch, enjoying a cozy afternoon at home, or looking for a sweet finale to dinner, this cake is sure to impress.

With easy preparation, customizable variations, and make-ahead convenience, this cake is perfect for any occasion. You can adjust the amount of chocolate chips, add a swirl of caramel, or even toss in some nuts for an extra crunch. It’s a versatile recipe that can be tailored to your taste and enjoyed by everyone.

I can’t wait to see how your Chocolate Chip Crumb Cake turns out! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your version of this delicious treat. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments too! Enjoy!