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Soft Sour Cream Cake

Featured in Sweet Treat Sensations.

This fluffy coffee cake is made with a creamy sour cream batter, scattered chocolate chips, and crunchy streusel with pecans. A great coffee companion!

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Ranah
Updated on Sun, 13 Apr 2025 21:01:41 GMT
A delicious slice of coffee cake with melted chocolate topping and mini chocolate chips on a white dish. Pin it
A delicious slice of coffee cake with melted chocolate topping and mini chocolate chips on a white dish. | chefemmakitchen.com

The Breakfast Treat You'll Crave Daily

We started whipping up this Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake during our relaxed weekend mornings, and it quickly turned into the breakfast my kids beg for constantly. There's something magical about biting into that soft, buttery cake packed with melting chocolate chunks and finished with that crumbly sweet topping. Now when that amazing smell fills the house, I'm pretty sure we're in for a great day.

Delicious Morning to Night

This coffee cake really stands out from the crowd. You'll love how the buttery cake base gets little surprises of chocolate in every bite, and that crunchy streusel on top takes it to another level. It's fantastic with your morning cup of joe when it's still a bit warm, but we've been known to snack on it all day long and even serve it for dessert.

Gathering Your Supplies

Want me to run through all the stuff you'll need for both the cake and that yummy crumble topping? I can tell you exactly how much of everything to use and which specific ingredients work best to get the texture and taste just right.

A slice of chocolate chip cake is placed on a white plate, showcasing a moist, layered texture with chocolate chips on top. Pin it
A slice of chocolate chip cake is placed on a white plate, showcasing a moist, layered texture with chocolate chips on top. | chefemmakitchen.com

Time to Mix and Bake

I can show you my tried-and-true way to make this awesome cake. Should I break down the steps for putting together both the cake mixture and that amazing crumbly topping?

Tips for the Best Results

I've figured out a few tricks over time. Using ingredients that aren't cold from the fridge makes a huge difference in how this cake turns out. Don't overmix your batter or you'll lose that tender texture we're going for. My best tip? Coat your chocolate chips with a tiny bit of flour before adding them to the mix. This stops them from all sinking to the bottom while baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the benefit of adding sour cream?

Sour cream keeps the texture soft and moist while bringing a bit of tang that balances the sweet flavors.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

Absolutely! Bake it and store at room temperature for up to two days, covered. Add the glaze right before serving.

→ Should I freeze it plain or glazed?

Freeze the cake without the glaze for up to three months. When ready, thaw it overnight and glaze freshly before serving.

→ What’s the purpose of layering the streusel inside?

Adding streusel in the middle spreads flavor and crunch throughout the entire cake instead of just on top.

→ Do I have to include nuts?

Nope! Leave out the pecans or swap them for extra chocolate chips if you’d like.

Coffee Cake Chocolate Chip

Soft coffee cake filled with melty chocolate chips, layered with buttery pecan topping, and finished with a sweet glaze.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
55 Minutes
Total Time
75 Minutes
By: emma

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (1 cake)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar.
02 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar.
03 3/4 cup softened butter.
04 6 tablespoons butter, chilled.
05 1 cup finely chopped pecans.
06 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon.
07 3 large eggs.
08 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract.
09 3 cups all-purpose flour.
10 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda.
11 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder.
12 1/4 teaspoon salt.
13 1 1/2 cups full-fat sour cream.
14 1/4 cup milk or cream.
15 1 cup powdered sugar (confectioner's sugar).
16 1/2 teaspoon vanilla flavor.
17 2 tablespoons milk for glaze.
18 1 cup small chocolate chips.

Instructions

Step 01

Blend streusel ingredients to form crumbs, then chill them.

Step 02

Set the oven to 350°F and let it preheat.

Step 03

Whip butter with sugar until soft and airy.

Step 04

Mix in eggs one by one, blending after each.

Step 05

Stir in vanilla along with milk until smooth.

Step 06

Sift together all the dry components.

Step 07

Switch between adding sour cream and dry mix to batter.

Step 08

Grease a 13x9 pan. Pour half the batter, sprinkle some streusel, then repeat with remaining batter and topping.

Step 09

Put the cake in the oven uncovered and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 10

Cover the pan with foil and continue baking for another 30-35 minutes.

Step 11

Rest the cake for about 20 minutes at room temperature.

Step 12

Pour the glaze on top as a finishing touch.

Notes

  1. Great option for mornings or brunch spreads.
  2. You can make ahead and assemble later.
  3. Freezing works, but leave off the glaze.
  4. A pastry blender works best for the crumble.
  5. A toothpick should come out clean when done.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking pan, 13x9 inches.
  • Hand or stand mixer.
  • Tool for cutting butter (pastry cutter).
  • Multiple mixing bowls.
  • Spoons and cups for measuring.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy like butter and sour cream.
  • Has wheat from the flour.
  • Includes eggs.
  • Tree nuts are present (pecans).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 714
  • Total Fat: 34 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 97 g
  • Protein: 7 g