Cinnamon Coffee Cake With Chocolate Chips Recipe

My Daughter Makes This Cinnamon Coffee Cake

Yesterday, my 12-year-old daughter decided she wanted to make a cinnamon coffee cake recipe she received at school from one of her friends. She loves to bake and is a big fan of the Cake Boss television series. I'm not a baker, so having her in the kitchen to watch and learn from is great.

She prepared this recipe all by herself except for a little help from her mother getting all the ingredients together. Because she needed to use the oven, my wife supervised the cake preparation, but other than that, Nell was responsible for the delicious result.

About a Cinnamon Coffee Cake

Cinnamon coffee cake with chocolate chips is a delectable indulgence that combines the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon with the richness of chocolate. This delightful treat is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave a sweet pick-me-up with your coffee or tea.

At first glance, the sight of a cinnamon coffee cake can evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia. Its golden-brown exterior, adorned with a generous sprinkling of cinnamon sugar, promises a comforting experience with every bite. But what sets this coffee cake apart is adding chocolate chips, an irresistible decadence element, to an enticing treat.

The aroma wavers through the kitchen as the cake bakes is enough to make anyone's mouth water. The scent of cinnamon fills the air, mingling with the sweet fragrance of chocolate, creating an olfactory symphony that is impossible to resist. It's a scent that conjures up memories of cozy mornings spent with loved ones gathered around the table and sharing stories over a steaming cup of coffee.

As the cake emerges from the oven, its golden crust crackles invitingly, promising a tender crumb within. With each slice, you're greeted by a mosaic of chocolate chips, their rich, molten centers peeking out from the buttery cake. And as you take your first bite, you're met with a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

The cinnamon adds a subtle warmth reminiscent of the comforting spices of fall, while the chocolate chips provide bursts of sweetness and richness that dance on the palate. Together, they create a symphony of familiar and exciting flavors, like an old friend with a new twist.

The beauty of cinnamon coffee cake with chocolate chips lies in its versatility. It's equally at home as a breakfast treat alongside a steaming mug of coffee or tea, as it is served as a dessert, perhaps topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It's the kind of dessert that brings people together, encouraging them to linger a little longer at the table, savoring each bite and each moment shared.

Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a moment of indulgence, cinnamon coffee cake with chocolate chips will surely delight your taste buds and warm your soul. So go ahead, take a slice, and savor life's simple pleasures with every delicious bite.

History

The history of coffee cake is as rich and diverse as the cake itself. While its exact origins are not entirely clear, its evolution can be traced through various cultures and culinary traditions over centuries.

1. Ancient Roots: The concept of sweet cakes dates back to ancient civilizations, when people combined ingredients like flour, honey, and fruit to create simple desserts. These cakes were often enjoyed with beverages like tea, coffee, or wine.
2. Medieval Europe: During the Middle Ages, the tradition of sweet cakes continued to evolve in Europe. Bakers experimented with different ingredients and techniques, creating various cakes and pastries. These treats were often enjoyed during special occasions and celebrations.
3. The Introduction of Coffee: The rise of coffeehouses in Europe during the 17th century played a significant role in the development of coffee cake as we know it today. As coffee became increasingly popular, bakers began creating cakes specifically designed to complement the beverage. These early coffee cakes were often simple, sweet cakes made with ingredients like butter, sugar, and spices.
4. Colonial America: Coffee cake came to America with European settlers, where it continued to evolve and adapt to local tastes and ingredients. In colonial America, coffee cake recipes were often passed down through generations, with each family adding its own unique twist to the classic recipe.
5. Regional Variations: Over time, different regions developed their own variations of coffee cake based on local ingredients and culinary traditions. For example, streuselkuchen became popular in Germany—a type of coffee cake topped with a crumbly streusel topping. In Scandinavia, variations like the Swedish "kanelbulle" (cinnamon bun) and the Danish "kringle" are enjoyed as coffee cakes.
6. Modern Varieties: Today, coffee cake comes in many different forms and flavors, from traditional cinnamon coffee cake to modern interpretations with ingredients like chocolate chips, fruit, or nuts. It remains a beloved treat enjoyed worldwide, often served alongside a cup of coffee or tea during breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert.

Kids Can Cook

If you've been following my blog or spending any time on my web site, you know I am a big fan of Cooking With Your Kids. I think it is a great way for them to learn how to think independently, understand measurement, and practice safety, as well as a great way to spend some quality time together.

Please be sure to read my post Teaching Your Kids To Cook - Developing Intellect - as well as my other post, Teaching Your Kids To Cook

📖 Recipe

Print Recipe

Cinnamon Coffee Cake With Chocolate Chips Recipe

Prep Time30 minutes mins

Cook Time40 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: 9 - 12

Ingredients

For the Topping

• ¼ cup of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• pinch salt

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup non-fat vanilla yogurt
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350° F
• Butter a 9-inch square cake pan.
• In a medium bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and creamy. Beat means to mix the butter and sugar vigorously with a spoon, fork, or electric mixer.
• Add the eggs, one at a time while being sure to blend the mixture well after each addition.
• Add the vanilla and mix all together.
• Mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture and then the yogurt. Be sure to mix everything until just combined. Finally, add the chocolate chips.
• Spread the batter in the buttered pan and sprinkle the topping mixture of sugar and cinnamon on top. Press down lightly with your hand so the topping does not move when the cake rises.
• Bake in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes until done.

Notes

My daughter used a toothpick to determine if the cake was done or needed more time. She stuck the toothpick into the cake and if it came out clean it was done, if cake stuck to the toothpick, it needed more time.

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