Orange Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake:

How to Make Orange Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping

1. Make the Streusel: In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup of flour, ¼ cup of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips (if using). Set the streusel aside while you prepare the cake batter.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan (or line it with parchment paper) to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Set this mixture aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes, or until light and fluffy.
4. Add the Eggs and Flavoring: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the orange zest and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
5. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream: With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the sour cream in two parts. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
6. Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the 1 cup of chocolate chips with a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Add the Batter to the Pan: Pour the prepared cake batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
2. Add the Streusel Topping: Evenly sprinkle the prepared streusel topping over the top of the cake batter. The streusel will create a sweet, crumbly layer on top of the cake as it bakes.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

1. Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean (with just a few moist crumbs). The top should be golden brown and the streusel topping crisp.
2. Cool: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Serve

1. Dust with Powdered Sugar (optional): Once the cake has cooled, you can dust the top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
2. Garnish: For an extra burst of orange flavor and color, garnish the cake with orange slices or a few sprinkles of fresh orange zest.
3. Enjoy: Slice and serve this delicious cake with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day!

Tips for the Best Orange Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake

• Use Fresh Orange Zest: Freshly grated orange zest gives the cake a vibrant, aromatic citrus flavor. Avoid using bottled orange zest, as it doesn’t have the same fresh, bright taste.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake. Mix just until everything is combined to keep the texture light and fluffy.
• Let the Cake Cool Completely: For the best texture and flavor, allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. This ensures the cake sets properly and makes for cleaner slices.
• Make it Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check the ratio of the flour substitute to the original flour.
• Add More Chocolate: If you’re a true chocolate lover, feel free to add more chocolate chips to the batter or streusel topping for an extra chocolatey experience!

Serving Ideas for Orange Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake

• With Coffee or Tea: This cake pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for a cozy breakfast or an afternoon treat.
• With Fresh Fruit: Serve the cake alongside fresh fruit like berries or citrus slices for a well-rounded snack or dessert.
• As a Brunch Dish: It’s ideal for serving at brunch, especially when paired with other light breakfast items like scrambled eggs, bacon, or a fresh salad.
• For Special Occasions: This cake also works wonderfully as a dessert for a celebration, be it a birthday, holiday, or casual gathering.

Conclusion

Orange Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake is a perfect combination of bright, zesty orange and rich, melty chocolate chips, all enveloped in a soft, moist cake. Whether you’re serving it at a special occasion or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of coffee, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With its easy preparation and delightful flavors, it’s a dessert you’ll want to make again and again. So, gather your ingredients and indulge in this irresistible citrus-chocolate treat today!