This Dark Chocolate Swirl Coffee Cake is a delightful twist on classic coffee cake recipes, offering rich cocoa flavors and a beautiful swirl. You’ll love creating this impressive yet simple treat for breakfast or dessert.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor.
- Sour Cream: Adds moisture and tenderness; plain yogurt or buttermilk can be used as substitutes.
- Melted Butter: Essential for the cake and chocolate swirl; use unsalted butter.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and structure.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base for your cake; ensure it’s properly measured.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
For the Dark Chocolate Swirl:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories per serving: 350
- Tools Needed: 8×8 inch baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan. This ensures your coffee cake doesn’t stick.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside. These dry ingredients will form the structure of your delicious coffee cake.
3. Cream Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. This creates a smooth base for your cake.
4. Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream and milk. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can make your coffee cake tough.
5. Create the Chocolate Swirl Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder for the swirl. Mix until it forms a thick, paste-like consistency. This is where the dark chocolate magic for your coffee cake recipes happens.
6. Assemble the Coffee Cake
Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared pan. Spoon dollops of the chocolate swirl mixture over the batter. Top with the remaining cake batter and then spoon the rest of the chocolate mixture over the top. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the chocolate through the batter.
7. Bake Your Coffee Cake
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Your coffee cake recipes are nearly complete!
Variation Ideas:
- Nutty Swirl: Add a tablespoon of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the chocolate swirl mixture.
- Orange Zest: Include a teaspoon of orange zest in the cake batter for a citrusy hint.
- Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the top before baking for extra chocolate goodness.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Dark Chocolate Swirl Coffee Cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. You can gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for a warm treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake this coffee cake a day in advance. Store it properly, and it will still be delicious.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can substitute an equal amount of plain full-fat yogurt or buttermilk for sour cream.
Why did my coffee cake turn out dry?
Often, dry coffee cake is a result of overmixing the batter or overbaking. Be sure to mix until just combined and check for doneness around the 30-minute mark.
Can I use a different size pan?
An 8×8 inch pan is recommended. If you use a different size, adjust baking time as needed; a larger pan will bake faster, a smaller one slower.
Is this coffee cake suitable for breakfast?
Absolutely! This Dark Chocolate Swirl Coffee Cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack with your favorite hot beverage.
What kind of cocoa powder should I use?
Use unsweetened natural cocoa powder for a classic chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa powder will yield a darker color and milder chocolate taste.