Caramel Chocolate Streusel Coffee Cake

Caramel Chocolate Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45-55 minutes | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this Caramel Chocolate Streusel Coffee Cake. This delightful treat combines the sweetness of caramel, the richness of chocolate, and the crunch of pecans in a moist and tender cake that is perfect for any occasion.

History

The origins of this recipe are a bit unclear, but it is believed to have been inspired by traditional coffee cake recipes that have been passed down through generations. The addition of caramel and chocolate in the streusel topping gives this classic dessert a modern twist that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Streusel

0.5 cup of mini semi-sweet or unsweetened chocolate chips
0.5 cup of chopped pecans
0.25 cup of granulated sugar
1 tbsp of Land o Lakes butter, melted
0.5 tsp of ground cinnamon

Cake

0.75 cup of granulated sugar
0.5 cup of Land o Lakes butter, softened
2 large eggs
1.5 cup of all-purpose flour
1 cup of Land o Lakes light sour cream
1.25 tsp of baking powder
0.25 tsp of baking soda
0.25 tsp of salt
1 tsp of vanilla extract

Drizzle

14 unwrapped caramels
2 tbsp of Land o Lakes half and half or milk

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a small bowl, combine all the streusel ingredients and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the sugar and butter.
Beat the mixture at medium speed, scraping the bowl often, until creamy.
Add the eggs and continue beating, scraping the bowl often, until well mixed.
Add all the remaining cake ingredients.
Continue beating until well mixed.
Spoon half of the batter into a greased and floured 9-inch spring-form pan.
Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over the batter in the pan.
Spoon the remaining batter over the streusel and top with the remaining streusel.
Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes.
Run a knife along the sides of the pan to loosen the edges.
Remove the side of the pan.
Cool the cake for at least 30 minutes.
Just before serving, combine the caramels and half and half in a 1 qt (946 ml) saucepan.
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the caramels are completely melted (5 to 8 minutes).
Allow the caramel to cool slightly and then drizzle it over the cake.

Variations

Swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt to the streusel topping for a sweet and salty twist.
Drizzle the cake with melted chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.

Notes

A greased and floured 9 inches square cake pan can be substituted for 9 inches greased and floured spring-form pan.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to properly grease and flour the spring-form pan to prevent the cake from sticking.

- Be sure to allow the cake to cool before removing it from the pan to prevent it from falling apart.

- For a more intense caramel flavor, you can add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel drizzle.

- Serve the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Caramel Chocolate Streusel Coffee Cake as a decadent dessert or as a special treat for breakfast or brunch. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk for the perfect combination.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to properly cream the butter and sugar together to ensure a light and fluffy cake.

- Use room temperature eggs to help the batter come together smoothly.

- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to prevent a tough cake.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips in the streusel topping.

- Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream in the cake batter.

- Margarine can be used in place of butter in both the streusel topping and the cake batter.

Make Ahead Tips

This Caramel Chocolate Streusel Coffee Cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The caramel drizzle can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this Caramel Chocolate Streusel Coffee Cake on a decorative cake stand for a beautiful presentation. Dust the top with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for an elegant finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Caramel Chocolate Streusel Coffee Cake with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a delicious and satisfying treat. For a special occasion, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Caramel Chocolate Streusel Coffee Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Caramel Chocolate Streusel Coffee Cake contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Caramel Chocolate Streusel Coffee Cake contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this Caramel Chocolate Streusel Coffee Cake contains approximately 18 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this Caramel Chocolate Streusel Coffee Cake contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This Caramel Chocolate Streusel Coffee Cake is a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin A.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter, sour cream, milk) and nuts (pecans). It may also contain gluten depending on the type of flour used.

Summary

This Caramel Chocolate Streusel Coffee Cake is a deliciously indulgent treat that is rich in carbohydrates and fats. It also provides a good amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This Caramel Chocolate Streusel Coffee Cake is a delightful and indulgent dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich caramel drizzle, chocolate chips, and crunchy pecans, this cake is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy a slice with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a truly satisfying treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the first time I saw this recipe for Caramel Chocolate Streusel Coffee Cake. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Betty, who was known for her delicious baked goods. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, the aroma of cinnamon and chocolate filled the air, and I knew I was in for a treat.

Betty greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, and she wasted no time in inviting me to sit down at her kitchen table. "I have a new recipe to try today," she said excitedly, as she pulled out a well-worn cookbook from her overflowing shelf. Flipping through the pages, she landed on a recipe for Caramel Chocolate Streusel Coffee Cake.

As Betty began to gather the ingredients, she shared with me the story of how she came across this recipe. She explained that she had attended a baking class in the city, where a renowned pastry chef had shared his secrets for creating the perfect coffee cake. Betty had scribbled down notes furiously, determined to recreate the mouthwatering treat at home.

I watched intently as Betty mixed the flour, sugar, and butter together to create the crumbly streusel topping. She then moved on to the caramel sauce, carefully melting sugar until it turned a rich golden brown. The smell of buttery caramel filled the kitchen, and my mouth watered in anticipation.

Next, Betty prepared the chocolate filling, melting dark chocolate over a double boiler until it was smooth and glossy. She poured the chocolate into the cake batter, swirling it in with a spatula to create a marble effect. The combination of caramel and chocolate was a tantalizing sight, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

As the cake baked in the oven, Betty and I chatted about our shared love of baking. She told me stories of her own grandmother, who had passed down her favorite recipes through generations. I shared with her memories of my own grandmother, who had taught me the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients in all my cooking.

Finally, the timer beeped, and Betty pulled the steaming coffee cake out of the oven. The streusel topping had turned a golden brown, and the chocolate and caramel had melded together in a delicious swirl. Betty cut us each a generous slice and poured us both a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

The first bite was pure heaven. The cake was moist and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness from the caramel and chocolate. The streusel topping added a satisfying crunch, and the combination of flavors was simply divine.

As we savored our coffee cake, Betty and I both knew that this recipe was something special. It was a testament to the power of good food and good friends, and I felt grateful to have experienced it with someone as dear to me as Betty.

Since that day, I have made Caramel Chocolate Streusel Coffee Cake many times, each time thinking back to that warm summer afternoon in Betty's kitchen. The recipe has become a favorite among my family and friends, and I take pride in sharing it with others, just as Betty shared it with me.

In the end, it's not just about the ingredients or the technique – it's about the memories and the stories that come with each dish we create. And for me, the story of how I learned to make Caramel Chocolate Streusel Coffee Cake will always be a cherished part of my culinary journey.