Introduction

Chocolate chip cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, blending the comforting flavors of vanilla cake with the indulgence of gooey chocolate chips. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a casual gathering, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. In this guide, you’ll learn how to create a moist and flavorful chocolate chip cake with simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions.

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Chip Cake

A Classic Flavor Combo

The perfect balance of buttery vanilla cake and rich chocolate chips.

Moist and Tender Texture

Made with sour cream for a cake that stays soft and moist.

Easy and Versatile

Bake it as a loaf, bundt, or layer cake for any occasion.

Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe – 8 Easy Steps

Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe

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Equipment

Mixing bowls
Stand or hand mixer
Whisk and spatula
9-inch round cake pans or loaf pan
Parchment paper

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour (310g)
1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1/4 tsp Salt
1 cup Unsalted Butter (225g)
1 cup Granulated Sugar (200g)
1/2 cup Brown Sugar (100g)
3 Eggs
2 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 cup Sour Cream (240ml)
1/4 cup Milk (60ml)
1 1/2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (225g)

Instructions

Preparing the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your chosen pan with parchment paper.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Creaming Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Adding Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with sour cream and milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
Folding in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring even distribution.
Pouring the Batter
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Baking
Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredient	Quantity
All-Purpose Flour	2 1/2 cups (310g)
Baking Powder	1 1/2 tsp
Baking Soda	1/2 tsp
Salt	1/4 tsp
Unsalted Butter	1 cup (225g)
Granulated Sugar	1 cup (200g)
Brown Sugar	1/2 cup (100g)
Eggs	3
Vanilla Extract	2 tsp
Sour Cream	1 cup (240ml)
Milk	1/4 cup (60ml)
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips	1 1/2 cups (225g)

Equipment Checklist

Mixing bowls.
Stand or hand mixer.
Whisk and spatula.
9-inch round cake pans or loaf pan.
Parchment paper.

Directions

Preparing the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your chosen pan with parchment paper.

Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Creaming Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Adding Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with sour cream and milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.

Folding in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring even distribution.

Pouring the Batter

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Baking

Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chocolate Chip Cake

Baking Like a Pro

Toss Chocolate Chips in Flour: This prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures a smooth and consistent batter.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.

Creative Variations

Double Chocolate Cake: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the batter for a richer chocolate flavor.
Nutty Chocolate Chip Cake: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts for added texture.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate or ganache over the cooled cake.

How to Serve and Store Chocolate Chip Cake

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Pair with coffee or hot chocolate for a comforting treat.
Dust with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant presentation.

Storing the Cake

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days for extended freshness.
Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?

Yes! Milk chocolate chips will add a sweeter flavor, while dark chocolate chips provide a more intense chocolate taste.

How do I prevent my cake from being dry?

Use sour cream and avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Conclusion

Chocolate chip cake is a timeless dessert that brings comfort and joy to any table. With its moist texture, rich chocolate flavor, and endless customization options, it’s a recipe worth adding to your baking repertoire. Whether you’re serving it plain or dressed up with frosting, this cake is sure to become a favorite. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s bake a cake that’s both simple and indulgent. Happy baking!

8-Step Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe – Moist and Delicious