Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

Otherwise known as CCCCCC around here.

This is a huge favorite.  Every Christmas I make triple batches, some wrapped up for gifts (avoid fighting, give everybody their own little loaf), some laid out on a platter for Christmas gatherings.  (Last year I almost didn't make it, and you should have heard the uproar.) It's great with a hot cup of coffee, perfect for a brunch or afternoon tea. 

Ingredients
* 1/4 lb butter (1 cube)
* 8 oz. cream cheese
* 1 1/4 cup sugar
* 2 eggs
° 1 tsp vanilla
° 2 cups flour
° 1 tsp baking powder
° 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 6 oz chocolate chips

Topping:
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 1 tsp cinnamon
* 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Makes one large bundt cake, or two medium bread-size loafs, or 4 small (individual size) loafs.

Mix together * (first 4) ingredients in a large bowl till creamy.  Add the ° ingredients, continually mixing.  Add in the flour last, and in small increments to aid in smooth mixing.  Add milk last.  You may not need the whole 1/4 cup of milk, or you may need a little more.  Batter should be creamy but not drippy.  Stir in chocolate chips using a large spoon.

Spoon mixture into pan(s).  If using a bundt pan, fill half full.  You will need to slice off the excess to serve, so don't bother filling it overfull.  If using bread pans, fill about half to 3/4 full.  Sprinkle topping over all.  Bake at 350° (F) for 50-55 minutes.  Cakes will rise and become golden brown.  Test by inserting a knife or toothpick.  When done, the knife will come out almost dry.

A Word About Chocolate Chips:  This is the most important ingredient, IMO.  I always use Toll House semi-sweet chocolate chips.  I've tried other brands and flavors, but most are too sweet or ... just don't taste right to me combined with the cream cheese.  Also, I always use more than the recipe calls for.  Way.  But then, I love chocolate chips, so use your own discretion.

Enjoy!

Comments

[David]

DO NOT FORGET TO SUBMIT THIS ONE TO THE CARNIVAL!!!

:-)

(Reminder email to follow)

Just playing secretary...

But seriously, this one looks /really/ delicious!

[Christine]

Thanks for the reminder, secretary D! :) I sent an email to the carnival. This stuff IS delicious, but be forewarned, also highly addictive. :))

[anon]

are you supposed to melt the butter, or cream it?

[Christine]

I don't melt the butter, but I take both cream cheese and butter sticks out of the fridge for an hour or more so that they're both softish and easy to get the beater into.

[Charlotte Henry]

This recipe is outstanding!!! It filled 2 loaf pans so I was able to freeze one of them. This is the best coffee cake recipe I have ever made. Thanks so much for posting this recipe!