Almond-Chocolate Coffee Cake

🍰 Almond-Chocolate Coffee Cake 🍰

Almond-Chocolate Coffee Cake is a delightful baked treat that combines the rich flavors of almonds and chocolate in a moist and tender cake. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea and can also be enjoyed as a dessert. Here’s everything you need to know about this scrumptious cake:

📜 History:
The exact origins of almond-chocolate coffee cake are a bit unclear, but it likely evolved from traditional coffee cakes that have been enjoyed for centuries. Coffee cakes, in general, have been a popular choice for breakfast or brunch in various cultures. The addition of almonds and chocolate takes this classic treat to a new level of deliciousness, appealing to those who love a blend of nutty and chocolaty flavors.

🥄 Components:

1. Dry Ingredients:

   • 2 cups all-purpose flour
   • 1 cup granulated sugar
   • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
   • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
   • 1/2 tsp baking soda
   • 1/2 tsp salt

2. Wet Ingredients:

   • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
   • 2 large eggs
   • 1 cup sour cream
   • 1/2 cup brewed coffee, cooled
   • 1 tsp vanilla extract

3. Topping/Filling:

   • 1/2 cup sliced almonds
   • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
   • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
   • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

4. Glaze (Optional):

   • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
   • 1-2 tbsp milk
   • 1/2 tsp almond extract

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) square baking pan.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Combine the sour cream and brewed coffee in a separate bowl.

6. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the sour cream and coffee mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.

7. In a small bowl, mix together the almonds, chocolate chips, sugar, and cinnamon for the topping/filling.

8. Spread half of the batter into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle half of the topping mixture over the batter.

9. Pour the remaining batter over the topping and then sprinkle the remaining topping mixture on top.

10. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

11. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

12. If desired, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, almond extract, and enough milk to achieve your desired consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.

⏲️ Preparation Time:
Preparing an almond-chocolate coffee cake typically takes around 20 minutes for preparation and mixing, followed by 30-35 minutes of baking time. Cooling and adding the optional glaze can add another 30 minutes or so. So, in total, you can expect to spend approximately 1 to 1.5 hours from start to finish.

Enjoy your homemade almond-chocolate coffee cake as a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert! ☕🍰🍫

Certainly! Here’s the nutrition information and some health considerations for Almond-Chocolate Coffee Cake:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):

• Calories: 350-400 calories
• Total Fat: 15-20 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 8-10 grams
• Cholesterol: 40-60 milligrams
• Sodium: 200-300 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 2-4 grams
  • Sugars: 25-30 grams
• Protein: 5-7 grams

Health Considerations:

1. Moderation: Almond-Chocolate Coffee Cake is a delicious but indulgent treat. It’s best enjoyed in moderation due to its relatively high calorie and sugar content.

2. Nutritional Value: While it provides some protein, fiber, and essential nutrients from almonds, it’s not considered a nutritionally dense food. It’s more of an occasional treat.

3. Sugar Content: Be mindful of the sugar content, as it can contribute to increased calorie intake and may not be suitable for those with diabetes or those trying to limit sugar intake.

4. Portion Control: Keep your portion sizes reasonable to avoid excessive calorie consumption. A small slice can satisfy your sweet tooth without going overboard.

5. Balanced Diet: Enjoying this cake as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods is a healthier approach.

6. Allergens: If you have allergies or sensitivities, be aware of the ingredients, especially almonds and any potential allergens like gluten or dairy.

Remember that nutrition values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, so it’s essential to adjust these values based on your particular recipe and serving size. Enjoy this delightful cake as an occasional treat while maintaining a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.