Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Crumb Loaf Cake

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s rich, buttery, and full of chocolatey goodness, look no further than the Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Crumb Loaf Cake. This moist and tender cake combines the deep nutty aroma of brown butter with the familiar comfort of chocolate chip cookies and the irresistible crunch of a crumb topping. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon treat or impressing guests at brunch, this loaf cake hits all the right notes.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to bake this mouthwatering masterpiece from scratch.

Ingredients: Everything You’ll Need

To ensure you achieve the best results, measure your ingredients precisely and use quality components. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Brown Butter:

• ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter

For the Loaf Cake:

• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (110g) packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup (120g) sour cream, room temperature
• ¼ cup (60ml) whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (170g) semisweet or dark chocolate chips (mini or regular)

For the Crumb Topping:

• ⅓ cup (65g) packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 3 tablespoons (40g) melted butter
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions: From Brown Butter to Baked Beauty

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Begin by browning your butter. Place the butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly as it melts, then foams, and finally begins to turn golden brown with a nutty aroma. Tiny brown bits will form at the bottom—those are pure flavor gold. Once browned, immediately remove from heat and pour into a heat-safe bowl. Allow it to cool for 10–15 minutes.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Step 3: Make the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until you get a clumpy, sandy texture. Set aside.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cooled brown butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add in the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Mix in the sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir just until no streaks of flour remain—avoid overmixing to keep your loaf tender.

Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips with a rubber spatula. Save a handful to sprinkle on top if desired.

Step 7: Assemble the Loaf

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly across the surface. Add extra chocolate chips on top if you like.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, tent it with foil during the last 15 minutes.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then lift it out using the parchment overhang and cool it completely on a wire rack before slicing.

 

Helpful Tips for the Perfect Loaf Cake

To get that bakery-quality finish, keep these tips in mind:

• Use room-temperature ingredients to ensure they mix evenly and create a smoother batter.
• Don’t rush the brown butter—those caramelized milk solids are what give this cake its signature flavor.
• Measure flour correctly by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling off with a knife to avoid a dense texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter, which can lead to a tough loaf instead of a tender crumb.
• Use mini chocolate chips if you want better distribution throughout the loaf.
• Let the cake cool before slicing, or the crumb might fall apart.

Variations to Try

You can personalize this loaf cake in numerous ways:

1. Nutty Crunch

Add chopped pecans or walnuts (½ cup) to the batter for added crunch and richness.

2. Mocha Swirl

Mix 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder into the batter for a subtle coffee twist.

3. Peanut Butter Chips

Swap out some chocolate chips for peanut butter chips to give it a sweet and salty edge.

4. Berry Twist

Fold in ½ cup of fresh or frozen raspberries or blueberries for a tart contrast to the sweetness.

5. Gluten-Free Option

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Conservation and Storage

One of the perks of this cake is how well it stores. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

At Room Temperature:

Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.

In the Refrigerator:

If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate it in a sealed container. It will last for up to 1 week. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

Freezing:

Wrap the entire loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.

Serving Suggestions

This loaf cake is versatile enough to enjoy in many settings:

• Warm it slightly and serve with vanilla ice cream for a rich dessert.
• Pair with coffee or chai tea for a comforting afternoon snack.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for a brunch-worthy presentation.
• Drizzle with chocolate ganache for an extra indulgent treat.
• Toast a slice lightly and spread with butter for a warm breakfast upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular butter instead of brown butter?

Technically yes, but you’ll miss out on the nutty depth brown butter adds. It’s worth the extra step.

What type of chocolate chips work best?

Semisweet or dark chocolate chips are ideal. Mini chips offer better distribution, while chunks give you rich pockets of chocolate.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. This loaf tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Why is my loaf sinking in the middle?

Overmixing the batter or underbaking could be the cause. Ensure your oven is fully preheated and test doneness with a toothpick.

Can I turn this into muffins?

Yes! Divide the batter among lined muffin tins and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes.

Conclusion: A Slice of Comfort in Every Bite

The Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Crumb Loaf Cake is more than just a baked treat—it’s a flavor experience that brings together the best of a cookie, a coffee cake, and a rich pound cake. The brown butter elevates the taste to gourmet levels, while the crumb topping adds texture and contrast. Whether you keep it classic or try one of the many variations, this loaf will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

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