Chocolate Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

[PrisonerOfHope]

CHOCOLATE CREAM CHEESE COFFEE CAKE

Yield: 15 to 20 servings



Prep Time: 30 minutes



Cook Time: 45 minutes



Chocolate cake, sweet cream cheese, and a nutty crumb topping combine to make this fantastic Chocolate Cream Cheese Coffee Cake!







INGREDIENTS:


FOR THE TOPPING:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

pinch of salt

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts


FOR THE CREAM CHEESE SWIRL:

8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 large egg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract


FOR THE CAKE:

1 & 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

2 large eggs

4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup plain or vanilla yogurt


DIRECTIONS:


TO MAKE THE TOPPING:

Combine the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the butter and mix with a fork or your fingers until the mixture forms crumbs. Stir in the hazelnuts.

Refrigerate while you make the cake.


TO MAKE THE CREAM CHEESE SWIRL:


Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9″x 13″x 2″ baking pan.

Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese, sugar, flour, egg, and vanilla until thoroughly combined and smooth.

Set aside while you make the cake.


TO MAKE THE CAKE:

Combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.


Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the cooled chocolate and the vanilla.


Reduce mixer speed to low. Add the flour mixture in three portions, alternating with two portions of yogurt. Mix just until combined.


Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, and spread evenly.


Drop the cream cheese mixture over the top of the cake batter. Use a thin knife to swirl the cream cheese mixture into the cake.


Sprinkle the topping mixture over the top of the cake.


Bake 40 to 45 minutes, or until a pick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan before serving.



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