“Where would we be without salt?” – James Beard

Cocoa Nib Coffee Cake

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The stockings are nearly full, the gifts are either wrapped or en route to our home, and countless cups of cocoa have been consumed. There has been Christmas music playing for weeks, opening of advent doors, and readings of a humble birth. We’ve seen lights, reindeer, a Space Needle all lit up, and a camel named Curly. With only a few more traditions to cross off our list the day is approaching quickly and we all are counting the sleeps.

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It’s true, I’m giddy at the thought of nine kidlets and cousins joyfully tearing into their presents, and thrilled to imagine the warmth of a fire I’ll sit next to for countless hours, but it’s this coffee cake that is making the days leading up to Christmas feel as if they are taking far too long to pass.

I made this cake last week to test if it was Christmas morning worthy. Since then I’ve resisted making it again and again. Now the anticipation is making me weak.

Let me assure you, it is Christmas morning worthy.

This coffee cake makes eating cake seem perfectly appropriate for a morning’s activity. And really Christmas morning needs no excuse to be eating cake, but this one avoids being overtly sweet with layers of tanginess from both creme fraiche and cream cheese. A subtle citrus flavor runs throughout complementing the soft bitterness from the cocoa nibs.

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Let’s pause there for a moment so I can convince you that your pantry needs cocoa nibs. It wasn’t until a couple weeks ago when I myself felt no need to have cocoa nibs be a part of my regular routine. Then a packaged arrived from the kind people at Theo chocolate. There were many delightful things inside but it was the nibs that intrigued me the most.

Cocoa nibs are cocoa beans that have been roasted and cracked. They’re bitter and nearly savory and yet you can recognize that it’s chocolate. They look as though their texture could break your teeth but as you bite into them it’s a gentle crunch that softens as the cocoa butter melts. In this coffee cake they are the perfect accessory for texture and flavor and one of the many reasons that makes this cake worthy of a holiday morning.

Happy Holidays to you all!

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Cocoa Nib Coffee Cake

This recipe appears a bit daunting by the sheer length of it. I know I would roll my eyes at all the steps but I assure you all those messy bowls are well worth the trouble. I am counting down the days until Christmas morning when I will enjoy this coffee cake once again.

2 cups all-purpose flour (you can substitute half whole wheat if you prefer)

1 teaspoon baking soda

¾ teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ cup sugar

½ cup brown sugar

1 ½ sticks (3/4 cup) butter, soft

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup creme fraiche (or sour cream)

Pre-heat your oven to 350*F. Butter a tube pan or a bundt pan.

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

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment beat the butter and sugars together until creamy and light, about 3-4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Add the eggs one at a time while the mixer is on medium low. Add the vanilla. Scrape down the sides of the bowl again then add the creme fraiche. With the mixer on low add the dry ingredients. Stop the mixer while streaks of flour remain. Finish mixing by hand to prevent over mixing.

Set aside ½ cup of the batter.

Cream Cheese Filling

4 oz cream cheese, soft

1 Tablespoon butter, soft

¼ teaspoon orange zest

2 Tablespoons sugar

1/2 cup coffee cake batter (reserved from above)

Beat in a mixer or medium bowl until smooth. Stir in ½ cup cake batter.

Topping

½ cup almonds

¼ cup brown sugar

2 Tablespoons butter, melted

½ teaspoon cinnamon

pinch nutmeg

¼ teaspoon salt

⅓ cup cocoa nibs (can be found at fine grocery stores, specialty food stores or ordered online)

Add ingredients, except the cocoa nibs, to the bowl of a food processor and processor until coarse crumb. Stir in the cocoa nibs.

Add half of the cocoa nib crumble to the bottom of the pan. On top of that add half of the batter. The batter is stiff and hard to spread around without disturbing the crumble so I find that spooning the batter into the pan works best. Add a layer of cream cheese filling around the ring than cover with the remaining batter.Try and make sure no cream cheese is left exposed so as not to burn that layer.

Top with the remaining crumbling topping.

Bake in a pre-heated oven for 45-50 minutes until an inserted knife comes out clean.

Let cool on a wire rack for about an hour before running a knife around the edge of pan then inverted. Invert the cake one more time so it’s back to the original baking position. Served warm is best but it’s also great the day after baking (even the day after the day after).

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49 Comments

  1. Posted December 20, 2011 at 8:43 PM | Permalink

    Ah! I picked up a jar of cocoa nibs not long ago, and just today pondered what to do with it. Voila! This may make it onto our Christmas breakfast menu. Thanks!

  2. darla
    Posted December 20, 2011 at 9:05 PM | Permalink

    did i miss where that 1/2 cup of batter that was set aside fits back in top the recipe? (or may i just eat that while i am waiting for the cake to bake?)

  3. Posted December 20, 2011 at 9:12 PM | Permalink

    @Darla – It’s with the cream cheese filling (it keeps it from curdling) but I added it the cream cheese filling ingredients as well. Feel free eat it though. :)

  4. Posted December 21, 2011 at 1:20 AM | Permalink

    Oh I love everything about this cake! I hope you and your family have very happy holidays!

  5. Andrea
    Posted December 21, 2011 at 1:49 AM | Permalink

    Where does the other half of the cocoa nib crumble go?

  6. Posted December 21, 2011 at 5:11 AM | Permalink

    i LOVE cocao nibs and would have never thought to put them in coffee cake. so festive!

  7. Posted December 21, 2011 at 6:19 AM | Permalink

    This recipe looks amazing! I will definitely be making this for my family this holiday season.

    Quick question – where does the second half of the cocoa nib crumble mixture get used? Is it supposed to be mixed into the filling? Or is it for me to munch on while the cake is in the oven? ;)

  8. Posted December 21, 2011 at 7:07 AM | Permalink

    This looks like a wonderful coffee cake Ashely. No wonder you wanted to make it again and again. I would love to make it myself but I can’t find cocoa nibs where I live. I would have to order them.
    Can you please suggest a worthy substitute for them?
    Thank you.
    Magda

  9. Posted December 21, 2011 at 7:26 AM | Permalink

    I could stare at your photos and read your writing all day, Ashley. I wish I had something more creative to say, something to somehow attempt to match the quality of these photos and your writing… but I’m always left speechless! I suppose that’s a good thing! I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas.

  10. Posted December 21, 2011 at 8:46 AM | Permalink

    Sorry about the topping debacle. Problem solved. The other half goes on the top just before baking. Thanks for catching that!

  11. Pake
    Posted December 21, 2011 at 9:10 AM | Permalink

    Can’t wait for Christmas either, Ash. Well, Christmas Eve I guess it is. Looking forward to tasting this wonderful cake. I wonder how many of your readers wouldn’t trade places with me on Christmas Eve. I’m a lucky man.

  12. Posted December 21, 2011 at 9:26 AM | Permalink

    This cake looks great! I’ll try to find cocoa nibs so I can make it for Sunday. Happy Christmas!

  13. Posted December 21, 2011 at 9:38 AM | Permalink

    I’m a big fan of cocoa nibs, and especially enjoy their slightly bitter notes against a sweet cake like this.

  14. Posted December 21, 2011 at 9:40 AM | Permalink

    This looks fantastic! I always forget about the cocoa nibs in my cupboard but this looks like the perfect use for them.

  15. Posted December 21, 2011 at 9:47 AM | Permalink

    Looks wonderful! I especially love the beautifully-crafted mug of coffee — looks sublime. :-) Happy holidays!

  16. Posted December 21, 2011 at 10:20 AM | Permalink

    The cake looks lovely! Theo Chocolate is the very best. You must absolutely go on their chocolate factory tour sometime, it’s so interesting. In addition to being fair trade and all that, they make the best flavor combinations, as you probably know from getting a box from them.

  17. Posted December 21, 2011 at 10:57 AM | Permalink

    I need this in my life!

  18. Brenda
    Posted December 21, 2011 at 12:09 PM | Permalink

    Oh my goodness! I need to head over to Theo chocolate (a long drive – maybe should order online) and get a stash of cocoa nibs. Lovely pictures. When will you be teaching cooking classes next?

  19. Posted December 21, 2011 at 12:50 PM | Permalink

    ohgoodnessdearme, there is no hope for me keeping this 40 pounds that i have lost off is there?? aaahhh!!!!

  20. Kathleen
    Posted December 21, 2011 at 1:38 PM | Permalink

    Christmas coffeecake is a tradition in my family, but that tradition is going to change slightly! Bye, grandma’s recipe! You were treasured, but you don’t have chocolate. I might try the other half of the nibs mixture on top of the cream cheese, as a middle layer. Any reason this would be a bad idea? This was how my grandma did hers, so that helps preserve some of the tradition…
    (And my toddler now grunts like Curly did every time we say the word “camel” because he was so fascinated by his noises and, I assume, overall camel-ness.)

  21. Posted December 21, 2011 at 9:00 PM | Permalink

    This cake sounds fantastic! And it is absolutely beautiful. Yum!

  22. Posted December 22, 2011 at 3:48 PM | Permalink

    @Kathleen – That would work well. I like some on the top so that the almonds get toasted and there is a bit of crunch. I would suggest using toasted almonds if you are going to put them only the bottom and in the middle. I love that you know Curly too. :)

  23. Posted December 22, 2011 at 3:49 PM | Permalink

    I want this so bad. I’ve never done drugs, but I would roll this cake and smoke it. (So to speak…)

  24. Posted December 22, 2011 at 3:50 PM | Permalink

    @Brenda – I’m teaching about once a quarter at The Pantry at Delancey and a little bit at Book Larder as well. I lost my kitchen space for the other classes but may put some on the books at my parent’s house which is up north a bit. Thanks for asking. ;)

  25. Posted December 22, 2011 at 3:51 PM | Permalink

    @Jody – I’ve been. It’s AMAZING. Their chocolate is so wonderful. So lucky to have them in Seattle. If you want any where within a quarter mile radius you are swarmed with a warm chocolate smell. It’s intoxicating. I must get my hands on the seasonal peppermint bar – it’s my favorite.

  26. Posted December 22, 2011 at 3:52 PM | Permalink

    @Stephanie – Thanks for noticing. :)

  27. Posted December 22, 2011 at 8:48 PM | Permalink

    Oh wow! How lovely to have this waiting for you on Christmas morning! I have a package of cocoa nibs in the pantry and this will be a great way to use them!

  28. Posted December 23, 2011 at 6:53 AM | Permalink

    complimenti, è un bellissimo blog! inserisco il tuo link nell’elenco visibile del mio blog! un bacio :)

  29. Posted December 24, 2011 at 9:23 AM | Permalink

    Oh, my. I don’t bake coffee cake much, but this is getting made IMMEDIATELY. Happy holidays, friend!! I bet Christmas is even more magical with little kiddies. :) xo

  30. Posted December 24, 2011 at 9:29 AM | Permalink

    now this sounds ridiculously great. new year’s day, you’ve met your match. here’s to the happiest of holidays to you and yours, dear friend.

  31. Lorna
    Posted December 25, 2011 at 9:31 AM | Permalink

    Hi Ashley, Just logged on to wish you and all your family a very Merry Christmas. Looking forward in advance to reading all your posts in 2012! I hope it’s a beautiful one for you and your family. Best Wishes, Lorna XXX

  32. Posted December 26, 2011 at 7:45 AM | Permalink

    I just love the little eyes peering over! So cute! :-)

  33. Posted December 26, 2011 at 11:29 AM | Permalink

    Another beautiful post. Seems like each layer is just packed with flavor.

  34. Posted December 26, 2011 at 9:35 PM | Permalink

    That looks really good! I think my fmaily would like it. Love the pictures.

  35. Kathleen
    Posted December 27, 2011 at 1:27 PM | Permalink

    I wanted to make sure to return and thank you for this recipe. It was a serious hit at Christmas, from ages 14-months to 70! And the little bit that remained was equally delicious, if not moreso, 36-hours later. Thanks for a new tradition! (And I ended up layering the nibs mixture on top, middle and bottom. Thanks for the toasted suggestion, too!)

  36. Posted December 27, 2011 at 10:15 PM | Permalink

    Oh, Ashley this looks wonderful! I just baked with cacoa nibs myself (cookies) and have a little bag left from my last visit to Theo. 9 little ones on Christmas morning sounds wonderful — it must be such a special way to relive the magic through their eyes. Hope you had a warm and restful holiday with the family.

  37. Victor
    Posted December 28, 2011 at 9:23 PM | Permalink

    Thanks for this new idea. What a delicious treat. Could become a tradition several times a year!

  38. Posted December 28, 2011 at 11:09 PM | Permalink

    @Kathleen – I LOVE hearing this. Thank you!

  39. Posted December 28, 2011 at 11:12 PM | Permalink

    @Lorna – Thanks so much!! I loved reading this sweet message. Happy Holidays to you too. I think 2012 is going to be a great year!

  40. Posted January 1, 2012 at 8:46 AM | Permalink

    I like the sound of using the cocoa nibs like this in a coffee cake!

  41. Melissa
    Posted January 1, 2012 at 5:38 PM | Permalink

    Hmm, I LOVE cocoa nibs and wanted to try a recipe with them. Lately a close friend and I have been finding new recipe ideas for cupcakes and baking them once a week. I was curious how this can be converted into a cupcake I think were gonna give it a good try!

  42. Posted January 2, 2012 at 7:28 AM | Permalink

    This looks absolutely marvelous. Happy New Year and may 2012 be your best ever.

  43. Posted January 2, 2012 at 5:35 PM | Permalink

    I used to bake something sort of like cocoa nibs. Except with out cocoa. I should try to make them cocoa. Thanks for the cool idea.

  44. Posted January 8, 2012 at 4:27 AM | Permalink

    It´s already January and even with all that unwanted Post-Christmas extra weight, I wouldn´t mind to eat this cake any given day, it looks truly delicious and super fluffy!.

  45. Posted January 10, 2012 at 11:59 AM | Permalink

    Gonna try this weekend for my next weekend cake. Looks awesome. Love the cocoa nibs idea!

  46. Posted January 12, 2012 at 9:14 AM | Permalink

    Looks absolutely delicious! would definitely give it a try sometimes :)

  47. Posted January 14, 2012 at 2:37 PM | Permalink

    Made it. Love it! Worth the pain in the B of spooing the layers :)

  48. Posted March 31, 2012 at 6:03 PM | Permalink

    Been wanting to make this ever since I saw it, but couldn’t find the cocoa nibs in my area. Sent my husband on a mission for them when he was traveling and he found them (yeah for awesome husband!=) and made this cake yesterday. It was so, so good–I think my favorite coffee cake of all time. One question, though–I had a hard time getting it out of my bundt pan (and also found the layering in circles a little challenging…), so I was wondering if you had ever tried it in a loaf pan or 8 by 8 or something… Thanks for the recipe!

  49. Posted April 1, 2012 at 8:59 PM | Permalink

    Annalisa – I love the determination and am so happy you enjoyed the recipe. I haven’t tried it in a loaf pan but I don’t know why that wouldn’t work. Yes, the layering can be tricky as the batter is quite stiff but the reward is in the taste so I will happily put up with a bit of fuss for this one.

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  1. By Coffee Cake con Nibs de Cacao « Mi Vida en un Dulce on February 20, 2013 at 3:11 PM

    [...] las fui guardando para ver si algún día las preparaba. Una de esas recetas que guardé es la del Cacao Nib Coffee Cake, que la tomé prestada del blog Not Without Salt, que además de deliciosas recetas, hay una [...]

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