Crumb cake

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Cooling Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 9–12 squares
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Cuisine: American / New York Bakery
Course: Breakfast / Dessert / Snack

---

✨ Introduction

Few things capture the cozy charm of a morning bakery like a warm, buttery Crumb Cake. With its tender vanilla base and thick layer of cinnamon-scented crumbs, this classic treat has been a favorite in New York coffee shops for decades.

Crumb cake is the perfect cross between breakfast and dessert — ideal with a steaming mug of coffee or tea. The beauty of this recipe lies in its contrast: a soft, buttery cake topped with a rich, brown sugar crumble that’s delightfully crisp yet melts in your mouth.

Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, a family gathering, or simply treating yourself, this Classic New York–Style Crumb Cake delivers bakery-quality results right from your home oven.

---

🛒 Ingredients

For the Crumb Topping:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

For the Cake Batter:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

Optional Finishing Touch:

• Powdered sugar, for dusting before serving

---

🔥 Cooking Intensity & Timing Breakdown

Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Overall Intensity: ⭐⭐ (2/5 — Easy to Moderate)

This recipe is simple enough for beginner bakers yet satisfying for experienced ones who crave bakery perfection at home.

---

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crumb Topping

1. In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

2. Add the flour, stirring with a fork until large, moist crumbs form.

3. The mixture should look sandy at first, then clump together when pressed between your fingers.

4. Set the crumb topping aside to cool and firm slightly while you make the cake batter.

Tip: Don’t overmix — crumb topping should be chunky, not smooth like dough.

---

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

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

4. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

5. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

6. Mix in the vanilla extract.

7. On low speed, alternate adding the dry ingredients with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry mixture.

   • Mix just until combined — do not overbeat.

Texture tip: The batter should be thick but spreadable — similar to muffin batter.

---

Step 3: Assemble the Crumb Cake

1. Spread the cake batter evenly into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth the surface.

2. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter, squeezing some of it into large chunks for texture.

3. Don’t press the crumbs into the batter — they’ll settle slightly while baking.

---

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).

2. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent the cake loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

3. Remove from oven and cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes.

---

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Once slightly cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for that signature bakery look.

2. Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.

Serving Tip: This crumb cake pairs beautifully with coffee, cappuccino, or a cold glass of milk. It also makes a perfect brunch dessert alongside fruit salad.

---

🍯 Variations and Add-Ons

• Cinnamon Swirl: Add a thin layer of cinnamon sugar between two layers of batter before baking for an extra burst of flavor.

• Blueberry Crumb Cake: Sprinkle 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries over the batter before adding the crumb topping.

• Lemon Twist: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy note.

• Nutty Crunch: Stir ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumb topping before baking.

• Mini Cakes: Bake in muffin tins for individual crumb cakes — perfect for on-the-go breakfasts!

---

🕰 Storage & Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Refrigerate: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days — just bring to room temperature before serving.

• Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and warm in a low oven before serving.

• Reheat: Warm a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that “fresh from the oven” feel.

---

🧁 Baking Tips for Perfect Crumb Cake

1. Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing leads to dense cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.

2. Use room-temperature ingredients. This ensures smooth blending and even baking.

3. Big crumbs = big flavor. When forming the crumb topping, pinch together some large clusters for a bakery-style look.

4. Avoid soggy crumbs. Make sure the topping is cooled and firm before layering on the batter.

5. Let it cool slightly. The crumb layer sets as it cools, so patience pays off!

---

🧾 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Note: Values are approximate and depend on specific ingredients used. Reduce sugar or substitute half with coconut sugar for a lighter option.

---

🥄 Suggested Pairings

• Beverage Pairings: Freshly brewed coffee, espresso, or chai latte.

• Brunch Companion: Scrambled eggs, Greek yogurt with honey, or a fruit compote.

• Dessert Upgrade: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or caramel drizzle for a decadent twist.

---

🍰 A Little History: The Crumb Cake Legacy

Crumb cake — sometimes called streuselkuchen in its German roots — dates back centuries. Immigrants from Central Europe brought this buttery coffee cake to America, where it evolved into the beloved New York crumb cake we know today.

In its modern form, the crumb layer is generous — almost half the height of the cake — symbolizing indulgence and comfort. It’s the kind of treat that brings people together, whether enjoyed at breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet midnight snack.

So, when you bake this cake, you’re not just making dessert — you’re continuing a delicious, time-honored tradition.

---

💬 Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably comforting about a slice of Crumb Cake — the buttery richness, the cinnamon warmth, the satisfying crunch of the topping. It’s nostalgic, yet timeless, equally at home on a holiday breakfast table or a quiet Sunday morning.

This recipe balances everything: a tender, moist cake and a generous, bakery-style crumb layer that’s crumbly yet melts in your mouth. Best of all, it’s simple to make and foolproof, delivering impressive results every time.

Serve it warm, share it with someone you love, and let that first bite remind you why simple recipes are often the most magical.

☕ Classic Crumb Cake: Comfort in every crumb.