Classic Crumb Cake

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a classic crumb cake. With its buttery, tender crumb and a generous layer of streusel topping, it’s the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee or an indulgent afternoon treat. This cake is a nostalgic nod to simpler times, where the love for baking was passed down through generations. If you’ve been searching for the *perfect* crumb cake recipe, look no further. This Classic Crumb Cake will quickly become a family favorite!

Top Reasons to Make Classic Crumb Cake

• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual brunch or a festive gathering, this cake fits right in.
• Simple Ingredients: It uses everyday pantry staples that you likely already have on hand.
• Decadent Flavor: Rich buttery notes combined with a hint of cinnamon create an unforgettable taste.
• Easy to Make: Even beginner bakers can whip up this delightful treat with ease.
• Customizable: Add your favorite fruits or spices to make it uniquely yours.

Ingredients at a Glance

• Butter: for greasing the pan
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 10 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated white sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt (I used Kosher)
• 1 cup (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

What’s in the Gear List

• Mixing bowls: For combining your ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accuracy in your recipe.
• Whisk: For mixing batter and dry ingredients.
• Spatula: A silicone spatula is perfect for folding and scraping.
• Baking pan: An 9×13-inch pan works beautifully for this cake.
• Cooling rack: Essential for cooling the cake evenly after baking.

Classic Crumb Cake: How It’s Done

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan generously with butter. This ensures that your crumb cake releases easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this bowl aside while you work on the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together 10 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated white sugar until light and fluffy. This process should take about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the 3 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Incorporate the Sour Cream

Gently fold in 1 cup of sour cream. This will add moisture and richness to your crumb cake.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.

Step 7: Prepare the Crumb Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of packed light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of coarse salt. Add in the 1 cup of unsalted butter (3 sticks) at room temperature. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to mix until you achieve a crumbly texture.

Step 8: Assemble and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing into squares and serving.

Customize for Your Needs

• Add nuts such as walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
• Incorporate fresh fruits like blueberries or sliced strawberries for a fruity twist.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangy flavor.
• For a richer taste, add chocolate chips to the batter or topping.

What I Learned Testing

Baking this Classic Crumb Cake taught me the importance of ingredient quality. Using room temperature butter and eggs ensures a better texture. Additionally, I discovered that the key to a perfect crumb topping is in the mixing; it should be crumbly yet hold together when squeezed. Lastly, patience in cooling the cake is crucial—cutting it too soon can result in a mess!

Meal Prep & Storage Notes

This cake is great for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual slices. Just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm it up in the oven!

Troubleshooting Q&A

Why is my crumb cake too dense?

If your crumb cake turns out dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter. Always mix until just combined, and be cautious when folding in dry ingredients.

How do I prevent my crumb topping from sinking into the cake?

To prevent the crumb topping from sinking, make sure your batter is thick enough and spread it evenly in the pan before adding the topping. Additionally, don’t press the crumbs down too hard!

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes! You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. However, the texture may be slightly denser.

What should I do if my cake is overbaked?

If you find that your cake is overbaked and dry, try serving it with a drizzle of simple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream to add moisture back in.

Desserts to Finish

• Lemon Blueberry Muffins
• Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Classic Carrot Cake
• Peach Cobbler

Let’s Eat

Enjoying a slice of Classic Crumb Cake is truly a delightful experience. The combination of soft, moist cake with a generous layer of crumb topping is a match made in dessert heaven. Pair it with your favorite beverage, and you have a treat that’s perfect for any moment. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s baking will have your family gathering around, eagerly waiting for a slice. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and start creating this timeless classic today!