Crumb cake is a timeless classic that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering or quiet afternoon at home. With its rich buttery flavor and a delightful crumb topping, this dessert is not only simple to make but also incredibly satisfying. Imagine slicing into a soft, moist cake that crumbles perfectly at your fingertips, leaving you longing for another bite. Whether served alongside your morning coffee or as an evening treat after dinner, crumb cake is sure to impress both family and friends. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through creating the ultimate crumb cake that balances sweetness with just the right amount of texture. Perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike, this dish requires minimal ingredients and effort while delivering maximum flavor. Get ready to indulge in a slice of happiness with this irresistible crumb cake recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Crumb Cake
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for Crumb Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture; it serves as the base of the batter.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; you can substitute with brown sugar for added moisture.
- Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh to achieve a nice rise in the cake.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all flavors within the cake.
- Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for smooth mixing; it contributes to the rich flavor.
- Eggs: Fresh eggs help bind ingredients together and add moisture.
- Milk: Whole milk provides creaminess; alternatives like almond milk can be used if desired.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth; adjust according to taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Crumb Cake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time while mixing thoroughly after each addition. Gradually stir in milk until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to ensure a tender crumb.
Step 5: Make the Crumb Topping
In a separate bowl, mix flour with sugar and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs; set aside.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the crumb topping over it. Pour remaining batter on top followed by the rest of the crumbs. Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
Transfer to plates and enjoy a warm slice of crumb cake topped with your favorite beverage!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs and butter to room temperature before mixing; it helps create a smoother batter.
- Taste Test Your Toppings: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips into your crumb topping for added flavor.
- Store Properly: Keep leftover crumb cake covered at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
How to Serve Crumb Cake
This Crumb Cake is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Fresh Berries: Their natural sweetness enhances the flavor profile of the crumb cake, making each bite delightful.
- Coffee or Tea: The warm beverage complements the cake’s richness, creating a comforting afternoon treat.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of ice cream adds a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crumbly topping.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the crumb cake batter up to one day in advance. Mix all components and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you are ready to bake, allow the batter to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before pouring it into the pan.
- Storing: Store any leftover crumb cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to two months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, microwave for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through, ensuring not to overheat to maintain texture.
Suggestions for Crumb Cake
Use the Right Flour
Choosing the correct flour is crucial for achieving the perfect crumb cake. All-purpose flour works well, but using cake flour can yield a lighter texture. Cake flour has a lower protein content, which results in a softer crumb. If you mistakenly use bread flour, your cake might turn dense and chewy instead of light and fluffy. It’s important to measure your flour accurately; too much can lead to dryness. Sift the flour before measuring to avoid packing it down, which could also affect your cake’s texture.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
One common mistake when making crumb cake is overmixing the batter. When you mix too much, you develop gluten, which can lead to a tough cake rather than a tender one. Mix until just combined to ensure that your batter stays light and airy. This principle applies especially when adding dry ingredients to wet ones—fold them together gently without vigorous stirring. Keeping an eye on mixing time will help you achieve that delicate crumb structure characteristic of a perfect crumb cake.
Properly Prepare Your Pan
The way you prepare your baking pan can greatly impact the final product. Make sure to grease and flour your pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper. If you skip this step, your crumb cake may stick to the pan, leading to broken pieces when you try to remove it. Using non-stick spray is also an option, but be sure that it covers all surfaces evenly. Additionally, letting the cake cool in the pan for a short time before transferring it to a wire rack helps maintain its shape.
Use Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh ingredients is key to enhancing the flavor of your crumb cake. Check expiration dates on your baking powder and baking soda; old leavening agents can result in a flat cake that doesn’t rise properly. Fresh spices and vanilla extract will provide better flavor than their older counterparts. When using fruits or nuts, make sure they are not past their prime as they can alter both taste and texture negatively. Fresh ingredients contribute significantly to achieving that delicious homemade taste in every bite.
FAQs
What makes a good Crumb Cake?
A good crumb cake features a balance between moistness and crumbliness while offering rich flavors from quality ingredients. The key lies in using fresh components like butter, sugar, eggs, and real vanilla extract. It should have a tender crumb structure that melts in your mouth yet holds together when sliced. A well-prepared crumb topping adds texture and sweetness without overpowering the base of the cake itself. Finally, proper baking time ensures even cooking throughout, creating an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen.
How do I store leftover Crumb Cake?
To store leftover crumb cake effectively, first ensure it cools completely after baking. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out. For longer storage, consider placing it in an airtight container or freezing it if you won’t consume it within a few days. When storing in the fridge, enjoy within five days for optimal freshness; in the freezer, it can last up to three months if wrapped properly. Defrost slices at room temperature before serving for best results.
Can I customize my Crumb Cake recipe?
Absolutely! Customizing your crumb cake allows you to cater flavors to personal preferences or seasonal ingredients available at home. You can incorporate various fruits such as blueberries or apples into the batter for added moisture and flavor depth. Substituting different nuts like walnuts or pecans enhances texture while adding richness as well. Additionally, consider different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth or even chocolate chips for indulgence—endless possibilities exist for creating unique variations of classic crumb cakes.
Why is my Crumb Cake dense?
A dense crumb cake often results from several factors during preparation and baking processes. Overmixing batter develops gluten too much, leading to toughness instead of tenderness while baking; always mix until just incorporated! Another reason might be incorrect ingredient measurements—too much flour can weigh down the batter significantly causing density issues as well! Lastly, inadequate leavening agents will result in insufficient rising during baking; ensure both baking powder and soda are fresh for optimal lift capability.
Conclusion for Crumb Cake
In conclusion, mastering the art of making a delightful crumb cake involves avoiding common pitfalls such as using improper flour types or overmixing batters that lead to undesirable textures. Preparation techniques play an equally vital role; greasing pans correctly ensures easy removal while utilizing fresh ingredients elevates flavors significantly. Customization offers room for creativity without compromising on quality—it’s all about balancing moisture with crumbliness achieved through careful measuring and mixing practices! By following these guidelines closely along with frequently asked questions addressed above, anyone can create their perfect rendition of scrumptious homemade crumb cakes!
Crumb Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
Description
Crumb Cake is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances a rich buttery flavor with a crunchy streusel topping. This easy recipe transforms novice bakers into kitchen stars, making it ideal for any occasion—from a cozy breakfast alongside your morning coffee to a sweet after-dinner indulgence. With its tender and moist crumb, this cake is guaranteed to become a household favorite. The beauty of crumb cake lies in its versatility; you can customize it with your favorite mix-ins like fresh fruits or nuts to cater to every palate. Follow this straightforward recipe to whip up a delicious Crumb Cake that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter, then add eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Stir in milk until smooth.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- For the crumb topping, mix additional flour, sugar, and cinnamon with cold butter until crumbly.
- Layer half of the batter in the pan, sprinkle half of the crumb topping, add remaining batter and top with crumbs. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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