Crumb Cake

Crumb Cake is a moist, flavorful cake topped with a generous amount of crumbly, buttery streusel. It’s a perfect dessert for breakfast or afternoon tea, and its sweet, slightly spiced flavor is sure to please any crowd. Here’s a simple recipe to make a delicious homemade Crumb Cake:

Crumb Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup sour cream (or buttermilk, for a lighter texture)

For the Crumb Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the cake batter:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Set aside.

   • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

   • Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix.

   • Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

3. Prepare the crumb topping:

   • In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

   • Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract, and mix until the mixture forms crumbly clumps.

   • Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the cake batter, making sure it covers the entire surface.

4. Bake the cake:

   • Bake the crumb cake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with only a few moist crumbs.

   • If the top is browning too quickly, cover the cake loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

5. Cool and Serve:

   • Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

   • Slice into squares and serve. You can dust the top with powdered sugar for a finishing touch if you like.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest to the cake batter.

• If you prefer a more buttery topping, increase the butter in the crumb mixture slightly, or add a bit more sugar for a sweeter crumble.

• Serve with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect treat.

Enjoy your Crumb Cake with its delicious crumbly topping and moist, tender cake inside! It’s a versatile, comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.