Crumb Cake is a classic, comforting dessert that pairs a tender, moist cake with a sweet, cinnamon-scented crumb topping. Perfect for brunches, coffee breaks, or casual family gatherings, this cake delivers the perfect balance of rich cake and crunchy topping. Each slice is soft and flavorful, while the buttery crumb adds texture and sweetness that keeps everyone coming back for more.
This easy-to-make Crumb Cake recipe is ideal for home bakers who want a show-stopping dessert without complicated techniques. The cake is made with full-fat sour cream for extra moisture, while the cinnamon-sugar crumb topping adds a delicate crunch and warm spice. Dust with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant finish. Whether you’re serving it for dessert, breakfast, or a festive occasion, this crumb cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Introduction
Few desserts are as universally loved as crumb cake. This recipe offers a moist, flavorful cake base topped with a buttery cinnamon-sugar crumb topping, creating a delightful contrast in textures. Inspired by classic American bakeries, this cake is easy to prepare yet impressively delicious.
Crumb Cake is versatile and perfect for any occasion, from casual afternoons with coffee to special celebrations. The cake batter is tender and lightly sweet, while the crumb topping adds a satisfying crunch and warm cinnamon flavor. With simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and sour cream, you can create a dessert that feels indulgent but is easy to assemble and bake at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tender and Moist: Sour cream keeps the cake soft and flavorful.
- Buttery Cinnamon Crust: Adds texture and aromatic warmth.
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples for easy preparation.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: No meat products required.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance for gatherings.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients Breakdown
Crumb Topping
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cake
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Garnish
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Serving Size: 1 slice (12 servings total)
Tools & Equipment Needed
- 9×13 inch baking pan, greased
- Medium mixing bowls
- Fork for crumb topping
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Whisk for dry ingredients
- Offset spatula for even batter
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Prepare crumb topping: In a medium bowl, stir together 2½ cups flour, 1½ cups brown sugar, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2½ teaspoons cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Drizzle in 1 cup melted butter and stir with a fork until combined. Set aside for a few minutes.
- Prepare cake dry ingredients: In another medium bowl, whisk together 2¼ cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Make cake batter: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer on high speed, beat ½ cup softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until creamy and smooth. Reduce speed to stir and add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined.
- Incorporate wet ingredients: Add 1 cup sour cream and 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract, mixing just until incorporated.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: With mixer on stir, add flour mixture in three intervals, mixing just until combined. Scrape down the bowl and beater as needed.
- Assemble cake: Spoon batter into prepared pan. Use an offset spatula to even the batter.
- Add crumb topping: Sprinkle crumb mixture over cake and gently press lightly into the batter.
- Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and serve: Remove from oven and cool at least 45 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing.
Tips & Variations
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs, butter, and sour cream are at room temperature for smooth batter.
- Clean Slices: Cool completely before slicing for tidy pieces.
- Extra Flavor: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract or a pinch of nutmeg to the batter.
- Make Ahead: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Flavor Profile
This Crumb Cake combines a tender, moist cake with a sweet and slightly crunchy cinnamon topping. The buttery cake provides richness, while the crumb topping delivers a warm, spiced contrast. Dusting with powdered sugar adds a subtle sweetness and elegant finish. The cake has a soft, delicate crumb with a satisfying texture from the topping, making it a perfect pairing with coffee or tea.
Nutritional Overview (Per Serving – 1 slice)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Dietary Notes: Vegetarian; contains eggs and dairy; a sweet, indulgent dessert.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Bake Ahead: Cake can be baked a day in advance; store covered at room temperature.
- Cooling: Allow cake to cool completely for clean slicing.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
FAQs
1. Can I use low-fat sour cream?
Yes, but full-fat sour cream provides the most moist and tender cake.
2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
3. Can I add fruit to the cake?
Yes, swirl in berries or apples before adding crumb topping.
4. Can this cake be frozen?
Yes, wrap tightly in foil and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
5. How do I prevent the crumb from sinking?
Press crumb topping lightly but avoid pressing too much; batter should be evenly leveled.
6. Can I use brown butter?
Yes, browned butter adds a nutty depth to the cake flavor.
Cooking Timeline
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mins | 50 mins | 1 hr 10 mins | 12 |
Serving Suggestions
- Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
- Serve with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Perfect for brunch or as a sweet treat for gatherings.
Recipe Variations
- Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake: Add 1–2 cups chopped apples to the batter before topping.
- Chocolate Crumb Cake: Swirl ½ cup chocolate chips into batter.
- Nutty Crumb Cake: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Ingredient Spotlight
Sour Cream: Provides moisture, richness, and tender texture to the cake.
Cinnamon-Sugar Topping: Adds a warm, spiced crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake.
Pro Baking Tips
- Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender.
- Even Baking: Use an offset spatula to spread batter evenly.
- Crumb Texture: Press crumb topping lightly for texture without compacting.
- Cooling: Cool fully for clean slices and optimal flavor development.
Storage & Freezing Guide
- Room Temperature: Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
- Reheating: Warm slices briefly in oven or microwave if desired.
Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving – 1 slice)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Sugar | 24 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Cholesterol | 80 mg |
Dietary Notes: Vegetarian; contains dairy and eggs; moist, spiced dessert suitable for all occasions.
Expanded Conclusion
This Crumb Cake is a moist, tender, and flavorful dessert with a perfectly sweet, crunchy cinnamon topping. Simple ingredients come together to create a comforting, classic cake that’s perfect for brunch, dessert, or gatherings. Slice it, dust it with powdered sugar, and serve for an indulgent treat that’s sure to please family and friends alike. Its simplicity and timeless flavor make it a versatile and reliable recipe to keep in your baking repertoire.
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Crumb Cake – Moist Cinnamon-Topped Dessert Perfect for Any Occasion
A deliciously moist and crumbly cake topped with a sweet cinnamon crumb topping, perfect for any occasion.
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
Crumb Topping
- 2½ cups all purpose flour
- 1½ cups light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cake
- 2¼ cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Prepare crumb topping: In medium bowl, stir flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Drizzle melted butter, stir until combined; set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Using mixer, beat butter and granulated sugar until creamy. Reduce speed, add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined.
- Add sour cream and vanilla, mixing until incorporated. Gradually add flour mixture in three intervals, mixing just until combined. Scrape bowl as needed.
- Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth with spatula.
- Sprinkle crumb topping evenly, press lightly into batter.
- Bake 45–50 minutes, or until toothpick comes out mostly clean.
- Cool at least 45 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Use ingredients at room temperature for best results.
- Ensure cake is completely cool before slicing for clean edges.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
