Hey! Today, I’m excited to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes: homemade Crumb Cake through Beyond the Bayou Blog . There’s something truly magical about the aroma of a freshly baked cake filling your kitchen, isn’t there? Well, let me tell you a little story about how I first fell in love with crumb cake.
It was a chilly Sunday morning, and the scent of this dish in the air as my grandmother, a master baker herself, busied herself in the kitchen. She’d often whip up batches of crumb cake to share with family and friends during our weekly gatherings. She used to make this recipe along with Crack Cake and Mousse Cake.
As a child, I’d eagerly await the moment when she’d slide that golden-brown cake out of the oven, its crumbly topping under the warm sunlight streaming through the window.With every bite, I was transported to a world of comfort and joy.
Now, years later, I find myself recreating those cherished moments in my own kitchen. And let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of sharing a slice of homemade crumb cake with loved ones, gathered around the table, creating new memories and savoring the sweetness of life.
What Is Crumb Cake?
Crumb cake is a type of cake known for its crumbly topping. It typically consists of a soft, moist cake base topped with a layer of buttery, crumbly mixture made from flour, sugar, and butter (and sometimes cinnamon). The crumb topping adds texture and flavor to the cake, creating a delightful contrast between the moist cake and the crunchy crumbs. Crumb cake is often enjoyed as a sweet treat or dessert, perfect for accompanying a cup of coffee or tea.Crumb cake is a beloved classic in many cultures, often enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or as a comforting dessert.
Overview: How to make Crumb Cake?
Making crumb cake is a delightful process that begins with gathering all the necessary ingredients and preheating the oven. To create the cake batter, combine flour, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, baking powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until they form a smooth mixture.
In a separate bowl, prepare the crumb topping by mixing flour, sugar, and melted butter until it’s crumbly, optionally adding cinnamon for extra flavor. Once both components are ready, pour the cake batter into a baking pan, spreading it evenly, and then generously sprinkle the crumb topping over it, covering the surface completely.
Bake the crumb cake in the preheated oven until it turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, typically taking about 25-30 minutes. After baking, allow the cake to cool in the pan for a bit before cutting it into squares for serving. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, crumb cake pairs perfectly with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Delicacies Crumb Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Oven
- Baking Pan
Ingredients
- 2 Cup All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 Eggs
- 2 tbps baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350�F (175�C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, ensuring it's ready for your delicious creation.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, until well combined. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Make the Crumb Topping: In another bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and cinnamon (if using). Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter, covering it completely.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the crumbs are lightly golden brown.
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that ingredients like butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smooth and uniform batter.
- Mixing Technique: When mixing the batter, avoid over mixing. Mix until the ingredients are just combined to prevent the cake from becoming dense.
- Crumb Topping Consistency: The crumb topping should resemble coarse crumbs. Adjust the amount of flour or butter if necessary to achieve the desired texture.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cake while it bakes, as oven temperatures may vary. It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with moist crumbs attached.
- Cooling Properly: Allow the crumb cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent the cake from breaking apart.
Nutrition
Time for the Tips!
- Use Cold Butter for the Crumb Topping: When making the crumb topping, it’s best to use cold butter. This will help create a crumbly texture that adds a delightful crunch to the cake.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: When mixing the cake batter, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined for a tender crumb.
- Choose the Right Pan: Use a baking pan of appropriate size and depth. A 9×13-inch pan is commonly used for crumb cake, but you can also use a square or round pan depending on your preference.
- Layer the Crumbs Evenly: Ensure that you spread the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter. This helps to create a consistent texture and flavor throughout the cake.
What to Serve with Crumb Cake?
what to do with Leftover?
- Cool Completely: Allow the leftover crumb cake to cool completely to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the cake soggy.
- Wrap or Cover Well: Wrap the leftover crumb cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. This helps prevent the cake from drying out and keeps it moist and fresh.
- Store at Room Temperature: Crumb cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Refrigerate for Longer Storage: If you need to store the crumb cake for an extended period, you can refrigerate it. Place it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days. Before serving, allow the cake to come to room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
- Freeze for Extended Storage: Crumb cake also freezes well. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen crumb cake can last for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving or reheat slices in the microwave or oven.
- Reheat and Enjoy: Warm leftover crumb cake in the microwave or oven for a few seconds until it’s heated through. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
- Make Crumb Cake French Toast: Cut the leftover crumb cake into thick slices and use them to make French toast. Dip the slices into a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, and cinnamon, then cook them in a buttered skillet until golden brown on both sides. Serve with maple syrup for a decadent breakfast or brunch.
- Create a Trifle: Cut the leftover crumb cake into cubes and layer them in a trifle dish with whipped cream, pudding, fresh fruit, or even chocolate sauce. This creates a delicious and visually appealing dessert that’s perfect for entertaining.
- Crumble Topping for Ice Cream: Crumble the leftover crumb cake over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple yet indulgent dessert. The combination of creamy ice cream and crunchy crumb topping is sure to be a hit.
- Bread Pudding: Use the leftover crumb cake to make bread pudding. Tear the cake into small pieces and mix them with a custard mixture made from eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Bake until the custard sets and the top is golden brown for a comforting dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make crumb cake without a crumb topping?
A: While the crumb topping is a signature feature of crumb cake, you can certainly make a plain cake without the topping if you prefer. However, the crumbly layer adds a unique texture and flavor to the traditional recipe.
Q: What’s the difference between coffee cake and crumb cake?
A: The terms “coffee cake” and “crumb cake” are often used interchangeably. Both typically refer to a cake that pairs well with coffee or tea. The defining feature is the crumbly topping, but variations in recipes may lead to different names.
Q: Can I use a different type of flour in crumb cake?
A: While all-purpose flour is commonly used, you can experiment with different flours like whole wheat or a gluten-free blend. Keep in mind that it may alter the texture and flavor of the cake.
