Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly baked crumb cake, its golden topping crisp and buttery, the cake itself moist and rich with vanilla and subtle hints of cinnamon. This ultimate crumb cake recipe is designed to make your morning or any time of the day special with its irresistible flavors and textures. Perfect for an impromptu breakfast treat, a delightful snack, or even a dessert, this recipe promises simplicity with maximum enjoyment.
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's what you'll need for your ultimate crumb cake:
- Cake:
- 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- 3/4 cup of milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup of light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup of white sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, prepare an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it well.
2. Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt for the cake. In a separate bowl, combine milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients, followed by the melted butter. Stir just until everything is combined; do not overmix to avoid a tough cake.
3. Create the Crumb Topping
In another bowl, mix flour, both sugars, and cinnamon for the crumb topping. Pour in the melted butter and use a fork to mash everything together until you have pea-sized clumps. This crumb topping will give your cake its signature texture.
4. Assemble the Cake
Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, ensuring it’s evenly spread. Then, sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter generously, making sure the crumbs cover the surface completely.
5. Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the crumb topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remember, baking time might vary slightly based on your oven’s temperament.
⚠️ Note: Resist the temptation to overcook the cake. The center should be moist and soft while the top should be crisp.
Tips for Perfect Crumb Cake
- Use room temperature ingredients. This ensures even mixing and better cake texture.
- The key to an excellent crumb is a light hand; do not press down on the topping when you sprinkle it over the batter.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before lifting it out using the parchment paper to allow the crumb to set.
Serving and Storage
Serve your crumb cake warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, or perhaps a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate to prolong freshness.
🌡️ Note: The cake's texture can change when refrigerated; it's best enjoyed at room temperature.
Your homemade crumb cake will not only fill your home with delightful aromas but will also offer a slice of simple, homely comfort. Whether you're baking for yourself, for a family brunch, or to impress guests, this recipe combines ease with a bakery-quality outcome, making it an ultimate choice for anyone looking to indulge in a bit of everyday luxury.
What makes this crumb cake different from others?
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The secret lies in the perfect ratio of cake to crumb topping, which is higher than in many other recipes. The use of melted butter in both the batter and the topping also ensures a deliciously moist cake with a crisp, buttery crumb.
Can I add nuts or fruit to this recipe?
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Absolutely! You can incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the crumb topping or add fruits like blueberries or apples to the cake batter for an extra burst of flavor. Just make sure to adjust your cooking time as the moisture might affect baking time.
What’s the best way to serve crumb cake?
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While it’s delightful on its own, pairing crumb cake with coffee, tea, or even a cold glass of milk enhances the experience. For a dessert twist, serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.
