The Ultimate Homemade Crumb Coffee Cake Recipe: Your Guide to a Moist, Flavorful, and Easy Treat
There’s something truly comforting about a classic crumb cake, especially when paired with your favorite coffee. If you’re anything like me, the generous, buttery crumb topping is the first thing you go for, or you meticulously choose the piece piled highest with those golden, sweet crumbles. Today, I am absolutely thrilled to share with you a foolproof recipe for an incredibly delicious and remarkably easy crumb coffee cake. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a beautifully moist, delightfully soft, and wonderfully tender creation that’s absolutely overflowing with the most perfect, melt-in-your-mouth crumbs you’ve ever tasted.
Beyond the Bakery: Why Homemade Crumb Coffee Cake is Best
While store-bought crumb coffee cakes can be convenient, they often fall short in flavor, moisture, and can be overly sweet with an artificial aftertaste. This homemade version is a delightful departure from those common disappointments. It offers a rich, authentic taste and a tender texture that truly shines, making it an ideal companion for a warm cup of coffee in the morning, a relaxing afternoon tea, or even a cozy mug of hot chocolate. And to be perfectly honest, this cake is so good, it stands proudly on its own, a perfect treat at any time, with or without an accompanying beverage.
Crafting this cinnamon crumb cake at home brings a level of freshness and quality that simply can’t be matched by mass-produced options. You control the ingredients, ensuring only the best, most wholesome components make it into your dessert. The aroma of cinnamon and vanilla filling your kitchen as it bakes is an experience in itself, a promise of the deliciousness to come. Plus, knowing you’ve made such a beautiful and tasty treat from scratch adds an extra layer of satisfaction to every single bite.
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One of the most appealing aspects that makes this cinnamon crumb cake an absolute dream to bake is its incredible simplicity. It calls for such basic, everyday ingredients that you likely already have stashed away in your pantry. Forget about obscure items or specialty store runs! Even better, the mixing process is wonderfully quick and surprisingly mess-free, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. You’ll be amazed at how easily this delightful cake comes together, transforming simple staples into a culinary masterpiece.
Beyond its ease, this crumb coffee cake recipe boasts remarkable versatility, allowing you to easily customize it to your personal preferences and dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different additions to make it truly your own:
- **Add Nuts for Extra Crunch:** If you appreciate a textural contrast in your baked goods, consider incorporating finely chopped nuts into the crumb topping. Almonds, walnuts, or pecans would all lend a wonderful crunch and a deeper, nutty flavor. While this is entirely optional, it’s a simple way to elevate the crumb experience. The cake will remain utterly delicious even without them.
- **Experiment with Flavor Extracts:** The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. While classic vanilla extract provides a comforting warmth, feel free to play with other flavor profiles. A touch of rum extract can add a sophisticated depth, while almond extract will impart a delicate, almost marzipan-like sweetness that complements the cinnamon beautifully. Lemon or orange zest can also brighten the flavor profile for a more vibrant twist.
- **Introduce Exotic Spices:** For those adventurous bakers looking to take their crumb cake to an entirely new level, a pinch of powdered anise or ground cloves can introduce intriguing oriental flavors. These spices, when used sparingly, add a subtle warmth and an aromatic complexity that transforms the cake into a truly unique dessert experience, perfect for a special occasion.
- **Drizzle with a Sweet Glaze:** For an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation, a simple vanilla glaze makes a fantastic addition. Whisk together powdered sugar with a splash of milk or cream and a hint of vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle it over the cooled cake for an added layer of flavor and a visually appealing finish. A lemon glaze can also offer a lovely tangy counterpoint to the rich cake.
Are Coffee Cake and Crumb Cake the Same Thing?
This is a common question, and essentially, yes, they are often used interchangeably to refer to very similar cakes. In terms of their core ingredients and fundamental baking methods, coffee cakes and crumb cakes share many similarities. The primary distinction lies in the emphasis on the crumb topping. Traditionally, a “coffee cake” might have a lighter, often thinner streusel topping, with the focus remaining heavily on the moist cake underneath. In contrast, a “crumb cake,” or specifically a “New York-style crumb cake,” is renowned for being generously covered in a thick, decadent layer of buttery, sweet crumbs. This recipe falls firmly into the latter category, celebrating the joy of an abundant crumb topping.
Does Crumb Coffee Cake Actually Taste Like Coffee?
Despite its name, I can confidently assure you that this delightful crumb coffee cake recipe contains absolutely no coffee among its ingredients. This makes it a fantastic, kid-friendly dessert that everyone can enjoy, regardless of their coffee preferences! The term “coffee cake” originates from the tradition of serving such cakes alongside a cup of coffee. It’s designed to complement the rich, often bitter, notes of coffee, much like a scone or a pastry. So, if you’re not a coffee lover, don’t let the name deter you; you can still savor every delicious bite of this cake as you would any other dessert, perhaps with a glass of milk, tea, or even just on its own.
Why Did My Crumb Topping Melt? Troubleshooting Tips for Perfect Crumbles
Achieving that perfectly distinct, crumbly topping is key to an exceptional crumb cake. The most common culprit behind a crumb topping that melts or dissipates into the cake batter is often an excess of butter in your crumb mixture. To create those beautiful, distinct crumbles, you need a relatively dry crumb texture before you sprinkle it over the cake and send it into the oven. The butter binds the dry ingredients just enough to form crumbles, but too much will turn it into a paste that can melt and absorb into the cake during baking.
When you’re preparing your raw crumb topping, pay close attention to its consistency. If it feels too greasy, wet, or resembles a dough rather than distinct crumbs, don’t fret! This is easily remedied. Simply add a small amount of extra flour and sugar, a tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until you achieve that desired dry, crumbly texture. It should hold together slightly when squeezed but easily fall apart when crumbled. This careful balance ensures your crumb topping will bake up beautifully golden, crunchy, and stay distinct from the moist cake below.
Can You Refrigerate and Freeze Crumb Coffee Cake?
Absolutely! This cinnamon crumb coffee cake is wonderfully versatile when it comes to storage, allowing you to enjoy its deliciousness for days or even months to come. If you’re someone who appreciates cold desserts, or simply wish to extend its freshness, you can easily refrigerate the cake. Stored in an airtight container, it will remain perfectly delicious for up to 4 days – though, in my experience, it rarely lasts that long! The flavors tend to meld beautifully as it chills, often making it even more enjoyable.
For longer-term storage, freezing is an excellent option. You can freeze the entire cake or cut it into individual bars or slices, which makes for convenient portion control later on. Ensure the cake has cooled completely to room temperature before freezing. Once cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months without compromising its taste or texture. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight to thaw. If you prefer to serve your cake warm, you can then let it sit on the counter for a couple of hours to reach room temperature, or gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for a quicker warm-up.
Essential Tips and Tricks for Baking the Best Crumb Coffee Cake:
Achieving a truly outstanding crumb coffee cake is easier than you might think, especially with these insider tips and tricks:
- **Choose High-Quality Cake Flour:** The type of flour you use significantly impacts the final texture of your cake. Cake flour, with its lower protein content, creates a more tender and delicate crumb, which is crucial for a soft coffee cake. Lower quality all-purpose flour might result in a denser batter that struggles to support the generous crumb topping, potentially causing it to sink during baking. Investing in good cake flour will make a noticeable difference in the lightness and tenderness of your cake.
- **Avoid Over-Mixing the Crumbs and Batter:** This is a golden rule for many baking recipes, and it’s particularly important here. For the crumb topping, you want distinct, coarse crumbles. Mix the ingredients just until the flour is combined and small, irregular clusters form. Over-mixing will develop the gluten in the flour and warm the butter too much, leading to a paste-like consistency instead of those desired crunchy crumbs. Similarly, for the cake batter, once you add the flour, mix only until everything is just incorporated. Over-mixing after this stage can lead to excessive gluten development, resulting in a dense, tough, and chewy cake rather than the light and tender texture we’re aiming for.
- **Apply the First Layer of Topping Gently:** When you first sprinkle your crumb topping over the cake batter, apply it with a light touch. Gently press the first layer of crumbs onto the batter to help it adhere and ensure good coverage. This provides a stable base for any additional crumbs you might want to add. Once this initial layer is gently secured, you can add more crumbs without worrying about them shifting or sinking too much.
- **Prepare the Crumb Topping First:** Always make your crumb topping before you prepare the cake batter. This is a crucial timing tip. Leaving the cake batter to rest for an extended period while you make the topping can impact the leavening agents (like baking soda), potentially causing the cake to rise less effectively. A flatter cake might then struggle to support the weight of the crumb topping, leading to the crumbs sinking into the cake rather than sitting beautifully on top. Having the topping ready to go as soon as the batter is in the pan ensures optimal rise and texture.
- **Cool Completely Before Cutting:** Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to cutting baked goods. While the aroma of a freshly baked crumb cake is undeniably tempting, resist the urge to slice into it immediately. Allowing the cake to cool completely, preferably to room temperature, allows its internal structure to set properly. Cutting into a warm cake can result in crumbling, a messy appearance, and a less enjoyable texture. A cooled cake will slice cleanly, maintaining its beautiful form and ensuring each piece is perfect.
- **Pan Size Matters for Topping Thickness:** The size of your baking pan can dramatically influence the ratio of cake to crumb topping. If you desire a particularly thick and luxurious layer of crumbs, consider baking this recipe in a slightly smaller pan than recommended. A smaller pan will result in a thicker cake batter layer, which in turn means the same amount of crumb topping will appear more substantial and dense on top, delivering an even more satisfying crumb-to-cake experience.
We absolutely adore having this cake for breakfast, and typically, one batch “melts away” in no time, devoured by eager hands! I’m genuinely excited to hear about your favorite crumb coffee cake recipes and experiences. Have you had a chance to try making this particular recipe yet? Please do let me know in the comments below – I love hearing from you!
Crumb Coffee Cake Recipe
What Ingredients Are in This Crumb Coffee Cake Recipe?
This delightful crumb coffee cake recipe relies on a straightforward list of common pantry staples, ensuring that it’s not only incredibly delicious but also accessible to every home baker. Here’s a detailed look at the essential ingredients you’ll need to create this moist and flavorful treat:
- **Flour:** For the most tender and light cake texture, high-quality cake flour is highly recommended. Its lower protein content results in a softer crumb that perfectly complements the rich topping.
- **Sugar:** Granulated sugar is used in the cake batter to provide essential sweetness and moisture.
- **Butter:** Unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, is crucial for both the cake batter and the crumb topping. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the recipe, ensuring a balanced flavor.
- **Eggs:** Medium-sized, free-range eggs are preferred for their rich flavor and color, contributing to the cake’s structure and moistness.
- **Buttermilk:** Cold buttermilk adds a subtle tang and helps create an incredibly tender and moist cake by reacting with the baking soda.
- **Baking Soda:** This leavening agent works in conjunction with the buttermilk to give the cake its beautiful rise and airy texture.
- **Salt:** A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in both the cake and the topping.
- **Vanilla Extract:** Pure vanilla extract is a must-have, lending a warm, aromatic depth to the cake. Feel free to substitute with your favorite complementary extract if you wish to experiment.
- **Cinnamon Powder:** Ground cinnamon is vital for that classic coffee cake flavor, used both in the cake and generously in the crumb topping.
- **Brown Sugar:** Both light and dark brown sugar can be used interchangeably in this recipe, contributing to the rich, caramel-like notes and moist texture of the crumb topping.
How Do You Make a Crumb Coffee Cake From Scratch? A Step-by-Step Guide
Baking this homemade crumb coffee cake is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these simple steps to create a moist cake with a perfect, generous crumb topping:
- **Prepare the Crumb Topping First:** Begin by combining the brown sugar, flour, ground cinnamon, and melted butter in a bowl. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until a coarse, crumbly mixture forms. This ensures the topping is ready when your cake batter is prepared, preventing the batter from deflating.
- **Mix Dry Ingredients for the Cake:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients for the cake: cake flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. Make sure to omit the cinnamon and brown sugar at this stage, as they will be sprinkled later.
- **Incorporate the Butter:** Add the small, softened pieces of unsalted butter to the dry cake ingredients. Using a hand mixer on low speed, mix until the butter is fully incorporated and the mixture resembles very fine, uniform crumbs. This technique helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cake base.
- **Add Wet Ingredients for the Cake:** Next, add the eggs and cold buttermilk to the crumbly cake mixture. Continue mixing with the hand mixer on low speed until all ingredients are well combined and you achieve a smooth, fluffy, and cohesive batter. Be careful not to overmix at this stage to keep the cake tender.
- **Prepare for Baking:** Pour the prepared cake batter evenly into your baking dish that has been lined with baking paper and spread it gently with a spatula to create a smooth surface.
- **Sprinkle with Spices:** Evenly sprinkle a generous layer of ground cinnamon and brown sugar directly over the cake batter. This creates an additional layer of flavor and aroma beneath the main crumb topping.
- **Add Crumb Topping and Bake:** Finally, cover the entire surface of the cake batter with a thick and generous layer of your pre-made crumb topping. Ensure it’s spread evenly. Bake the cake in a preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it. Don’t worry if a few crumbs attach to the toothpick; that’s perfectly normal and expected!
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Crumb coffee cake
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Equipment
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mixing bowl
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whisk
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hand mixer
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spatula
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baking dish
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baking paper
Ingredients
For the cake
- 1 1/4 cups cake flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter cut into small pieces, softened
- 2 medium eggs
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup buttermilk cold
- cinnamon for sprinkling
- brown sugar for sprinkling
For the crumbs
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter melted and warm
- 1 3/4 cups cake flour
Instructions
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Pre heat the oven to 325 F. Line a baking dish with baking paper
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Mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and melted butter to make the crumb topping.
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In a large bowl mix the dry ingredients for the cake with a whisk, except for the cinnamon and brown sugar.
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Add butter and mix with a hand mixer on low until you get very fine crumbs.
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Add the remaining wet ingredients and mix until smooth and fluffy.
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Pour the batter into the baking dish and spread with a spatula.
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Sprinkle cinnamon and brown sugar.
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Add a generous layer of crumb topping.
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Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the cake comes out with no wet ingredients (some crumbs might attach to the toothpick but that’s fine)
Notes
Nutrition