Are you craving a comforting, delicious dessert but short on time and baking expertise? Look no further! This easy crumb cake recipe uses a yellow cake mix as its base, making it incredibly simple to whip up, even for beginner bakers. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy ingredient lists – this recipe delivers a moist, flavorful crumb cake that's perfect for any occasion, from a weeknight treat to a weekend brunch. This is one of those easy recipes that consistently delivers delicious results, making it a favorite for homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your crumb cake won't stick.
Prepare the cake batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, oil, eggs, and milk. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes, or until the batter is smooth. Don't overmix!
Make the crumble topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble and bake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the batter.
Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it during the last 5 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Cool and serve: Let the crumb cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature. This quick dinner idea is also perfect for meal prep!
Tips for the Best Crumb Cake:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough crumb cake. Mix until just combined.
- Use cold butter for the crumble: Cold butter creates a flakier crumble topping.
- Adjust the spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to your liking. You could also add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for a unique flavor.
- Add nuts: For extra texture and flavor, stir in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping.
Variations:
- Lemon Crumb Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the cake batter and a tablespoon of lemon juice to the crumble topping.
- Chocolate Crumb Cake: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow cake mix. Add chocolate chips to the crumble topping.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300
- Fat: Approximately 15g
- Protein: Approximately 4g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40g
This easy crumb cake recipe is a fantastic example of how delicious and healthy meals can be quick and simple to make. It's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy this easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing dessert!