Are you craving a taste of the Big Apple? Look no further! This New York-style crumb cake recipe will transport your taste buds straight to a classic New York bakery. Forget those dry, bland crumb cakes; this recipe delivers a moist, tender cake perfectly complemented by a crunchy, buttery crumb topping. It's a perfect dessert for any occasion, from a casual weeknight treat to a celebratory gathering. This easy recipe is ideal for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros looking for a delicious, homemade option. Get ready to bake up a storm!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) 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 preparation ensures your crumb cake releases easily from the pan.
Make the cake batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don't overmix.
Prepare the crumb topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This creates the signature texture of the crumb topping.
Assemble and bake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Let the crumb cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature – it's delicious either way!
Tips for the Best Crumb Cake:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Use cold butter for the topping: Cold butter creates a more crumbly topping.
- Adjust sweetness to your liking: If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the sugar in both the cake and topping.
- Add some spice: Experiment with other spices like nutmeg or cardamom in the crumb topping.
Variations:
- Lemon Crumb Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the cake batter and a tablespoon of lemon juice to the buttermilk.
- Apple Crumb Cake: Add 1-2 cups of chopped apples to the cake batter.
- Chocolate Crumb Cake: Add ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the cake batter and use dark brown sugar in the topping.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Fat: Approximately 18g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 10g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 45g
- Sugar: Approximately 25g
- Protein: Approximately 4g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This easy NY crumb cake recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. It's a delicious homemade treat that's sure to impress your friends and family. Enjoy baking, and happy eating!