Why You’ll Love This Crumb Cake Recipe
When it comes to comfort food, crumb cake is a classic favorite that never disappoints.
I love how it combines a soft, moist base with a buttery, crumbly topping. The warm aroma fills my kitchen, instantly making me feel at home. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness, thanks to the brown sugar and cinnamon.
It’s versatile, too—great for breakfast, dessert, or just a cozy afternoon treat. I can’t resist a slice, especially when it’s freshly baked and sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Trust me, once you try this crumb cake, it’ll become your go-to comfort food!
Ingredients of Crumb Cake
When it comes to making a delicious crumb cake, having the right ingredients on hand is essential. Luckily, most of these items are pantry staples, so you might already have everything you need to whip up this cozy treat.
Imagine the sweet scent of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen as you gather your ingredients. It’s the kind of cake that makes you want to bake, even if you’ve had a long day. So, let’s explore the list of what you’ll need to create this delightful dessert.
Ingredients for Crumb Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cups water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (yes, you need more!)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
Now, let’s chat a bit about these ingredients. The yellow cake mix is your base, which makes this recipe super easy and quick.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try making your own cake batter from scratch, but hey, we all have those days when we just want to keep it simple, right?
The brown sugar adds that lovely caramel-like richness, while the cinnamon gives it a warm, comforting flavor that feels like a big hug.
And don’t forget the powdered sugar for that final touch—who doesn’t love a sprinkle of sweetness on top? Just be careful not to inhale too deeply when you’re dusting it; trust me, powdered sugar and a sneeze can lead to a very messy kitchen.
How to Make Crumb Cake
Alright, let’s plunge into the delightful process of making this crumb cake. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the temperature that will give your cake that perfect golden finish.
While the oven is warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the 1 box of yellow cake mix, 3 eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 1/3 cups of water. Trust me, the smell of vanilla wafting through your kitchen is enough to make anyone feel at home. Mix these ingredients together until they form a smooth batter. You know you’ve got it right when it’s free of lumps but full of promise.
Now, here’s where the magic happens. Pour that luscious batter into a greased cookie sheet or jelly roll pan. Spread it out evenly, and pop it in the oven for about 13 minutes.
While that’s baking, you can take a moment to revel in the sweet aroma filling your kitchen. Just don’t get too distracted—set a timer so you don’t end up with a cake that’s more charcoal than crumb.
Once that time is up, it’s time to make your topping. In another bowl, combine the 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and 1 1/2 cups of melted unsalted butter.
Stir in 3 cups of all-purpose flour until it looks like a crumbly mess, which, let’s be honest, is the best kind of mess.
Sprinkle this crumbly goodness over the warm cake and return it to the oven for another 15 minutes. While it bakes, you might want to clean up a bit—unless you’re a fan of flour-covered counters, which, who am I to judge?
When the timer goes off, your crumb cake should be golden and irresistible. Let it cool for a bit, then dust with powdered sugar for that final touch of sweetness.
And there you have it, a beautiful crumb cake that’s perfect for any occasion—or just a cozy night in with a cup of coffee. Don’t worry if it doesn’t come out perfectly; it’s all about the love you put into it. Plus, a little imperfection just adds character, right?
Crumb Cake Substitutions & Variations
After whipping up that delicious crumb cake, you might find yourself wondering how to customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
I love swapping the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free version or using almond flour for a nutty twist. You can also replace the sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier option.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding spices like nutmeg or ginger for extra flavor. Want a fruity touch? Toss in some blueberries or apples.
Each variation adds a unique flair, letting you create a crumb cake that’s perfectly tailored just for you!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your crumb cake turns out perfectly every time, I recommend measuring your ingredients accurately and not skipping the greasing step for the pan.
For an extra flavor boost, try adding a pinch of salt to your batter. If you love nuts, feel free to mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
When it comes to storage, wrap leftovers tightly and store them in the fridge; they taste even better the next day!
Finally, when sprinkling powdered sugar on top, do it right before serving to keep it looking fresh and appealing.
Enjoy your baking!