New York-Style Crumb Cake

Here’s a classic New York-Style Crumb Cake recipe—moist, tender cake with a thick, buttery, cinnamon-sugar crumb topping. I’ll give you step-by-step instructions with detailed tips to nail that perfect crumb.

---

New York-Style Crumb Cake

Ingredients

For the Crumb Topping:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with ½ tsp vinegar/lemon juice)

---

Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking pan (or similar)
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

---

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and lightly flour your 9×13-inch pan or line it with parchment paper.

---

Step 2: Make the crumb topping

1. In a medium bowl, combine:
   • 1 ½ cups flour
   • ¾ cup brown sugar
   • 1 tsp cinnamon
   • ¼ tsp salt
2. Stir in ½ cup melted butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • ✅ Tip: You want the crumbs to clump together slightly but still have texture.
3. Set aside while making the cake.

---

Step 3: Make the cake batter

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together:
   • 2 cups flour
   • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
   • ½ tsp baking soda
   • ½ tsp salt
2. In a large bowl, cream ½ cup softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in 2 eggs, one at a time, then 1 tsp vanilla extract.
4. Alternate adding dry ingredients and 1 cup buttermilk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
   • ✅ Tip: Don’t overmix—overworked batter makes the cake dense.

---

Step 4: Assemble the cake

1. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
2. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter. Press lightly with fingers to help it stick but leave some crumb texture loose.

---

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake in preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (ignore crumbs on top).
2. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes.

---

Step 6: Serve

• Cut into squares or rectangles.
• Optional: dust with powdered sugar before serving.
• Best served slightly warm or at room temperature with coffee or tea.

---

Tips for Perfect Crumb Cake

• Use cold butter for the crumb topping if you want chunkier, more textured crumbs.
• Don’t press the topping too hard—some loose crumbs create the signature “streusel” look.
• Buttermilk makes the cake tender and moist.
• Cake keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

---

Description

New York-Style Crumb Cake is a soft, tender cake with a thick, buttery, cinnamon-sugar crumb topping. It’s rich and comforting, with a perfect balance of sweet cake and crunchy topping—ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a coffee break treat.