Outrageously Buttery Crumb Cake: A Recipe for Decadence
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food – an outrageously buttery crumb cake that will melt in your mouth. This isn’t your average crumb cake; we’re talking about a moist, tender cake base crowned with a mountain of buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumbs. Prepare to be amazed by the sheer decadence of this recipe!
This recipe is perfect for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or simply when you need a little something special to brighten your day. The aroma alone, as it bakes, is enough to lift your spirits. And the taste? Pure bliss. We’ll guide you through each step to ensure crumb cake perfection.
Why This Crumb Cake is So Outrageously Good
What sets this crumb cake apart from the rest? It’s all about the details:
* **Extra Butter:** We aren’t shy about using butter, both in the cake and especially in the crumb topping. This is what creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor.
* **Sour Cream:** Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang to the cake, keeping it tender and preventing it from drying out.
* **Cinnamon Spice:** A generous amount of cinnamon in the crumb topping gives it that classic crumb cake flavor and aroma.
* **Large Crumb Topping:** The key to a truly decadent crumb cake is a generous amount of crumb topping. We’re talking about a thick layer of buttery, crumbly goodness.
* **Simple Ingredients:** Despite its impressive flavor and texture, this crumb cake is made with simple, pantry-staple ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather all your ingredients. This will make the baking process much smoother.
**For the Cake:**
* 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
* 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
* 1 cup (240ml) sour cream, full-fat
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**For the Crumb Topping:**
* 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
* 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup (packed 100g) light brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks or 170g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
Equipment You’ll Need
* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)
* Mixing bowls
* Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Pastry blender or fork (for the crumb topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now for the fun part – baking! Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect crumb cake every time.
**Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal after baking. This is highly recommended, especially if you plan to slice and serve the cake directly from the pan.
**Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the crumb topping. Add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be sure to work quickly so the butter doesn’t melt. If the butter gets too soft, the crumb topping will become greasy.
Set the crumb topping aside in the refrigerator while you prepare the cake batter. Keeping it cold will help the crumbs stay separate and distinct during baking.
**Step 3: Make the Cake Batter**
In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for the cake. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Again, work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake.
The batter will be thick, which is perfectly normal.
**Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Crumb Cake**
Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. It’s okay if it seems a bit thick and doesn’t spread perfectly; the heat of the oven will help it even out.
Remove the crumb topping from the refrigerator and sprinkle it evenly over the cake batter. Don’t be afraid to use all of the crumb topping! The more, the better.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The crumb topping should be golden brown and the cake should be set.
**Step 5: Cool and Serve**
Let the crumb cake cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. If you used parchment paper, you can lift the cake out of the pan using the overhangs and transfer it to a cutting board for easier slicing.
This crumb cake is delicious served warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat.
Tips for Crumb Cake Perfection
* **Use Cold Butter:** Cold butter is essential for creating a crumbly texture in both the crumb topping and the cake. Make sure your butter is well-chilled before you start baking.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing the batter can result in a tough cake. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined.
* **Chill the Crumb Topping:** Chilling the crumb topping helps the crumbs stay separate and distinct during baking.
* **Use Full-Fat Sour Cream:** Full-fat sour cream adds moisture and richness to the cake. Don’t substitute with low-fat or fat-free sour cream, as it will affect the texture of the cake.
* **Check for Doneness:** Use a wooden skewer to check for doneness. Insert the skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, the cake is done. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again.
* **Store Properly:** Store leftover crumb cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Variations and Add-Ins
Want to customize your crumb cake? Here are a few ideas:
* **Fruit:** Add fresh or frozen berries to the cake batter or crumb topping. Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries work well.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds, to the crumb topping.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add chocolate chips to the cake batter or crumb topping for a chocolatey twist.
* **Spices:** Experiment with different spices in the crumb topping. Nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger would all be delicious.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add lemon zest to the cake batter for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Coffee Glaze:** Drizzle a coffee glaze over the cooled crumb cake for a mocha-inspired treat.
To make a coffee glaze, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of strong brewed coffee, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the amount of coffee to reach your desired consistency.
Troubleshooting Common Crumb Cake Problems
Even with the best recipes, baking can sometimes be tricky. Here’s how to troubleshoot some common crumb cake problems:
* **Cake is Dry:** This could be due to overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure you’re measuring the flour accurately and not overbaking the cake. Using full-fat sour cream is also crucial for moisture.
* **Crumb Topping is Greasy:** This is usually caused by using butter that is too soft. Make sure your butter is cold when you make the crumb topping. You can also try adding a little more flour to the topping to absorb the excess butter.
* **Crumb Topping is Too Dry:** This could be due to not using enough butter or overmixing the topping. Add a little more melted butter to the topping until it reaches the desired consistency. You can also add a tablespoon of milk or cream.
* **Cake is Sinking in the Middle:** This could be due to underbaking or opening the oven door too often during baking. Make sure the cake is fully baked before removing it from the oven. Avoid opening the oven door unnecessarily.
* **Crumb Topping is Sinking into the Cake:** This is often caused by the cake batter being too wet. This can happen if you add too much liquid or don’t measure the flour accurately. Make sure you’re using the correct amount of liquid and measuring the flour properly.
Serving Suggestions
This outrageously buttery crumb cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to take it to the next level:
* **Coffee or Tea:** Serve it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a classic pairing.
* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
* **Fresh Fruit:** Serve it with a side of fresh berries or sliced fruit.
* **Whipped Cream:** Top it with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of sweetness.
* **Brunch Spread:** Include it as part of a larger brunch spread with other breakfast favorites.
The Joy of Baking Crumb Cake
Baking a crumb cake is more than just following a recipe; it’s about creating something special and comforting. The aroma filling your kitchen as it bakes, the anticipation of the first bite – these are the things that make baking so rewarding. This outrageously buttery crumb cake is sure to become a favorite in your household.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake the most delicious crumb cake you’ve ever tasted. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
*Please note that this is an approximate calculation and may vary depending on specific ingredients and serving size.*
* Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of the cake)
* Calories: 450-550
* Fat: 25-35g
* Saturated Fat: 15-20g
* Cholesterol: 100-120mg
* Sodium: 200-250mg
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
* Sugar: 30-40g
* Protein: 4-6g
Enjoy this delightful treat in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Final Thoughts
This outrageously buttery crumb cake is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients, when combined with care and precision, can create something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is designed to be approachable and rewarding. So, don’t be intimidated – embrace the process, enjoy the aroma, and savor every crumb of this delectable creation.
Happy Baking!