New York Style Crumb Cake
New York Style Crumb Cake: An Irresistible Classic
If you’ve ever walked into a cozy bakery in New York City and been greeted by the sweet, buttery aroma of fresh crumb cake, then you know just how special this treat can be. Each bite of this delightful coffee cake, with its rich, tender crumb and beautifully crunchy topping, transports you to a bustling café on a bustling street. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests at a Sunday brunch or simply want to indulge in a slice with your morning coffee, this New York Style Crumb Cake recipe is the quintessential choice. Let’s dive into why you’ll want to bake it and how incredibly easy it is to make at home!
Reasons to Try It
What makes this crumb cake a must-bake? For starters, it’s not just a cake; it’s an experience. The combination of velvety sour cream and rich butter yields a moist texture, while the cinnamon-sugar crumb topping adds that perfect crunch. Best of all, this recipe comes together quickly and is budget-friendly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or leisurely weekend brunches.
"This crumb cake is a game changer! It’s fluffy, perfectly sweet, and that crumb topping is to die for. It disappeared in minutes at our get-together!" – Sarah J., happy home baker
Preparing New York Style Crumb Cake
Making this crumb cake is a straightforward process that requires just a few simple steps. You’ll start by creating a moist batter, which is then topped with a deliciously crumbly brown sugar topping that bakes to perfection. In no time at all, you’ll have a delightful dessert that will impress everyone.
What You’ll Need
To create this scrumptious New York Style Crumb Cake, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for crumb topping)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for crumb topping)
Note: You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream if that’s what you have on hand.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Combine wet ingredients: Add the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix until everything is well combined.
- Incorporate dry mixture: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Pour batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth it out evenly.
- Prepare the crumb topping: In another bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, 1/2 cup of flour, and 1/2 cup of melted butter to create a crumbly texture.
- Top the cake: Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the cake batter, ensuring an even distribution.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool before serving: Allow the cake to cool for a bit before slicing and serving to ensure a perfect crumb.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
New York Style Crumb Cake is incredibly versatile! It’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert. Consider serving it alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a delightful pairing. Want to make it extra special? Top your slice with a dollop of whipped cream or serve it warm with vanilla ice cream.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your leftover New York Style Crumb Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to extend its life, you can refrigerate it for about a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s well wrapped. To reheat, gently warm slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds!
Pro Chef Tips
- Let it cool: Always allow the cake to cool slightly before serving; this helps set the crumb and makes cutting easier.
- Don’t overmix: When adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to ensure a tender cake texture.
- Use cold butter for crumbs: When making your crumb topping, using cold butter will yield larger, crunchier crumbs!
Creative Twists
Why not shake things up a bit? Here are some delicious variations you can try:
- Add nuts: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for added crunch.
- Fruit layer: Fold in fresh berries or sliced apples into the batter for a fruity twist.
- Spice it up: Experiment with different spices such as nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon for a different flavor profile.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to prepare?
Total prep and bake time is about 1 hour, with baking taking 30-35 minutes.
Can I substitute the sour cream?
Yes! You can use plain yogurt or even cottage cheese for a lighter option.
Is it okay to freeze this cake?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s wrapped properly, and it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
What if I don’t have a 9×13 inch pan?
You can use any similar-sized baking dish or even muffin tins for individual servings.
With its delightful flavors and satisfying texture, this New York Style Crumb Cake is sure to become a favorite in your home. Happy baking!
New York Style Crumb Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth it out evenly.
- In another bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, 1/2 cup of flour, and melted butter to create a crumbly texture.
- Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the cake batter.
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
