The Best New York Crumb Cake: A Deliciously Soft and Buttery Classic

New York Crumb Cake is a timeless classic known for its thick, buttery crumb topping and light, tender cake base. This cake is often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea and is a beloved treat in many households. With its simple yet indulgent combination of a soft cake layer topped with generous amounts of sweet crumb, this recipe captures the essence of a perfect crumb cake, bringing a taste of New York’s best bakeries right into your kitchen.

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The secret to this crumb cake lies in its balance between the soft, buttery cake and the rich, sweet, and spiced crumb topping. The crumb topping is made with a blend of sugars, cinnamon, and butter that forms large, pea-sized chunks, which are then baked to a golden brown perfection. The cake base itself is soft and light, creating the perfect contrast to the hearty topping. A dusting of confectioners' sugar finishes the cake and adds just the right amount of sweetness to each bite.

Why You’ll Love This New York Crumb Cake

This New York Crumb Cake offers the ultimate comfort with its deliciously soft cake and buttery crumb topping. The thick layer of crumb adds a delightful texture that contrasts perfectly with the tender cake. It’s easy to make and uses simple ingredients, making it an ideal treat for any occasion. Whether served for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, this crumb cake is sure to be a hit.

The History of New York Crumb Cake

Crumb cake has its origins in German baking traditions, with the "streuselkuchen" (crumb cake) being a popular treat. New York bakeries adopted this style of cake, making the crumb topping more prominent and turning it into a classic. Today, crumb cake is a staple in many New York bakeries, known for its thick crumb layer and soft, buttery base. This recipe brings that bakery experience into your home, giving you a taste of New York's best crumb cake.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 9 Servings)

• Calories: 330 kcal
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 220mg

Cooking Tips for the Best New York Crumb Cake

Make sure the butter for both the cake and the crumb topping is softened but still slightly cool to the touch. This helps the crumb topping maintain its structure while baking and ensures a tender cake. When adding the crumb topping, start from the edges and work towards the center to prevent it from sinking into the batter. Don’t press the crumbs down—this will allow the cake to rise evenly.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This crumb cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it fresh for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. To enjoy the cake as if it were freshly baked, reheat a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to bring back its soft texture. For even longer storage, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm before serving.

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The Best New York Crumb Cake Recipe

Ingredients

For the crumb topping:

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar (2 ⅔ oz)
• ⅓ cup dark brown sugar (2 ⅔ oz)
• ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
• ⅛ tsp table salt
• 8 tbsp unsalted butter (1 stick or 4 oz), melted and still warm
• 1 ¾ cups cake flour (7 oz)

For the cake:

• 1 ¼ cups cake flour (5 oz)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (3 ½ oz)
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp table salt
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter (¾ stick or 3 oz), cut into 6 pieces, softened but still cool
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup liquid buttermilk (not dried buttermilk powder)

Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. To make the crumb topping, whisk the sugars, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl to combine. Add the melted butter and stir. Then add the flour and stir until the mixture forms a thick dough. Set aside to cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Preheat your oven to 325°F and adjust the rack to the upper-middle position. Prepare an 8-inch square baking dish by spraying it with nonstick spray and lining it with parchment paper, letting the excess hang over the sides.
3. To make the cake, in the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt on low speed. Add the softened butter, one piece at a time, until the mixture resembles moist crumbs.
4. Add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Beat on medium-high speed until the batter becomes light and fluffy, about 1 minute.
5. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it into an even layer using a rubber spatula.
6. Break the crumb topping into large pea-sized pieces using your fingers. Starting from the edges and working towards the center, sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter. Do not press the crumbs down.
7. Bake the cake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crumbs are golden brown and a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes.
8. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the cake from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.

This Best New York Crumb Cake is the perfect combination of a buttery cake base and a rich, cinnamon-flavored crumb topping. It’s a simple recipe that delivers the same flavor and texture of a bakery-quality cake, making it an excellent treat to enjoy at home.