Vanilla Crumb Cake | Best Treat

The Vanilla Crumb Cake was a truly delightful experience, a journey into creating something simple yet extraordinary.

The rich aroma of cinnamon and vanilla filled my kitchen as I carefully blended ingredients. The crumb topping, so buttery and sweet, promised a satisfying crunch atop the soft, moist cake.

I was preparing it for close friends who appreciate the finer nuances of comfort food, and seeing their faces light up as they tasted it made every step worth it.

The process was smooth, creating a wonderful sense of satisfaction as the Vanilla Crumb Cake came together beautifully, adding warmth to the room.

What Is A Crumb Cake?

A crumb cake is a type of cake that is characterized by its rich, buttery texture and a generous layer of crumbly topping.

The topping, made from ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and spices, creates a sweet, crunchy contrast to the soft and moist cake beneath it.

Often flavored with vanilla or cinnamon, crumb cakes are typically enjoyed as a dessert or a snack with coffee or tea. They are a beloved treat in American baking, known for their comforting, homey appeal.

How To Prepare Vanilla Crumb Cake?

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: Approximately 450 calories per serving (based on 12 servings)

Yield: 12 servings

Kitchen Utensils

• 9-inch round or square baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Electric mixer (optional)
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

For the Crumb Topping:

• 1 ¾ cups cake flour
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

For the Cake Batter:

• 2 ¼ cups cake flour (unsifted)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

How To Make Vanilla Crumb Cake

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan.

2. Make the Crumb Topping

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cake flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Stir to combine. Add the melted butter and mix with a fork or your hands until the mixture forms a crumbly texture. Set aside.

3. Make the Cake Batter

In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.

5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the sour cream, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

6. Assemble the Cake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Evenly distribute the crumb topping over the cake batter.

7. Bake

Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

8. Cool & Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and place on a cooling rack. Allow the cake to cool completely before serving.

Unique Tips To Your Vanilla Crumb Cake

➤ Allow butter, eggs, and sour cream to reach room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smoother batter and helps achieve a lighter, fluffier texture.

➤ Once the dry ingredients are added, mix just until combined. Over mixing can develop excess gluten, leading to a dense, bread-like texture instead of a tender crumb.

➤ Adding sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter not only moistens the cake but also imparts a subtle tang, balancing the sweetness and enhancing flavor.

➤ Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Test their potency by adding a small amount to vinegar (for baking soda) or water (for baking powder); they should bubble vigorously if still active.

➤ For a soft, cookie-like crumb topping, use melted butter instead of softened butter. This creates a moist, cohesive texture that bakes into a tender, sweet layer.

➤ Enhance the flavor profile by incorporating a teaspoon of nutmeg or cardamom into the crumb topping. These spices add depth and complexity to the cake’s taste

➤ Baking the cake at 325°F (163°C) allows it to cook more evenly, preventing the edges from drying out while ensuring the center remains moist and tender.

Why This Recipe Is A Must-Try?

This Vanilla Crumb Cake recipe is a must-try because it combines the perfect balance of rich, buttery cake and a sweet, crunchy crumb topping.

The comforting flavors of vanilla and cinnamon create a warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen, while the texture is light and moist with a satisfying crumbly finish.

Vanilla Crumb Cake easy to make yet delivers impressive results, making it ideal for any occasion.

The balance between the crumb topping and cake texture makes each bite a delightful experience, offering both sweetness and a touch of spice that will surely leave a lasting impression.

How Do You Eat Vanilla Crumb Cake?

Vanilla crumb cake is best enjoyed as a sweet snack or dessert. You can serve it on its own, allowing the buttery crumbs and soft cake to shine, or pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting treat.

It’s also great for breakfast or brunch, served alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream. For a more indulgent experience, you could even add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce. Simply slice and enjoy the satisfying blend of textures and flavors!

How To Make With More Delicious

✔ Add a Layer of Fruit: Incorporate fresh berries, sliced apples, or even peaches into the batter for a burst of juicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the cake’s crumb topping.

✔ Drizzle with Glaze: After baking, drizzle a simple vanilla glaze or caramel sauce over the cake to add an extra layer of sweetness and richness.

✔ Mix in Spices: Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to the batter or crumb topping for a unique twist on the classic taste.

✔Top with Streusel and Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for an extra crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the soft cake.

✔ Serve with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Serve slices of the cake warm, topped with freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Storage And Shelf Life

Vanilla crumb cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping it fresh and moist.

For longer shelf life, you can refrigerate the cake, where it will stay good for about 5 days. If you’d like to keep it even longer, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze it for up to 3 months.

To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds.

FAQs About Vanilla Crumb Cake

Conclusion

The success of the Vanilla Crumb Cake was truly rewarding, as it not only delighted my friends but also brought a sense of accomplishment in my kitchen.

The blend of textures and flavors created the perfect balance, and the joy shared around the table made it even more special.

I hope to recreate this experience many times, experimenting with new variations and sharing this comforting treat with even more loved ones in the future.

It’s a Vanilla Crumb Cake that’s as much about the memories made as it is about the delicious cake itself.

If You Love This Vanilla Cakes Try These Out!

Vanilla Cake With Raspberry Filling Recipe – Fluffy And Delicious

Vanilla Cake With Blueberry Filling – Homemade

Naked Vanilla Cake – Moist & Fluffy

Vanilla Cake With Peaches – Soft And Fruity

How To Make Vanilla Rum Cake