The Perfect New York Crumb Cake Recipe: Buttery & Sweet Bliss

New York crumb cake tantalizes taste buds with its irresistible combination of soft, delicate cake and a lavish blanket of crumbly, sweet topping.

This iconic pastry represents a delightful balance between delicate texture and rich, aromatic flavors that dance across your palate.

Generations of bakers have perfected this beloved treat, refineing simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that transcends ordinary desserts.

the magic lies in its rustic simplicity and the careful layering of buttery, cinnamon-infused crumbs atop a tender cake base.

Each slice promises a harmonious blend of comfort and indulgence, inviting you to savor every delectable bite.

the crumb cake charm stems from its ability to elevate everyday moments into something extraordinary.

Prepare to be enchanted by this classic confection that whispers tales of nostalgic bakery traditions.

Why This Crumb Cake Is a New York-Style Classic

• Savor Irresistible Texture Contrast: Enjoy the delightful combination of soft, tender cake base with a crunchy, crumbly topping that provides an exciting mouthfeel in every single bite.
• Whip Up Effortless Deliciousness: Create a bakery-style treat with minimal kitchen skills required, making this recipe perfect for beginners and experienced bakers who want a quick, impressive dessert that looks and tastes professionally made.
• Indulge in Comforting Nostalgic Flavors: Experience the classic New York bakery experience right in your own kitchen, with warm cinnamon notes and buttery sweetness that evokes memories of weekend morning breakfasts and cozy family gatherings.
• Flexible Serving and Storage Magic: Easily prepare this cake for various occasions, from casual weekend brunches to potluck gatherings, with the bonus of storing leftovers for up to four days without losing its delectable taste and texture.

What Makes This Cake Soft, Sweet, and Crumbly

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental base for the cakes structure and texture, choose unbleached flour for best results.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb in the cake base.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and moisture to the crumb topping.
• Baking Powder: Essential leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.
• Ground Cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic spice to the crumb topping.

• Egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the cakes rich texture.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth cake batter.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a soft, tender crumb and prevents dryness.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a subtle, sweet background flavor to the cake.
• Melted Butter: Creates richness in the crumb topping and helps ingredients bind.

• Confectioners Sugar: Provides a classic, sweet dusting on top of the finished cake.

How to Bake a Tall, Buttery Crumb Cake Like the Pros

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Space

Heat oven to 325°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or line with parchment paper and spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

• Flour
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

• Egg
• Milk
• Oil
• Vanilla extract

Blend until smooth and consistent.

Step 4: Combine Cake Batter

Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon, mixing gently to avoid overmixing. Aim for a smooth, lump-free batter.

Step 5: Spread Batter

Pour batter into prepared pan. Spread evenly, ensuring thin and uniform coverage across all corners.

Step 6: Prepare Crumb Topping

• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon

Drizzle melted butter over mixture. Stir until ingredients are fully combined and crumbly.

Step 7: Add Crumb Layer

Sprinkle crumb mixture generously over batter. Break larger crumbs with fingers for varied texture.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10 minutes, then rotate pan. Continue baking 10-12 minutes more. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into cake center – it should come out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Rest

Remove from oven. Let cake cool completely on a wire rack inside the pan.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

Dust top with confectioners’ sugar. Slice into squares or rectangles using a serrated knife.

Step 11: Store Properly

Wrap leftover cake tightly. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 4 days.

Crumb Cake Tips for a Thick, Fluffy Texture

• Sift Dry Ingredients Carefully: Ensure no lumps remain when combining flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt for a smoother, more uniform cake texture.
• Avoid Overmixing Batter: Gently fold wet and dry ingredients together just until combined to prevent a tough, dense crumb cake.
• Create Varied Crumb Sizes: Break topping crumbs into different sizes by hand for a more interesting and traditional New York-style cake texture.
• Check Doneness Precisely: Use the toothpick test to confirm the cake is fully baked, inserting it into the center and looking for a clean, crumb-free result.
• Cool Completely Before Decorating: Allow the cake to cool entirely on a wire rack before dusting with confectioners' sugar to prevent melting and ensure a perfect finish.

Reheating Crumb Cake While Keeping the Top Crunchy

• Refrigeration: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and prevent it from drying out. Properly sealed, your New York crumb cake will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Want to enjoy your cake later? Carefully wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Frozen crumb cake can last up to 3 months without losing its delicious flavor and texture.
• Reheating: Bring refrigerated or frozen cake to room temperature before reheating. Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or restore the cake's crispy crumb topping by placing it in a preheated oven at 300° for 5-7 minutes.

What to Serve with Your Morning or Dessert Crumb Slice

• Brew Rich Espresso Pairing: Complement the sweet, crumbly cake with a bold, robust espresso shot that cuts through the richness and enhances the cinnamon notes.
• Serve Creamy Vanilla Scoop: Top each slice with a cold, smooth vanilla ice cream that provides a delightful temperature contrast and adds extra indulgence to the dessert.
• Match with Maple Chai Latte: Create a warm, spiced beverage that echoes the cake's cinnamon undertones, offering a comforting and harmonious flavor experience.
• Enjoy Fresh Berries Garnish: Scatter fresh raspberries or strawberries around the cake plate to introduce a tangy, bright element that balances the dessert's sweetness and adds visual appeal.

Ways to Add Flavor to the Classic NY Crumb Cake

• Chocolate Chip Crunch: Sprinkle chocolate chips into the crumb topping and mix them with the flour and brown sugar for a rich, sweet enhancement. The melted butter will help the chips stick perfectly to the cake's surface.
• Nutty Sensation: Incorporate chopped pecans or almonds into the crumb topping to add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor profile. This variation introduces extra texture and depth to the classic New York crumb cake.
• Berry Burst: Scatter fresh blueberries or raspberries across the cake batter before adding the crumb topping. The berries will create pockets of juicy sweetness that complement the cake's buttery base and crisp crumb layer.
• Spiced Autumn: Mix ground nutmeg and cardamom into the crumb topping alongside the cinnamon for a warm, aromatic twist. This version brings cozy fall flavors to the traditional New York crumb cake recipe.

New York Crumb Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Classic New York crumb cake delivers pure bakery magic from Manhattan’s nostalgic kitchens. Buttery streusel topping crowns a tender cake base, promising sweet comfort with each crumbly, cinnamon-kissed bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (cake base)
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (crumb topping)
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup light-brown sugar

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• ½ cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons canola/vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
• Butter and flour (for greasing the pan)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan with butter, dust with flour, or line with parchment paper and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Sift together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring a uniform dry mixture.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together egg, whole milk, vegetable oil, and pure vanilla extract until smooth and well-incorporated.
4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, using a spatula to combine without overmixing, which could result in a tough cake texture.
5. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to create a thin, consistent base layer that covers all corners.
6. Create the crumb topping by combining flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a separate bowl, then drizzle melted butter over the mixture and stir until it forms coarse, crumbly clusters.
7. Generously scatter the crumb topping across the batter, using your fingers to break larger pieces and ensure an even distribution.
8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Rotate the pan 180 degrees and continue baking for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack within the pan to maintain its structural integrity.
10. Once cooled, dust the top generously with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve for an elegant finish.
11. Slice into squares or rectangles using a sharp serrated knife, and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Notes

• Crumb cake secrets lie in the delicate balance between moist cake and crispy, buttery topping.
• Mixing techniques matter: combine dry ingredients separately from wet to ensure smooth, lump-free batter.
• Brown sugar and cinnamon transform ordinary crumbs into a rich, aromatic crown for this classic dessert.
• Breaking crumb topping into varied sizes creates a rustic, textured surface that looks homemade and appetizing.
• Cooling completely allows the cake to set, preventing crumbling and ensuring clean, picture-perfect slices.
• Store carefully to maintain the cake’s signature tender crumb and irresistible streusel crunch.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 359 kcal
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: <1 g
• Protein: 3.5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg