If you’re on the hunt for a cake that’s both sweet and comforting, look no further than this New Jersey Crumb Cake. Rich, buttery, and with just the right amount of sweetness, this cake is the perfect treat for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert. The combination of a soft cake base and a golden, cinnamon-sweet crumb topping creates a heavenly dessert that everyone will rave about.
But what makes New Jersey Crumb Cake so special? It’s a classic recipe that holds a unique place in American baking history, with roots that trace back to the Garden State itself. Whether you’re from New Jersey or not, once you try a slice of this cake, you’ll understand why it’s loved by so many.
Why This New Jersey Crumb Cake Recipe?
New Jersey Crumb Cake is beloved for its simplicity and versatility. Unlike traditional layer cakes, which can sometimes feel heavy, this crumb cake strikes the perfect balance of rich flavor and airy texture. The crumb topping adds a perfect crunch, while the cake beneath stays soft and moist.
Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering, taking it to a bake sale, or simply enjoying it with your morning coffee, this crumb cake will not disappoint. Plus, it’s super easy to make! With just a handful of ingredients, you can prepare a cake that will impress even the most discerning bakers. This recipe will quickly become one of your go-to desserts!
Ingredients for the Perfect New Jersey Crumb Cake
For the cake and topping, you’ll need these simple ingredients. Don’t worry if they seem basic – these pantry staples are the foundation of a cake that’s anything but ordinary.
Ingredients for the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your cake batter. All-purpose flour provides structure and texture, ensuring your cake will be soft yet firm enough to hold the crumb topping.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the cake. You can always adjust the sugar level based on your personal preference.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This ingredient gives your cake a light, airy texture, helping it rise perfectly in the oven.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Salt enhances the sweetness and balances out the flavor, helping all the other ingredients pop.
- ½ cup butter, softened: Butter adds richness and flavor, making your cake moist and tender.
- 2 eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients together, adding structure and contributing to the cake’s smooth texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A key flavoring ingredient that will deepen the flavor profile of the cake and add a lovely aroma.
- ¾ cup milk: Provides moisture to the cake, keeping it soft and fluffy. You can use whole milk for the richest flavor or opt for a non-dairy substitute for a different twist.
Ingredients for the Crumb Topping
- 1 cup brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like flavor to the crumb topping, giving it a rich sweetness.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Just like in the cake batter, flour provides structure to the crumb topping.
- ½ cup butter, melted: Melted butter helps bind the crumb topping together and gives it a luscious, buttery flavor.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the topping, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the cake.
Equipment Needed
Before you start baking, gather the following equipment to make the process smooth and easy:
- 9×9-inch baking pan: This size ensures that your crumb cake bakes evenly and perfectly. A glass or metal pan will work well.
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need two bowls – one for the cake batter and one for the crumb topping.
- Whisk and spoon: Mix the dry ingredients and combine everything.
- Toothpick or cake tester: This is used to test if your cake is done by checking if it comes out clean when inserted into the center of the cake.
How to Make New Jersey Crumb Cake: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) is the first step to ensuring that your crumb cake bakes perfectly. This allows the cake to rise properly, giving it that fluffy texture we all love. While the oven is heating up, grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking. If you prefer, you can use parchment paper for an easier release, but make sure the sides are greased too.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving a tender, moist cake. The butter should be softened to room temperature for easier mixing, ensuring you don’t have any lumps.
Once the butter and sugar are well mixed, add the eggs, one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Eggs help create the structure of the cake and contribute to its moistness. Then, stir in the vanilla extract – the smell of vanilla as it combines with the butter and sugar is what dreams are made of.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start by adding some dry ingredients, then pour in a bit of milk, mixing after each addition until everything is incorporated. This step helps to avoid overmixing and ensures a smooth, lump-free batter.
Once the batter is well mixed and smooth, pour it into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. This batter is going to form the perfect base for the crumb topping that will come next.
Step 3: Make the Crumb Topping
Now it’s time for the pièce de résistance – the crumb topping. In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Mix these dry ingredients together until evenly combined. Then, pour in the melted butter and mix with a fork until you achieve a crumbly texture. The butter will coat the dry ingredients, binding them together while creating those delicious little crumbles.
Step 4: Add the Crumb Topping to the Cake
Once the crumb topping is ready, sprinkle it evenly over the cake batter. Make sure to cover the entire surface, ensuring that each bite of cake has a bit of that crispy, buttery topping. This is what makes New Jersey Crumb Cake so irresistible – the perfect balance of soft cake and crunchy topping.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, give it a few more minutes. You want a beautifully golden top with a soft, moist interior.
As it bakes, your home will be filled with the irresistible smell of cinnamon and butter – it’s a scent you won’t want to miss!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This will help the cake firm up slightly, making it easier to slice. After cooling, slice the cake into 9 even pieces. Serve it warm or at room temperature – either way, it’s going to be delicious.
This cake pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a fantastic addition to any breakfast or brunch table. It also makes an excellent dessert for a family gathering or even a sweet treat for a picnic.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect New Jersey Crumb Cake
- Use softened butter: Softened butter is essential for creaming with sugar and ensuring the right texture for the cake. Don’t use melted butter here – it can cause the cake to become dense.
- Check the cake early: Start checking for doneness around 35 minutes, as ovens vary in temperature. The cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Customize the flavor: Feel free to experiment with different spices in the crumb topping – nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom all add a unique twist.
- Store leftovers properly: If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze individual slices for later enjoyment.
Nutritional Information
For those who are mindful of their calorie intake, here’s the breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
- Carbs: 51g
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 30g (from brown sugar and granulated sugar)
This delicious cake isn’t a low-calorie option, but it’s a treat that’s well worth the indulgence. Whether you enjoy it with your morning coffee or as a dessert, it’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love New Jersey Crumb Cake
If you’re looking for a cake that’s simple to make yet packed with flavor, this New Jersey Crumb Cake is the perfect choice. Its buttery, sweet cake base and crunchy, cinnamon-laced topping make every bite pure bliss. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or just as an afternoon treat with coffee, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
The best part? It’s easy to make with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. So go ahead – whip up this delightful treat today and share it with your friends and family. They’ll thank you for it!
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share your creation on social media! And for more delicious ideas, check out these other recipes you’re sure to enjoy:
- Boston Chocolate Cream Pie
- No-Bake White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
- Cookies & Cream Cheesecake Deep-Fried Oreos
Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
How to Make the Best New Jersey Crumb Cake at Home
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This New Jersey Crumb Cake is a delicious, buttery dessert topped with a cinnamon-infused, crumbly topping. A comforting treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup milk
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until smooth.
- Pour and Spread: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Make the Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix with a fork until crumbly.
- Top the Cake: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan before slicing. Enjoy!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- You can make the crumb topping ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a bit of vanilla or almond extract in the crumb topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: New Jersey Crumb Cake, crumb cake recipe, homemade crumb cake, cinnamon crumb cake, buttery crumb cake, classic crumb cake