Crumb Cake

Introduction:

Crumb cake, with its irresistible buttery crumb topping and tender cake base, has earned its place as a beloved classic in the world of desserts. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee for breakfast, served as a sweet treat at brunch, or savored as a comforting dessert, crumb cake never fails to delight the taste buds. In this article, we’ll explore the timeless appeal of crumb cake, share a mouthwatering recipe, and offer tips for making this delectable delight a star of any occasion.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 cup granulated sugar

– 1 teaspoon baking powder

– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

– 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

– 1/2 cup sour cream

– 2 large eggs

– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9 inch baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Reserve 1 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping, then press the remaining crumbs into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Pour the sour cream mixture over the crumb crust in the baking pan.
7. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes

Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 9 servings

Serving Tips:

1. Serve Warm or Room Temperature: Crumb cake can be enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven, or at room temperature. The choice is yours based on personal preference. Serving warm crumb cake allows you to experience the contrast of the warm, tender cake and the crunchy crumb topping, while serving it at room temperature can intensify the flavors.
2. Use a Sharp Knife: When slicing crumb cake, use a sharp knife to ensure clean, neat slices. This helps to maintain the integrity of the cake and prevents it from crumbling apart.
3. Pair with Beverages: Crumb cake pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages. Serve it alongside a cup of hot coffee for a classic pairing, or enjoy it with a glass of cold milk, tea, or even a scoop of ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
4. Garnish Creatively: Enhance the presentation of crumb cake by garnishing each slice with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze. Fresh berries, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon can also add visual appeal and extra flavor.
5. Portion Control: Consider cutting smaller portions of crumb cake for those who prefer a lighter dessert or larger portions for those with a hearty appetite. This allows guests to enjoy just the right amount of this indulgent treat.

Storage Tips:

1. Store at Room Temperature: Crumb cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap for up to 2-3 days. This helps to maintain its freshness and prevents it from drying out.
2. Refrigerate for Longer Shelf Life: If you have leftover crumb cake that you won’t be able to consume within a few days, consider refrigerating it for longer shelf life. Place the tightly wrapped cake in the refrigerator, where it can be stored for up to 5-7 days.
3. Reheat Before Serving: Before serving leftover crumb cake, consider reheating it in the microwave or oven to restore its soft texture and enhance its flavor. Simply place individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds or heat the entire cake in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
4. Freeze for Extended Storage: Crumb cake can also be frozen for longer storage. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. Frozen crumb cake will keep well for up to 2-3 months.
5. Thaw Before Enjoying: When ready to enjoy frozen crumb cake, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Once thawed, reheat individual slices as desired or allow the entire cake to come to room temperature before serving.

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