There’s something timeless and deeply satisfying about a slice of New York Style Crumb Cake. With its buttery, moist cake base and a generous layer of cinnamon-sugar crumb topping, this iconic treat is a staple in New York bakeries and breakfast tables across America. It’s indulgent without being over-the-top, comforting yet impressive, and perfect with a morning cup of coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up.
What Makes New York Style Crumb Cake Special?
The magic of this cake lies in its contrast of textures and layers of flavor:
- Thick, tender cake base: Made with sour cream or buttermilk for extra moisture and a slight tang.
- Hefty crumb topping: A buttery blend of brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour that’s as thick as (or thicker than) the cake itself.
- Lightly dusted finish: A veil of powdered sugar gives it a nostalgic, bakery-style touch.
Unlike other coffee cakes with a light sprinkling of streusel, this one takes the crumb layer seriously—making it ideal for crumb lovers.
Ingredients
For the crumb topping:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
For the cake:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For finishing:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Prep and Bake Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: One 8×8-inch cake (9 large squares)
Instructions
1. Make the Crumb Topping
In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in flour until a thick, crumbly dough forms. Set aside to cool and firm up slightly.
2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and sour cream.
4. Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined—don’t overbeat.
5. Assemble and Bake
Spread cake batter evenly into prepared pan. Break crumb topping into large chunks with your fingers and generously layer it over the batter. It should fully cover the top.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean (avoid stabbing just the crumb layer). Cool completely in the pan.
6. Dust and Serve
Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar. Cut into thick slices or squares and serve.
Nutritional Info
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 19g
- Carbs: 48g
- Sugar: 26g
- Protein: 4g
This cake is undeniably indulgent but worth every bite. It’s the kind of treat that satisfies with just one (big) square.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
- Brunch Table Star: Serve with fresh berries and a pot of coffee or tea.
- On-the-Go Treat: Wrap slices in parchment for lunchbox desserts or road trip snacks.
- Elegant Dessert: Warm slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or cinnamon whipped cream.
- Holiday Favorite: Add a ribbon of apple or cranberry compote beneath the crumbs for a seasonal spin.
Variations and Twists
Want to personalize your crumb cake? Try these variations:
- Apple Crumb Cake: Layer thin slices of apple between the batter and crumbs.
- Lemon-Blueberry Crumb Cake: Add lemon zest and fresh blueberries to the batter.
- Chocolate Chip Version: Stir mini chocolate chips into the cake base or even the crumb topping.
- Double Crumb: Bake in a 9×13 pan but use double the crumb topping for extra texture lovers.
Tips for Crumb Cake Perfection
- Don’t pack the crumb too tightly—you want big, soft chunks, not a hard crust.
- Cool completely before slicing to help the crumb layer stay intact.
- Use sour cream or yogurt for the moistest cake base—it really makes a difference in texture.
Why You Should Bake This Crumb Cake
New York Style Crumb Cake is nostalgic, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, buttery, soft, and crunchy. And unlike many layered cakes, it’s incredibly straightforward to make—no fancy tools or techniques required.
From lazy weekend breakfasts to festive brunches or cozy late-night snacks, this cake fits effortlessly into every occasion.