Cinnamon Crumb Cake

Cakes & Pies  |  Published Feb 1, 2023  |  Updated Jan 31, 2023  |  By Tawnie

The irresistible, extra thick, cinnamon brown sugar crumb topping is just the beginning of this fun-to-eat New York style Cinnamon Crumb Cake.

I’ve more than doubled the thickness of the buttery crumb topping. I didn’t want just a small crumb, so you’ll be happy with the generous crumb on this recipe. I also made it a point to create a super moist, melt-in-your mouth cake layer. It has just the right amount of butter, vanilla, sour cream and sweetness to get you craving more of this crumb cake.

Making this cake was such a fun project. And I hope it will be for you too as it is the February Kroll’s Korner Baking Challenge recipe this month!

crumb cake with powdered sugar on top.

I found using a 9×9 inch cake pan was the best for this recipe. I used an aluminized, non-stick pan, not glass. The size of the pan to get the perfect height of the crumb and cake is just as important as balancing out the ingredients to get the perfect size to the crumb, crumble and crumb to cake ratio! Note: this recipe was tested in an 8×8 inch pan, but overflowed in the pan and the middle did not cook through.

I really wanted a moist cake layer and a thick crumb layer for this recipe. There is just nothing worse than a dry, crumbly cake in my opinion! I’ve worked out all the kinks, so you don’t have to, to make the most delicious Cinnamon Crumb Cake.

Reasons Why You Will Love My Cinnamon Crumb Cake

  • It’s a great crowd-pleasing dessert.
  • It’s the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, served with coffee, or after dinner with scoop of ice cream.
  • It is easy to make.
  • It is so moist that if you have stored it properly, it will be just as moist 2 to 3 days after baking!
crumb cake with powdered sugar on top.

What is the difference between crumb cake and coffee cake?

The biggest difference between crumb cake and coffee cake is the crumb. With Crumb Cake, the crumb is bigger and you have so much more crumb that you can pick off the large chunks of crumb and pop them in your mouth (it’s like getting two desserts in one).  On a Coffee Cake, the crumb size is much smaller so you can’t really pick off the crumb. Since we have so much more crumb on a crumb cake, there is more sugar in the recipe, so the crumb cake is sweeter than the coffee cake.  

Ingredient Notes

ingredients in glass bowls needed to make crumb cake.
  • Cake flour: If you know me you know I love baking with cake flour. Especially for this recipe. Using cake flour will create soft and tender cakes.  
  • Baking powder: This lightens the texture of the cake by enlarging the bubbles in the cake batter.
  • Baking soda: Interacts with acids in the recipe creating carbon dioxide which creates bubbles. These bubbles cause the batter to rise.  
  • Cinnamon: gotta have some cinnamon in a Cinnamon Crumb Cake!
  • Kosher salt: The fine grain of Kosher salt is great for baking, because it disperses quickly into ingredients
  • Unsalted butter: Room temperature to mix together easily. The butter in the crumb topping will be melted.
  • Eggs: room temperature so they mix more evenly into the cake.
  • Sour cream: the creamy texture of sour cream makes the cake more moist than if you just used milk. I haven’t tested this recipe with Greek yogurt but I think that would be a fine substitution.
  • Whole milk: the purpose of using whole milk is that the fat content makes the cake more moist, so it is always best to use whole milk when a recipe calls for milk.
  • Vegetable oil: The cake will be loftier, will have more of a crumb, and will be more moist. This was something I added into the cake after a few rounds of testing to really help with the moist texture!
  • Confectioners sugar for topping: A light dusting adds the finishing touch to this delicious cake.

Step by Step Directions

These are just brief step by step directions. Be sure to scroll all the way to the recipe card for the full detailed instructions.

step by step photos making crumb cake.
  1. Make the crumb topping first and set aside.
  2. Make the cake layer next.
  3. Spread cake layer into a 9×9 inch cake pan.
  4. Crumble the crumb topping over the top of the cake batter.
  5. Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Let cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar, slice and enjoy!
an up close image of the crumb topping in a bowl.
crumb cake about to head into an oven in a 9x9 pan.

Tips and Variations

  • When mixing in the dry ingredients, be sure to keep the mixer on low speed.
  • Careful not to over mix the crumb topping or the cake batter.
  • There are so many options when it comes to customizing your crumb cake: Raspberry, blueberry, apple, peanut butter, chocolate, or salted caramel.  
  • For the perfect soft and moist crumb cake do not over bake.
  • When adding the crumb topping gently press the topping on top of the batter just so it sticks.
  • Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature so they will mix easily and quickly.
  • It’s important to measure your flour accurately.
  • Make sure your brown sugar for the crumb topping is soft and moist.  
a bite taken out of crumb cake on a plate.

FAQ

Why is my crumb topping soggy?

This often happens if the crumb topping is over mixed or the melted butter was too hot when you mixed it in.

How long does crumb cake stay fresh?

Stored in an air tight container on the counter, it will stay fresh for 2 – 3 days.  

Can I freeze crumb cake?

Yes, my Cinnamon Crumb Cake recipe is freezer friendly. Just wrap it once it has cooled and store in an air tight container and pop it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Can I bake it in a 9×13 pan?

I haven’t tested this recipe in a 9×13 inch pan. But, I am sure it would work, they cake and crumb would just be thinner and you would need less bake time. I did test this recipe in an 8×8 inch pan and it overflowed, so I wouldn’t recommend that.

What type of pan should I use?

I found using a 9×9 inch cake pan was the best for this recipe. I used an aluminized, non-stick pan, not glass. This recipe has not been tested in a glass pan. If using glass, the bake time will be longer.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? If you try this recipe, why not leave a star rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page? I always appreciate your feedback! You can also follow me on Pinterest or Instagram. Sign up for my email list, too!

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Cinnamon Crumb Cake

This Cinnamon Crumb Cake is super moist, full of cinnamon flavor, has the best crumb to cake ratio and is really easy to make. Perfect for brunch with tea or coffee, or of course for dessert!
4.96 from 49 reviews
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: 466kcal

Ingredients

For the crumb topping

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 3/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour, divided

For the cake

  • 3 cups cake flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup white granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2/3 cup sour cream, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup whole milk, room temperature
  • 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
  • powdered sugar for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F
  • Line a 9×9 inch aluminized steel cake pan with parchment paper or grease with baking spray. Set aside. (Note: This recipe was not tested in a glass cake pan).
  • Make the crumb topping first: whisk together 1 ½ cups of flour, both sugars, cinnamon and salt. Mix in the melted butter until mostly combined. Then slowly add in the remaining 1 cup flour until large crumbles form. I like to use my fingers to make large clumps and careful not over mix. Set aside. 
  • Make the cake next: whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in a medium sized mixing bowl. Set aside.
  • Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy and fluffy. About 3 minutes on medium high speed. Scrape down the sides once or twice as needed. 
  • Turn the mixer down to medium low speed and add in the eggs. Then, add in the sour cream, milk, oil and vanilla. The batter will look curdledl at this point but it's ok.
  • Add in the dry ingredients on low speed. Stopping to scrape down sides of bowl as needed. Batter will be thick. 
  • Spread into the prepared pan. Tap the cake on the counter a couple times to release any air bubbles. 
  • Add the crumb topping, keeping most of the crumbs large and whole, and press down gently.
  • Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the very middle comes out clean. Careful not to over bake.
  • Let cool in the pan completely. Dust powdered sugar on the top. Slice and enjoy! (I think this is best enjoyed the very first or second day. And I love popping it in the microwave for a few seconds to get warm again!)

Video

Notes

  • Stored in an air tight container on the counter, it will stay fresh for 2 – 3 days.  
Find Kroll’s Korner on Instagram!Mention @krolls_korner or tag #krollskorner

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 466kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 121mg | Sodium: 582mg | Potassium: 134mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 2mg

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62 Comments
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Jackie
1 month ago

Omg! This was amazing ! I’ve tried many times and failed! Crumbs sinking ! This was outrageous delicious! Can you make this cream cheese cheese layer!

Anna Lamb
1 month ago

Such a yummy recipe! Only thing I did different was I used a glass pan. Had to bake longer but came out perfect! My kids even ate it! And they’re picky!

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Becky Karim
1 month ago

I made this for.a Sunday brunch with friends, it was a hit! The extra tall crumb topping is so good! I added an espresso glaze which was also really yummy!

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Michelle T.
1 month ago

The recipe was easy to follow, and the result was delicious! If you’re looking for a sweet, cinnamon dessert or breakfast, this will definitely satisfy!

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Stacey o
1 month ago

Easy to follow recipe and A+ outcome.

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Winnie
1 month ago

If you love cinnamon, this is a must have recipe in your house! The cake is perfect, it’s moist and the crumb topping is delicious. We all loved it. Thank you for this great recipe!

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Lisa
1 month ago

Cake is so moist and the crumb yummy! A wonderful bake for a cold February morning.

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1 month ago

If you want your house to smell like a cinnamon dream, make this crumb cake! Can’t wait to have it tomorrow morning with coffee!

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Jay
1 month ago

Thanks Tawnie for another great recipe! I made the Cinnamon Crumb Cake yesterday and when my family arrived home they couldn’t wait to dig in. Everyone loved it…especially the tall crumb. I especially enjoyed it as growing up in New York, we would go to the local bakery and frequently get crumb cake. Now living in Dallas, it’s not something I can find. The flavors of the cinnamon and the dense large crumb are unbelievable. I actually prefer this compared to a slice of chocolate layer cake. Also, the recipe was super easy to make thanks to excellent instructions and standard ingredients that I already had in the kitchen.

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1 month ago

This crumb cake is GREAT!!! It is easy to make and the crumb topping is perfect!! Everyone in my family loved it!

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