Easy Crumb Cake
There’s nothing quite like a warm slice of Easy Crumb Cake fresh out of the oven. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma filled my kitchen and invited everyone into the room. It was one of those cozy fall afternoons when the leaves were turning and all you wanted was something comforting to enjoy with your coffee. This cake has quickly become a family favorite, often requested for gatherings and special occasions. The combination of soft crumb and sweet, crunchy topping makes it irresistible. As I cut into the cake, my heart swells with nostalgia, recalling my grandmother’s kitchen, where we would bake together, laughter mingling with the sweet scent of sugar and spice. Whether it’s a quiet evening at home with a book or a lively gathering, Easy Crumb Cake always fits the occasion perfectly.
Recipe Snapshot
50 mins
15 mins
35 mins
Medium
290 kcal
3 g
Vegan, Gluten-Free, AIP
15 g
Oven, Wooden Spoon, Whisk, Baking Sheet, Mixing Bowl, Frying Pan
Why We Love This Easy Crumb Cake
1. Simple Ingredients
One of the reasons I absolutely love Easy Crumb Cake is its simplicity. The ingredients are common pantry staples, meaning you don’t need to make a special trip to the store. Just grab some flour, sugar, eggs, and a few more basics, and you’re ready to bake!
2. Versatile Serving Options
This cake is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or enjoy it plain with a sprinkling of powdered sugar. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even an afternoon snack. The choice is yours!
3. Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a brunch, or just want a sweet treat for yourself, Easy Crumb Cake is the answer. Its delightful texture and flavor make it suitable for any event, from casual to fancy.
4. Quick and Easy to Make
I appreciate recipes that don’t take hours to prepare. With Easy Crumb Cake, you can whip it up in no time. It’s perfect for those spontaneous moments when you want to create something delicious without the fuss.
5. Delicious Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, they store beautifully! Just keep it covered at room temperature, and you can enjoy the cake for days. The flavors get even better over time!
What Goes Into Easy Crumb Cake

The ingredients for Easy Crumb Cake come together to create a delightful dessert that is both comforting and satisfying. The combination of dry ingredients like flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon sets the foundation for the cake, while the wet ingredients like eggs, buttermilk, and vegetable oil keep it moist and fluffy. The crumb topping, made of extra flour and brown sugar, adds a delightful crunch. Together, these elements create a harmony of flavors and textures that you’ll surely love.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This is the backbone of the cake, providing structure and texture.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the cake base, balancing the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise and achieve that light, fluffy texture.
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to give the cake its lift.
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and a lovely spice flavor that complements the sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Adds richness and helps bind all the ingredients together.
- ¾ cup buttermilk: Provides moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a touch of sweetness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Adds flavor and richness to the crumb topping.
- â…“ cup packed light brown sugar: Brings a deeper sweetness and moisture to the crumb topping.
- â…“ cup granulated sugar: Balances the flavors in the crumb topping with sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds extra flavor to the crumb topping.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness in the crumb topping.
How to Prepare Easy Crumb Cake

Making Easy Crumb Cake is a straightforward process that’s sure to impress. Follow these simple steps for a delicious result that everyone will love. Begin by preheating your oven and preparing your baking pan. Then, gather your ingredients and get ready to mix. Each step is filled with exciting transformations that will bring your cake to life!
- Preheat the oven to 375° F. Grease and flour an 8 or 9-inch square or round baking pan, or line it with parchment paper. This will ensure your Easy Crumb Cake comes out easily and doesn’t stick.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ¼ teaspoon baking soda, and 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon. This mixture will create the perfect foundation for your cake.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: 2 large eggs, ¾ cup buttermilk, ½ cup vegetable oil, and 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined and the eggs are fully beaten.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to ensure even baking. This is where the magic begins—watch your cake come to life!
- In a heat-proof bowl, melt ½ cup unsalted butter in the microwave. Start with 20-second increments to prevent overheating. Once melted, let it cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, combine the crumb topping ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon salt. Mix this well.
- Once the butter is cool, pour it into the crumb mixture and stir with a fork until it resembles coarse crumbs. This topping adds a delightful crunch to your Easy Crumb Cake.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter, ensuring every bite has that sweet, crumbly texture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 32 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and fragrant.
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing it into squares. This step ensures that the cake holds its shape and is easy to serve.
Things Worth Knowing
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted in the center. It should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool in the pan to prevent it from crumbling when slicing.
- Customize Your Topping: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips to the crumb topping for extra flavor and texture!
Variations to Try

If you’re looking to mix things up with your Easy Crumb Cake, there are so many fun variations to explore. Each twist adds its unique touch to this classic recipe. Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing!
- Add Fruits: Fold in chopped apples, berries, or bananas into the batter for a fruity twist.
- Try Different Spices: Experiment with nutmeg or pumpkin spice to give your cake a seasonal flavor.
- Glaze It: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze on top after cooling for an extra sweet touch.
- Serve with Toppings: Serve with whipped cream or ice cream on the side for a decadent dessert.
- Make it Chocolate: Substitute some of the flour for cocoa powder to create a chocolate version.
- Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumb topping for added crunch.
Best Served With
When it comes to serving Easy Crumb Cake, the options are endless! Here are some delightful pairings and occasions where this cake shines:
- Morning Coffee: Enjoy a slice with your morning brew for a delightful start to your day.
- Afternoon Tea: Pair with a cup of tea during your afternoon break.
- Family Gatherings: It’s a hit at potlucks or family reunions; everyone will want a slice!
- Brunch Events: Perfect for brunch—just add some fresh fruit or yogurt on the side.
- Seasonal Celebrations: Ideal for fall gatherings and holiday celebrations when comforting flavors are in demand.
- Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.
FAQ
Conclusion
Easy Crumb Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a comforting slice of nostalgia that brings warmth to any gathering. Its delightful balance of sweet and spiced flavors makes it a beloved treat for all ages. I encourage you to try making this cake yourself and experience the joy it brings to your home. You’ll find that it’s perfect for both special occasions and just everyday moments. Enjoy every bite!

Easy Crumb Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375° F. Line an 8 or 9-inch square or round baking pan with parchment paper or grease and flour. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ¼ teaspoon baking soda, and 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon. This mixture will create the perfect foundation for your cake.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: 2 large eggs, ¾ cup buttermilk, ½ cup vegetable oil, and 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined and the eggs are fully beaten.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to ensure even baking. This is where the magic begins—watch your cake come to life!
- In a heat-proof bowl, melt ½ cup unsalted butter in the microwave. Start with 20-second increments to prevent overheating. Once melted, let it cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, combine the crumb topping ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon salt. Mix this well.
- Once the butter is cool, pour it into the crumb mixture and stir with a fork until it resembles coarse crumbs. This topping adds a delightful crunch to your Easy Crumb Cake.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter, ensuring every bite has that sweet, crumbly texture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 32 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and fragrant.
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing it into squares. This step ensures that the cake holds its shape and is easy to serve.
Notes
- Tip 1: You can quickly make homemade buttermilk by combining regular milk with vinegar or lemon juice.
- Tip 2: Nutrition values can vary, so adjust based on the specific ingredients you use.


