What is New York Style Crumb Cake, and how to make it?

Introduction: What is New York Style Crumb Cake?

New York Style Crumb Cake is a classic American breakfast pastry that is loved for its tender cake base and its generous crumb topping. The cake is typically made with flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and baking powder, and it is characterized by its light, fluffy texture and its sweet, cinnamon-y flavor. The crumb topping, which is made with flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon, is the star of the show, and it is piled high on top of the cake to create a deliciously crunchy, buttery crust.

History of New York Style Crumb Cake

New York Style Crumb Cake has been a beloved breakfast treat in the United States for over a century. Its origins are unclear, but it is believed that the cake was first popularized in the German-American communities of New York City in the late 1800s. The cake’s popularity grew in the early 20th century, and it became a staple of New York City’s bakery scene. Today, New York Style Crumb Cake can be found in bakeries and cafes across the country, and it is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.

Ingredients for New York Style Crumb Cake

To make a New York Style Crumb Cake, you will need the following ingredients:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Eggs
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon

Steps to Make the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Making the Crumb Topping

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Cut in the butter using a pastry blender or your fingers, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Assembling the Cake

1. Pour the cake batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.

Baking the Cake

1. Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Crumb

• Use cold butter when making the crumb topping, as this will help create a flaky, crumbly texture.
• Don’t overmix the cake batter, as this can lead to a tough, dense cake.
• Be generous with the crumb topping – the more, the better!
• Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut in the butter for the crumb topping, as this will help create a crumbly texture.

Serving and Storing the Cake

New York Style Crumb Cake is best served warm, either on its own or with a cup of coffee or tea. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Variations of New York Style Crumb Cake

There are many variations of New York Style Crumb Cake, including:

• Blueberry Crumb Cake: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the cake batter before baking.
• Chocolate Chip Crumb Cake: Stir chocolate chips into the cake batter before baking.
• Apple Crumb Cake: Layer sliced apples on top of the cake batter before adding the crumb topping.

Conclusion: Enjoying New York Style Crumb Cake

New York Style Crumb Cake is a classic American breakfast pastry that is loved for its tender cake base and its generous crumb topping. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with a cup of coffee or tea, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Give it a try today and enjoy a slice of classic American baking!

Recipe for New York Style Crumb Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Crumb Topping:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
7. Pour the cake batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and cinnamon.
9. Cut in the butter using a pastry blender or your fingers, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
10. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.
11. Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
12. Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.