Pennsylvania Dutch Crumb Cake is a cherished dessert with roots in the traditional cooking of the Pennsylvania Dutch community. Known for its rich, buttery crumb topping and tender, moist cake base, this crumb cake embodies the comforting flavors of homemade baking. The cake is often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea and is a popular choice for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
This classic recipe features a simple but delicious vanilla cake topped with a generous layer of sweet, spiced crumbs. The combination of a light cake and a crisp, buttery crumb topping creates a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, Pennsylvania Dutch Crumb Cake is a timeless treat that brings warmth and satisfaction to any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in thirds, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract until just combined.
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 2: Prepare the Crumb Topping
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter in the pan.
Step 3: Bake and Cool
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares or rectangles.
Step 4: Serve
- Slice and Enjoy: Slice the cake and serve it at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.
Tips for the Perfect Pennsylvania Dutch Crumb Cake
- Crumb Consistency: Ensure the crumb topping is well-mixed but still has visible chunks of butter for a crisp texture.
- Cake Moisture: Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and moist.
- Even Baking: Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning if your oven heats unevenly.
Pennsylvania Dutch Crumb Cake is a comforting and delicious treat that celebrates the rich traditions of Pennsylvania Dutch baking. Its moist cake base and sweet, buttery crumb topping make it a delightful addition to any meal or gathering. Enjoy this classic recipe and savor the comforting flavors of a traditional favorite!
