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Published by: Priscilla Michele

Bakery-Style Crumb Coffee Cake

This Bakery-Style Crumb Coffee Cake is soft, buttery, and layered with a cinnamon swirl and a sweet crumb topping that melts in your mouth. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s a cozy, homemade treat that pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 slices
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Cinnamon Swirl:
  • 2 tbsp light brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • Crumb Topping:
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • Cake Batter:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Baking pan (8x8 or 9x9)
  • Rubber spatula
  • Cooling rack
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Parchment Paper
  • Fork

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven:
    Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Make the cinnamon swirl:
    In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the crumb topping:
    In a medium bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in melted butter with a fork until large crumbs form. Add nuts if desired. Set aside.
  4. Make the batter:
    In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract. Add sour cream and mix until smooth.
  5. Combine dry ingredients:
    In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix.
  6. Assemble the cake:
    Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over it. Add the remaining batter, then top generously with the crumb topping.
  7. Bake:
    Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool and serve:
    Allow the cake to cool for 15 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze if desired.

Notes

🌿 Baking Tips

  • Be sure the melted butter for the crumb topping has cooled before mixing.
  • For larger crumbs, avoid overmixing the topping.
  • Store covered at room temperature for best freshness.
  • Serve warm or at room temperature.
  • Add fruit like blueberries or apples for variation.