Easy New York Style Crumb Cake Recipe: The Ultimate Cake Mix Shortcut for Crumbly Perfection
Prepare to create an absolutely incredible New York style crumb cake in mere minutes, all thanks to this brilliant cake mix shortcut. Imagine a cake that’s exceptionally buttery and moist, crowned with an irresistibly thick, homemade crumb topping. If you’re yearning for the best crumb cake experience with minimal fuss and maximum flavor, this recipe is destined to become your new favorite go-to for any occasion.
The secret to saving time and effort with this delicious crumb cake lies in utilizing a high-quality box of yellow cake mix as the foundation. This ingenious shortcut allows us to dedicate our focus, and a significant portion of our ingredients, to crafting that magnificent, generous layer of crumb topping – which, let’s be honest, is undeniably the true star of any classic crumb cake. Our carefully balanced combination of granulated sugar, rich brown sugar, and a hearty dose of ground cinnamon infuses the streusel with a deep, warm flavor and the absolute perfect crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.
While this New York style crumb cake is a triumph in itself, the versatility of cake mix knows no bounds. If you’re looking for other wonderfully easy dessert recipes made from a simple cake mix, be sure to explore these delightful options: our effortless 4-Ingredient Blueberry Cobbler, the bright and zesty Orange Juice Cake, a charming Peach Upside Down Cake, or these universally loved Cake Mix Cookies. Each offers a unique way to enjoy quick and delicious homemade treats.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Easy Crumb Cake Recipe
This recipe isn’t just a dessert; it’s a statement piece that promises pure satisfaction without the usual baking stress. Here’s why this New York style crumb cake will quickly earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection:
- Quick and Easy: Forget complicated baking steps. By starting with a readily available cake mix, you drastically cut down on prep time, allowing you to enjoy a homemade treat much sooner. It’s the perfect solution for busy bakers or those new to the kitchen.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The classic, comforting flavors of a rich cake paired with a spiced, buttery streusel are universally adored. This crumb cake is guaranteed to be a hit at family gatherings, potlucks, brunches, or simply as a comforting snack with your morning coffee.
- Perfect Texture: Experience the delightful contrast between a wonderfully moist, tender cake base and a soft yet delightfully crumbly topping. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures that makes this cake truly exceptional.
- Incredibly Versatile: While it’s sweet enough to serve as an impressive dessert, its rich coffee cake heritage makes it equally perfect for breakfast or brunch. Enjoy it warm with a cup of coffee, or as a decadent treat after dinner.
Decoding the New York Style Crumb Cake: What Makes it Special?
The term “New York style” isn’t just a label; it signifies a particular standard of crumb cake excellence. Unlike many coffee cakes where the crumb topping is an afterthought, a true New York style crumb cake boasts a topping that is often as thick, or even thicker, than the cake layer itself. These generous, buttery streusel crumbs are typically large, wonderfully irregular, and packed with warm spices like cinnamon. They offer a perfect textural contrast to the soft, moist cake beneath, creating a truly iconic and indulgent experience. Our recipe captures this essence perfectly, ensuring every bite delivers that authentic, luxurious crumb cake feel.
Essential Ingredients for Your Shortcut Crumb Cake
This section provides detailed ingredient notes, offers clever substitution options, and explains the role each component plays in achieving the perfect New York style crumb cake. For all precise measurements, a complete list of ingredients, and comprehensive instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card conveniently located at the end of this post.
- Yellow Cake Mix: This is our brilliant time-saving base! We highly recommend using a standard 15-ounce package for optimal results. While Duncan Hines works wonderfully, any brand of similar weight (avoiding smaller 13.25-ounce boxes like some Betty Crocker varieties that might alter proportions) will do. For a subtle flavor variation, you could even try a vanilla cake mix or, for a truly decadent twist, a chocolate cake mix.
- Eggs, Water, Oil: These are the essential liquid components required to prepare your chosen cake mix, ensuring a moist and fluffy cake layer. For an even richer, more luxurious cake, consider substituting milk (whole milk works best) for the water, or adding an extra egg to the batter for enhanced tenderness and flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our glorious crumb topping. Using standard all-purpose flour ensures the perfect structure and consistency for those irresistible streusel pieces.
- Melted Butter: Real butter is non-negotiable for the crumb topping! It provides unparalleled richness and flavor. Whether you opt for unsalted butter or salted butter is entirely up to your preference – both will yield delicious results, so use whichever you have readily available. Just ensure it’s melted and cooled slightly.
- Sugar: A thoughtfully chosen combination of granulated white sugar and light brown sugar is key to developing the complex flavor and ideal texture of our crumb topping. The granulated sugar contributes crispness, while the light brown sugar adds moisture, chewiness, and a subtle molasses note. If you desire a more intense, deeper caramel-like flavor, dark brown sugar can be used as a delicious substitute for light brown sugar.
- Ground Cinnamon: This warm, aromatic spice is vital, infusing the crumb topping with its signature cozy and inviting flavor. Don’t be shy with it! For an adventurous culinary twist, consider mixing in just a pinch of ground nutmeg or a spoonful of apple pie spice to complement the cinnamon.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract elevates and enhances all the other flavors in the topping, adding a layer of sophisticated sweetness and warmth. Use good quality vanilla for the best taste.
- Confectioners Sugar: This is an optional, yet highly recommended, finishing touch. A delicate dusting of confectioners’ sugar over the cooled crumb cake adds a beautiful aesthetic and a subtle hint of extra sweetness.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake Your Dream Crumb Cake with Cake Mix
This section walks you through the entire baking process with clear, step-by-step photos and detailed instructions, ensuring your crumb cake turns out perfectly every time. For the comprehensive, printable version of this recipe, please scroll down to the recipe card below.
Step 1: Initiate the Cake Layer. Begin by preheating your oven to the temperature specified on your cake mix package. Prepare your chosen box mix in a 9 x 13 inch baking dish according to the package instructions, being careful not to overmix the batter. The critical step here is to bake the cake for 5-7 minutes less than the time recommended on the box. This slight underbaking is crucial; it ensures the cake remains exceptionally moist and provides the perfect slightly tacky surface for our glorious crumb topping to adhere to during the final bake.
Pro Tip for a Fluffy Cake:
To ensure your cake layer remains wonderfully light and fluffy, it’s essential to avoid overmixing the cake batter. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, as over-agitation can develop gluten too much, leading to a tougher cake texture.
Step 2: Craft the Irresistible Crumb Topping. While your cake base is in the oven getting its initial bake, seize the opportunity to prepare the star of the show: the rich, buttery crumb topping. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, both granulated and light brown sugars, the cooled melted butter, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Use a fork or your fingertips to gently mix these ingredients until a coarse, crumbly texture is achieved. The crumbs should be distinct and varied in size, creating that signature New York style look. Avoid overmixing to prevent a paste-like consistency.
Step 3: Crown the Cake with Crumbs. As soon as your cake layer is slightly underbaked, promptly remove it from the oven. Without delay, begin at the edges of the baking dish and carefully, yet generously, sprinkle the prepared crumb topping evenly over the entire surface of the warm, soft cake, working your way towards the center. The warmth of the cake will help the crumbs settle slightly, ensuring they adhere beautifully. Distribute the crumbs to achieve that characteristic thick layer that defines a New York style crumb cake.
Step 4: The Final Bake, Cool, and Serve. Gently place the crumb-topped cake back into the oven. Continue baking for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick or cake tester inserted into the cake portion (avoiding a large clump of crumb topping) comes out clean, with perhaps just a few moist crumbs attached. The crumb topping should be lightly golden brown and fragrant. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. This cooling period is crucial for the cake to set and for the crumbs to crisp up slightly. Optionally, for an extra touch of elegance and sweetness, lightly sift confectioners’ sugar over the cooled cake before neatly slicing and serving your magnificent creation.
Storage Solutions to Keep Your Crumb Cake Fresh
To fully enjoy the delightful flavors and textures of your homemade crumb cake, proper storage is key. Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious:
Refrigerator: To maintain its optimal freshness, store your crumb cake tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. While many cakes are refrigerated, crumb cakes often retain their best texture (especially the topping) at room temperature unless your kitchen is exceptionally warm. If you live in a very humid climate, refrigeration might be a better option.
Freezer: For longer preservation, this crumb cake freezes beautifully. Allow the cake to cool completely, then wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap. Once wrapped, place the slices into a freezer-safe baggie or an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw the frozen slices at room temperature for a few hours, or gently warm in the microwave for a quicker treat. Freezing individual slices is a fantastic way to have a delicious crumb cake on hand whenever a craving strikes!
Expert Tips for Crafting the Best Crumb Cake Every Time
Achieving crumb cake perfection is easier than you think with these seasoned tips:
- Embrace Real Butter: For the most authentic, rich flavor and the absolute best crumbly texture in your topping, always opt for real butter. Margarine or butter substitutes simply won’t deliver the same depth of flavor or crisp, melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes a crumb cake truly stand out.
- Precision Flour Measurement: Accurate flour measurement is critical for the ideal crumb topping consistency. Use the spoon & level method: gently fluff the flour in its container, then spoon it lightly into your measuring cup. Finally, use the back of a knife or a straight edge to level off the excess without compacting the flour. This prevents adding too much flour, which can lead to a dry or overly dense crumb.
- Patience with Cooling: Resist the urge to dust your cooled cake with confectioners’ sugar too soon. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes, or even longer. Applying powdered sugar to a warm cake will cause it to melt and absorb into the topping, creating an undesirable soggy appearance rather than a beautiful, crisp dusting.
- Don’t Overmix the Cake Batter: As mentioned in our pro tip, overmixing develops gluten, which can make your cake tough. Mix the boxed cake batter just until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated and no streaks remain.
- Underbake the Base: Remember the initial underbake for the cake layer. This ensures a moist base that won’t dry out during the second bake with the crumb topping, creating a wonderfully tender cake.
- Vary Crumb Size: For that rustic, authentic New York style appeal, don’t strive for uniform crumbs. Embrace the variety of large and small crumbs; they add wonderful texture and visual interest to your cake.
Exciting Additions and Creative Variations for Your Crumb Cake
While this New York style crumb cake is perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable! Get creative with these delicious additions and variations:
- Adjust the Topping Generosity: Our recipe features a truly lavish layer of crumbs – often as thick as the cake itself! If you prefer a slightly less indulgent treat or a more balanced cake-to-crumb ratio, you can easily halve the crumb mixture. This will result in a delicious cake mix coffee cake with a still substantial, but lighter, streusel.
- Introduce Nuts for Crunch: For an added layer of texture and nutty flavor, mix about ½ to ¾ cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumb mixture before sprinkling it over the cake. The nuts toast beautifully during baking, adding a delightful crunch.
- Drizzle with a Sweet Glaze: Instead of, or in addition to, dusting with confectioners’ sugar, consider drizzling a simple vanilla glaze over the cooled cake. Whisk together 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk (or water) and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and a beautiful visual appeal.
- Fresh Fruit Infusion: For a seasonal twist, gently fold 1 cup of fresh blueberries, raspberries, or finely diced apples into your cake batter before baking. This adds moisture and a burst of fruity flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon crumb.
- Lemon Zest Brightness: Grate the zest of one lemon into both the cake batter and the crumb topping for a vibrant, citrusy aroma and taste that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crumb Cake
Here are answers to some common questions about making and enjoying crumb cake:
- Can I make crumb cake ahead of time? Yes, absolutely! Crumb cake is often even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can bake it a day in advance, let it cool completely, and store it tightly covered at room temperature.
- Why is my crumb topping not crumbly enough? This usually happens if there’s too much liquid (melted butter) or if the flour hasn’t been measured correctly (too little). Ensure your butter is cooled, and if the mixture seems too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until you get the right consistency. Don’t overmix; just gently combine until crumbs form.
- Can I use a different flavored cake mix? While yellow cake mix provides a classic base, vanilla or even chocolate cake mix can work! Experiment to find your favorite combination. Just ensure the package size is similar (15 ounces) to maintain the correct cake-to-crumb ratio.
- What’s the difference between crumb cake and coffee cake? Often the terms are used interchangeably, but traditionally, New York style crumb cake emphasizes a very thick, buttery, and often large-crumb streusel topping, sometimes equal to or thicker than the cake layer. Coffee cakes might have a lighter topping, a glaze, or fruit mixed in, and are designed to be enjoyed with coffee, though crumb cakes certainly fit that bill too!
- How do I get large crumbs for the topping? To achieve larger, more irregular crumbs, use slightly less butter or a colder butter (but still melted and cooled). Avoid overworking the mixture; use a fork or your fingertips to gently combine, stopping as soon as distinct clumps form. You can also press some of the mixture together with your hands to form larger pieces.
Don’t Miss These Other Irresistible Crumb Cake & Coffee Cake Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting appeal of this crumb cake, you’ll be thrilled to explore our other delightful variations. Each recipe offers a unique twist on the beloved coffee cake theme, perfect for any time of year:
- Caramel Apple Crumb Cake: A seasonal favorite, combining the sweetness of caramel with tender apples and a spiced crumb topping.
- Blueberry Buckle Coffee Cake: Bursting with fresh blueberries and topped with a delightful streusel, it’s a classic for a reason.
- Strawberry Crumb Cake: Sweet, juicy strawberries tucked into a moist cake with a generous, buttery crumb topping.
- Maple Walnut Coffee Cake: A rich, autumnal delight featuring the comforting flavors of maple and crunchy walnuts.
- Coffee Cake Muffins: All the deliciousness of a coffee cake, perfectly portioned into convenient, on-the-go muffins.
Crumb Cake with Cake Mix
Author: Jaclyn
10 minutes
25 minutes
35 minutes
12
Saved!
Ingredients
- 15.25 ounce yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs or as called for on the box
- 1 cup water or as called for on the box
- ½ cup vegetable oil or as called for on the box
- 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups melted butter cooled to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- confectioners sugar optional topping
Instructions
-
Preheat oven and prepare cake batter as per package instructions. Coat a 9×13 pan with non stick cooking spray and bake cake for 5-7 minutes less than called for on the box.
-
While the cake is baking, prepare the crumb topping. Use a fork to combine the flour, sugar, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. It should be crumbly.
-
Remove the cake from the oven. Starting at the edges and working toward the center, sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the top of the cake.
-
Return to the oven to bake for 10-12 minutes, or until baked through and crumb topping has slightly browned.
-
Cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. Sift confectioners sugar over the top (optional) before slicing and serving.
Notes
- I used Duncan Hines yellow cake mix but any cake mix suitable for a 9×13 will work. I’d avoid Betty Crocker since they dropped weight to 13.25 ounces.
- If the crumb mixture is too wet, add a spoonful more flour as needed to get the right consistency.
- This cake has a very generous layer of crumb topping. For a less indulgent treat you can halve the crumb mixture.
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
We absolutely love seeing your culinary creations! Share a photo of your delicious crumb cake with us on Instagram @crayonsandcravings. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest @crayonsandcravings for even more inspiring recipes and baking tips!
Pin Recipe
Leave A Review