Crumb Cake Recipe | Old-Fashioned Brown Sugar Crumb Topping

Old-Fashioned Crumb Cake

This old-fashioned crumb cake is a vintage favorite—brown sugar, warm spices, and a generous crumb topping. It’s quick to mix, bakes in about 30 minutes, and is perfect with coffee or tea.

If you don’t have sour milk on hand, you can make a quick substitute in minutes (see the FAQ below).

🥮 Old-Fashioned Spiced Crumb Cake

A clever vintage classic. A single buttery brown sugar and flour mixture is divided in half—one portion becomes the spiced, sour milk batter, while the other becomes the crisp crumb topping.

⏱️ Bake Time: ~30 mins 🍽️ Yield: 8–10 Servings 🍳 Pan Size: 8×12-inch Pan

Ingredients

  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 2 cups flour (sifted)
  • ½ cup butter
  • 1 egg (well beaten)
  • 1 cup sour milk
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon allspice
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Baking Instructions

🌡️ Oven Temp: 350°F

  1. Prep Pan & Base Mix: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour an 8×12-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, rub or cut together the brown sugar, sifted flour, and butter until it forms a uniform, crumbly texture.
  2. Divide Content: Divide this crumbly mixture exactly in half. Set one half aside to use as your top crust.
  3. Build the Batter: To the remaining half of the mixture, add the well-beaten egg, sour milk, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg. Blend thoroughly until a smooth cake batter forms.
  4. Layer & Bake: Pour the spiced cake batter evenly into your prepared pan. Carefully sprinkle the reserved half of the crumb mixture uniformly over the top surface.
  5. Finish: Bake for approximately 30 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before cutting and serving warm.

Crumb Cake FAQ

What is sour milk and how do I make it?

Sour milk is milk that has been acidified—stir 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice into 1 cup milk and let it stand 5–10 minutes.

Can I reduce the spices?

Yes. You can use only cinnamon if you prefer a simpler flavor.

How do I know when crumb cake is done?

The top should look set and a toothpick inserted near the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

How should crumb cake be stored?

Store covered at room temperature for 1–2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

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