Crumb Coffee Cake
Crumb Coffee Cake is a vintage, home-style coffee cake with a brown sugar crumb topping and warm cinnamon flavor. It bakes in a simple 13x9 pan and is best served slightly warm.
This is the kind of no-fuss cake that’s perfect for brunch, potlucks, and “coffee with company.”
Crumb Coffee Cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup shortening
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1 egg
- 1 cup sour milk
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Blend shortening, brown sugar, and flour until crumbly (like pie crust crumbs).
- Reserve 1 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping.
- To the remaining crumb mixture, add egg, sour milk, baking soda, and cinnamon. Mix until combined.
- Spread batter into prepared pan and sprinkle reserved crumbs over the top.
- Bake 30–40 minutes, until set and lightly browned. Serve warm.
Bake time: 30–40 minutes
Pan: 13 x 9-inch
Servings: 12–15
FAQ
What is “sour milk”?
Sour milk is milk with a little vinegar or lemon juice added. It helps baking soda work and gives a tender crumb.
Can I use buttermilk instead?
Yes—use buttermilk in the same amount.
How do I know when crumb coffee cake is done?
It’s done when the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean (or with a few moist crumbs).
How should I store coffee cake?
Store airtight at room temperature for several days, or freeze slices for longer storage.