- In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
- Stir until crumbs form, then set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, and milk, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually add flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until combined.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Step 4: Make the Buttercream Frosting
- In a bowl, beat butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy.
- Add vanilla, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt, then beat until smooth.
Step 5: Frost and Serve
- Spread the buttercream frosting over the cooled cake.
- Slice and enjoy this rich, buttery, and crumbly delight!
Serving and Storage Tips
🍰 Best served fresh at room temperature.
🍰 Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
🍰 Refrigerate for up to 5 days, but bring to room temperature before serving.
🍰 Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 3 months—just thaw and frost when ready.
Variants
- Lemon Crumb Cake – Add lemon zest and juice to the batter.
- Cinnamon Streusel Cake – Increase cinnamon in the crumb topping.
- Chocolate Chip Crumb Cake – Stir in ½ cup chocolate chips to the batter.
- Nutty Crumb Cake – Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.
- Brown Butter Frosting – Use brown butter instead of regular butter in the frosting for a deeper flavor.
FAQ
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cake in advance, store it in the fridge, and frost before serving.
2. Can I use store-bought frosting?
Of course! But homemade buttercream gives the best flavor.
3. How do I keep my crumb topping crunchy?
Make sure to use cold butter and don’t press the crumbs into the batter too much.
4. Can I make this cake without eggs?
Yes! Substitute each egg with ¼ cup applesauce or mashed banana.
5. Can I bake this in a different pan?
Yes! Use a bundt pan, loaf pan, or muffin tin, but adjust the baking time accordingly.
Final Thoughts
This Vanilla Crumb Cake with Buttercream Frosting is a soft, buttery, and indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The crumbly topping and creamy frosting make it a true bakery-style dessert that’s simple to make at home!