German Crumb Cake
German Crumb Cake is a delightful dessert featuring a buttery, spiced crumb topping with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. Its tender, moist crumb pairs perfectly with a crispy topping, making it ideal for gatherings or a sweet treat with coffee. Rich yet light, it's sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift flour, light brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a bowl.
- Combine Crisco and butter in a separate bowl.
- Rub both mixtures together with your hands until it forms crumbs.
- Take out 1 cup of the crumb mixture and set aside for the topping.
- To the remaining mixture, add eggs, buttermilk or sour milk, and baking soda dissolved in vinegar.
- Mix well until combined.
- Pour the batter into greased and floured pie pans or cake pans.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top of the batter.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using all butter instead of Crisco or a combination of both. If you're out of buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar. Ensure to sift the dry ingredients well to achieve a light texture. When mixing, be careful not to overmix the batter as this can lead to a denser cake.
Serving Suggestions
This German Crumb Cake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it with a dollop of Whipped Topping or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it an excellent choice for brunch or an afternoon snack. Consider serving it alongside a light Potato Dish for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover German Crumb Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm, comforting treat, or enjoy it cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of German Crumb Cake contains roughly 341 calories, with 7g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value), calcium (12% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 769mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture may be denser. It’s best to use a mix of both for a lighter crumb cake. You may also need to adjust the liquid slightly to accommodate the higher absorption of whole wheat flour.
What can I use instead of eggs for a vegan version?
For a vegan version of this cake, you can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, a tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with three tablespoons of water (let it sit for 5 minutes), or a store-bought egg replacer. These substitutes help bind the ingredients while keeping the cake moist.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
To check if your German Crumb Cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, the cake is ready. If there is wet batter on the toothpick, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).