Old English Crumb Cake
A rustic, crumb-topped cake that blends sweet brown sugar, warm spices, and tangy sour milk into a comforting treat, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar, spices, flour, and shortening together until a coarse mealy dough forms, using a pastry blender or knives.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the crumb mixture for the top.
- Add sour milk and soda to the remaining dough and beat thoroughly.
- Pour the batter into a square pan and spread the reserved crumb mixture evenly on top.
- Bake in a moderate oven for about 30 minutes; do not remove from the pan, allowing the crumb top to stay intact.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. If you don't have sour milk, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes. This cake can also be enhanced with nuts or dried fruits mixed into the batter for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Old English Crumb Cake pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect afternoon treat. For a more decadent dessert, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It also complements fruit spreads like Apricot Cream Cheese Spread for a refreshing twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or enjoy it cold for a delightful snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old English Crumb Cake contains roughly 387 calories, with 1g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 23g fat.
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 regular milk instead of sour milk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to one cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes to sour it. This will mimic the acidity of sour milk and help achieve the right flavor and texture in the cake.
What should I do if my crumb topping is too crumbly?
If your crumb topping is too dry and crumbly, you can try adding a little more melted butter or shortening to moisten it. Alternatively, you can also mix in a tablespoon of water or milk to help bind the ingredients together without making it too wet.
How can I make this cake healthier?
To make this cake healthier, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber. You can also reduce the sugar by substituting half with applesauce or a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, which can add moisture and flavor while cutting down on refined sugars.
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).