Spice Crumb Cake Recipe {Easy Cinnamon Breakfast Cake with Streusel} (2024)

Julie Clark

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A deliciously simple crumb cake, filled with amazing cinnamon flavor. You’ll go crazy for this easy spice crumb cake and the generous amount of streusel on top!!

I love spice cake just because of its simplicity. Sometimes, I don’t want a strong/fancy flavor that overloads my taste buds. A simple cake with a little density and a lot of crumb topping will top a lot of other things for me!

Spice Crumb Cake Recipe {Easy Cinnamon Breakfast Cake with Streusel} (2)

Because it’s so similar to a coffee cake, you’ll definitely want to consider having this Spice Crumb Cake along with your morning coffee (and with your lunch and dinner too).

This is a quick cake baked in an 9×9 or 8×8 baking pan. That means it doesn’t make a lot, which is good, because you’re going to want to eat it all! My kids were thrilled that this didn’t have fruit or nuts…just simply cake and crumb topping. With delicious spice flavor!

What’s the difference between spice cake and carrot cake?

Spice cake is such a delicious cake all on its own without any added fruits or veggies to it!! You’ll find a lot of the similar spices in this cake that you do in carrot cake, except this cake does not include carrots.

You’ll also find a similar version of this cake if you were to make apple spice cake. Basically, this is a traditional cake that takes on a delicious combination of spices.

What spices are in spice cake?

You’ll find different combinations of nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon and even allspice in spice cake. These spices are strong so you’ll want to use them sparingly.

You may find that you don’t particularly enjoy one of the spices. It’s ok to leave that out and add a little more of another spice, such as cinnamon.

How to Make Spice Cake

This easy breakfast cake has sour cream in it which makes it extra moist. Here are a few hints when making spice cake:

  • Make sure the butter is at room temperature, but not melted.
  • Cream the butter and sugar together really well. Let it beat until there are no chunks of butter at all. This will encourage even baking.
  • Many times the eggs and sour cream will mix in better if they are at room temperature. Allow them to come to room temperature at least an hour before mixing up the cake if you’d like.
  • Mix the dry ingredients separately. Why do you have to do this? It simply allows you to make sure all of the ingredients are mixed together without overmixing. Sometimes overmixing can make baked goods dry and tough.
Spice Crumb Cake Recipe {Easy Cinnamon Breakfast Cake with Streusel} (3)

Crumb Cake Topping

The key to a good crumb topping is to use melted butter. You may find that some toppings call for cutting in cold butter, but if you’d like that traditional crumb cake topping, use melted butter. This makes it really easy to mix together.

We used both brown sugar and white sugar which deepen the flavor of this streusel.

How do you store cake?

This spice crumb cake is ok to store at room temperature. Make sure it is covered well with plastic wrap or sealed in an airtight container.

Can you freeze spice cake?

Yes!! You’ll want it totally covered though, like everything else. We cut this spice cake into pieces and stored it in a plastic container in the freezer.

When you’re wanting to thaw it, DON’T open the lid of the container for awhile. Just let it warm up for a while on your counter. This helps the moisture stay in the cake and prevents it from drying out.

Spice Crumb Cake Recipe {Easy Cinnamon Breakfast Cake with Streusel} (4)

What’s the difference between crumb cake and coffee cake?

In some recipes, you’ll find that coffee cake does have a crumb/streusel topping (much like the topping you’ll see on these pictures). Some coffee cake recipes do not have crumb topping.

Usually, a crumb cake is simply a cake with a TON of streusel. In some places in NY, they put almost as much crumb topping as they have cake!

Moral of the story: while a lot of people use the terms ‘crumb cake’ and ‘coffee cake’ interchangeably, you’ll find that there are some differences between the two.

Other coffee cake recipes you’ll enjoy:

  • Best Ever Coffee Cake
  • Buttermilk Coffee Cake
  • Carrot Cake

Spice Crumb Cake

3.80 from 10 votes

A deliciously simple crumb cake, filled with amazing cinnamon flavor. You’ll go crazy for this easy spice crumb cake and the generous amount of streusel on top!!

Servings 12

Prep Time 12 minutes minutes

Print RecipeReview Recipe

Ingredients

For the cake:

For the crumb topping:

Instructions

Make the cake:

  • Preheat the oven to 350º Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×9 baking pan with cooking spray.

  • In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter.

  • Add the beaten eggs. Mix well.

  • Add the sour cream. Mix well.

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and cloves.

  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in 2 parts, mixing between each addition.

  • Pour the batter in the prepared pan.

Make the crumb topping:

  • Mix together the flour, sugars, butter, cloves and cinnamon. Mix well.

  • Crumble the topping over the cake batter evenly.

  • Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  • Allow the cake to cool, then store covered at room temperature.

Notes

The calories shown are based on the cake being cut into 12 pieces, with 1 serving being 1 slice of cake. Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the calories shown are just an estimate. **We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information.**

Nutrition

Calories: 390kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 257mg | Potassium: 76mg | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 645IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 1.5mg

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Calories 390

Keyword 8×8 cake, buttermilk spice cake, easy cake recipe, easy crumb cake

Have you tried this recipe?

Share a review below or share on Instagram with the tag #tastesoflizzyt.

Spice Crumb Cake Recipe {Easy Cinnamon Breakfast Cake with Streusel} (8)
Spice Crumb Cake Recipe {Easy Cinnamon Breakfast Cake with Streusel} (2024)

FAQs

Should the streusel topping be added before or after baking? ›

Don't over-mix or the streusel will become like a paste, simply toss together until mixture is clumpy, no longer dry, and the flour is completely absorbed. Scatter evenly over muffins, pie, or coffee cake before baking.

What is the difference between a crumb topping and a streusel? ›

Streusel is similar to crumb topping and the terms are often used interchangeably. Traditionally, the two have different ratios of the same ingredients, with streusel containing more flour, and crumb topping more sugar, so they offer a different texture and flavor on top of baked goods.

What are the ingredients in hostess cinnamon streusel coffee cake? ›

Ingredients: SUGAR, ENRICHED FLOUR (BLEACHED WHEAT FLOUR, MALTED BARLEY FLOUR, NIACIN, FERROUS SULFATE OR REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), WATER, SOYBEAN OIL, BROWN SUGAR, CORN SYRUP, BUTTER, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS: EGG, MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, GLYCERIN, CINNAMON, PALM OIL, TALLOW, SALT, DEFATTED ...

What's the difference between coffee cake and streusel? ›

The primary difference is in the crumbs. While coffee cake may have a small streusel on top or layered inside like a ribbon filling, crumb cake has a much thicker layer of streusel topping and is essentially half crumb, half cake.

What if I forgot to add streusel before baking? ›

put it back in the oven for 12 or so minutes, at a slightly lower temperature. if the top is getting brown, cover the cake with foil before you put it back in the oven. take it out, check it with a skewer, if it comes out clean, its done, if not, put it back in the oven for another 10 minutes.

Why is my streusel not crumbly? ›

If your streusel is not crumbly, it may be due to insufficient butter, over-mixing, incorrect ingredient ratios, using melted butter or warm temperatures.

What is the secret to good crumble? ›

❓FAQ
  • Use cold butter. This will help to create a crumbly texture that will not stick together when baking.
  • Use a mix of flour and oats. The oats will add a bit of crunch and texture to the topping.
  • Don't overmix the ingredients. The crumble topping should be made with a "coarse" crumb.
Jun 5, 2023

How long can you bake streusel by itself? ›

Heat oven to 350ºF. On a parchment or silicone-lined baking sheet, spread the streusel evenly. Bake until golden brown and cooked through, about 12 minutes.

What is the top of crumb cake made of? ›

Make the crumb topping: Mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt together in a medium bowl. Stir in the melted butter, then gently mix the flour using a fork. Keep the mixture as large crumbles, do not over-mix. If over-mixed, this will turn into a thick paste.

What is cinnamon streusel made of? ›

While the recipe itself is simple - all you have to do is mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and all purpose flour with a pinch of salt and a bit of room temperature butter - the key to a successful streusel is in the technique.

Is cinnamon crumb cake the same as coffee cake? ›

The main difference between the two cakes is the amount of streusel topping. Crumb cake has a thicker layer of streusel topping than coffee cake. Coffee cake can also be made without the streusel topping.

What are the ingredients in Baker's Treat cinnamon streusel cakes? ›

Sugar, enriched flour (bleached wheat flour, malted barley flour, niacin, ferrous sulfate or reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), water, soybean oil, brown sugar, corn syrup, butter (cream, salt), contains 2% or less: modified cornstarch, glycerin, egg, cinnamon, tallow, palm oil, salt, natural ...

What coffee is best in cake? ›

A dark roast or robust espresso will give rich, hearty treats plenty of depth, while a lighter, fruitier variety won't overpower a delicate dessert. Follow the recipe's instructions for coffee temperature, too.

What nationality is streusel? ›

The term streusel comes from the German word streuen, which means to scatter or sprinkle. Streusel is a very common addition to German and Austrian desserts like kuchen and crumb cake. And before you ask—streusel and strudel are totally different. Streusel is a topping while strudel is a type of German pastry.

What is the streusel on crumb topping made of? ›

Streusel is a crumbly topping usually made with real butter, flour, and sugar.

Can you add crumble topping after baking? ›

You add streusel topping before baking your pies, cakes, or muffins.

Does it matter what order you put ingredients in when baking? ›

What: Mix dry ingredients together first. They're all going into the same baking pan anyway, right? Well, yes. BUT whether you are making cookies, muffins, cake, or pancakes, the general rule of baking is that dry ingredients should be combined together thoroughly in one bowl BEFORE you add the wet ingredients.

How do you keep crumb topping from getting soggy? ›

Use the Right Amount of Butter

Not enough butter, and your topping will be a dry, floury mess. Too much butter and your topping will become a greasy blob or disappointingly soggy.

How to keep crumb topping from sinking into batter? ›

my coffee cake uses sourcream which makes a more acidic batter which also helps to set the structure. but for absolutely perfection, i now add the crumb topping after 30 minutes of baking. i lift the cake out of the oven and quickly strew the crumbs on top. then gently place it back in the oven.

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