Brown Sugar Crumb Cake Recipe

Name: Brown Sugar Crumb Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon; Pinch of kosher salt; 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, diced; 2 tablespoons old-fashioned rolled oats; 2 tablespoons chopped pecans (optional); 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup sour cream, at room temperature; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Servings: persons

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of kosher salt
2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, diced
2 tablespoons old-fashioned rolled oats
2 tablespoons chopped pecans (optional)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup sour cream, at room temperature
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1
Preheat the oven to 350.
2
Coat a 9-inch-square cake pan with vegetable oil spray.
3
Make the crumbs In a food processor, pulse the brown sugar with the flour, cinnamon and salt.
4
Add the butter and pulse until the mixture has a sandy texture.
5
Add the oats and pecans and pulse until incorporated.
6
Transfer the crumbs to a bowl and freeze until ready to use.
7
Make the cake In a medium bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg.
8
Sift the mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper.
9
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the butter with the brown sugar and salt at medium-high speed until fluffy, about 5 minutes; scrape the bowl.
10
Add the sour cream and beat until smooth, about 2 minutes.
11
Beat in the eggs one at a time at medium speed, scraping the bowl after each addition.
12
Beat in the vanilla.
13
At low speed, beat in the flour mixture in 3 additions, scraping the bowl as needed.
14
Spread the batter in the prepared pan and scatter the frozen crumbs on top.
15
Bake for 30 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
16
Transfer to a wire rack and let cool.
17
Cut into 12 squares and serve warm or at room temperature.

1083

kcal

Calories

Fat

145

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 18 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon, Pinch of kosher salt, and more.

Yes, Brown Sugar Crumb Cake falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Brown Sugar Crumb Cake

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions