New York-Style Crumb Cake

Good afternoon, earthquake survivors!  Seems like everyone is a little shook up today.  We didn't feel it down here in GA, but if we had, I would certainly be celebrating survival with this crumb cake.

Truthfully, I made this crumb cake about 100 million years ago and forgot to post it.  I found the photos in my archive today and had to share with you.  This thing was really good.  I don't remember where we ate it, or with who, but I remember it tasting just like the Starbucks coffee cake (which I love!). 

It would be the perfect addition to a breakfast spread, great for an afternoon coffee break or as a sweet gift for a friend or neighbor.  Who wouldn't be excited if you arrived at their door with this?

Ahhh.. so good.

I think it's safe to say I'll be making another one.

New York-Style Crumb Cake
via Tracey's Culinary Adventures, from Baked Explorations by Matt Lewis & Renalto Poliafito

Crumb Topping
 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted (and still warm)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Cake
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 1/4 cups sour cream, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 F.  Spray a 9x13 baking pan with cooking spray.  A glass pan is recommended, but metal works too - your edges may be a little more crispy if you bake in metal.

To make the crumb topping: Whisk the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt and cinnamon together in a large bowl.  Add the melted butter and whisk to combine.  Use a rubber spatula to fold in the flour - you'll have to use a little elbow grease to work in the final bits.

To make the cake: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.  In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.  Beat in the eggs, one at a time, letting the first incorporate fully before adding the second.  Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat for an additional 30 seconds.  Add the sour cream and vanilla to the mixer and beat until just incorporated.  Finally, add the flour mixture in thirds, beating just until combined.

Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan.  The batter will be thick - just use a spatula to spread it evenly.  Pick up the crumb topping by handfuls, and break off chunks, scattering them over the top of the batter.  Use all of the topping - it will be a very thick layer! 

Bake for 45-55 minutes (rotating the pan at 15 minute intervals), or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.  Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before serving.