This Crumb Cake Will Take You Back to Christmas at Grandma’s
Updated: Nov. 16, 2020
Nostalgia alert!
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Christmas morning is pretty magical. Between opening presents, spending time with family and (hopefully) enjoying some freshly fallen snow, it’s hard not to be in a good mood—especially when a delicious breakfast is on the table.
While we’re big fans of Old-Fashioned Stollen, cinnamon rolls and a hearty breakfast casserole, there’s one menu item that always takes the top spot: crumb cake. And this year, we don’t need to make our own.
What Is Crumb Cake?
If you’re not familiar, crumb cake is a retro-style treat that, in its simplest form, combines a layer of coffee cake with a rich, buttery crumb topping. Some versions add a layer of fruit or jam, and you’d be amiss if you didn’t cover the whole cake with a generous dusting of powdered sugar.
More vintage recipes that will remind you of Christmas at Grandma’s.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
In my family, everyone admires the amazing crumb cake my late grandmother used to make. The recipe was unfortunately lost after her passing, though, so it’s been missing at our holiday gatherings for decades.
That’s why when I was contacted about a company that makes old-school, New York-style crumb cakes, a lightbulb went off in my mind. Could this Brooklyn-based bakery live up to those high expectations? Turns out yes, it can.
Clarkson Avenue Crumb Cakes uses a family recipe for their treats. And the flavor offerings include all of the classics—like plain, raspberry and blueberry—plus some modern takes (looking at you Brooklyn Blackout!). Each cake is crafted with all-natural ingredients, then shipped straight to your door.
Right out of the box I was impressed with the cake’s packaging. Each item was impeccably wrapped to the point where not a crumb was out of place. And after cutting a slice? Oh, my. The crumb to cake ratio was about equal—perfect for anyone who can’t get enough of rich, streusel topping—while the cake itself was nice and moist.
As an added bonus, Clarkson Avenue Crumb ships nationwide—which is perfect for those unable to gather with their loved ones in person this year. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be gifted a “Cake of the Month” subscription?
The Bottom Line
This Christmas, I’m looking forward to making crumb cake a family tradition again. 2020’s thrown us quite a few curveballs, so what’s wrong with bringing back some nostalgia? Not to mention, it’s a great way to remember my late grandmother’s legacy at a time when she’s missed the most. Now, if only I could find her recipe for butterhorns…
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