This Crumb Cake Will Take You Back to Christmas at Grandma’s
Updated: Nov. 16, 2020Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.
Nostalgia alert!
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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Because my husband loves pumpkin pie, I've looked high and low for that "perfect" recipe. But as soon as he tasted this tart, he told me to stop searching, declaring this the best he's ever tried! —Brenda Ryan, Marshall, Missouri
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I adapted this comforting dessert from a recipe my mother-in-law gave to me. Hers fed a family with nine growing kids who were never full, so there was never any left. There aren't any leftovers when I make my downsized version, either! —Marliss Lee, Independence, Missouri
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We appreciate a cool, creamy dessert like this in summer. It stays fresh in the freezer for one week. Top with the fudgy sauce before serving. —Mrs. Earl Brewer, Jackson, Mississippi
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My mom taught me about Italian prune plums and pie. Sprinkling the crust with ground hazelnuts gives it a luscious flavor and also keeps it from getting soggy. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, IdahoApple Streusel Bars
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People are delighted to find the ruby cranberry sauce swirled inside this tempting coffee cake. With the crumble topping, moist cake and tangy filling, it won't last long! —Jeani Robinson, Weirton, West Virginia
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While visiting a Wisconsin orchard, I tried a tempting apple crisp pie. At home, I put together this apple pizza. As it bakes, the enticing aroma fills my kitchen, and friends and family linger waiting for a sample. —Nancy Preussner, Delhi, Iowa
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A friend gave me this apple pear coffee cake recipe to make for a breakfast I was hosting. The pan was empty before the breakfast was over! It's one of my most-requested recipes, probably because it's a bit different. —Joanne Hoschette, Paxton, MassachusettsStreusel-Topped Apple Cheesecake
I love cheesecake & apple pie so I thought this would be a great combination! It has everything that makes an apple pie delicious - apples, cinnamon, and a nice crumble topping plus the creamy-ness of a cheesecake!
