A Soft, Buttery Classic with a Sweet, Crunchy Topping
If you’ve never tried Nebraskan Crumb Cake, you’re in for a treat! This old-fashioned Midwestern favorite is a simple yet incredibly delicious cake with a soft, tender crumb and a buttery, cinnamon-sugar topping that melts in your mouth.
I love this recipe because it’s quick to make with pantry staples and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon coffee break. It’s not too sweet, making it ideal for any occasion—just like the classic recipes passed down through generations in Nebraska kitchens!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: What makes a Nebraskan Crumb Cake different from other coffee cakes?
This cake has a lighter, fluffier texture than traditional dense coffee cakes. It also has a simple, rustic crumb topping that’s not as thick as a New York-style crumb cake but still incredibly delicious.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This cake stays moist for days and can be baked a day ahead for the best flavor. Store it covered at room temperature or in the fridge.
Q: Can I freeze Nebraskan Crumb Cake?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: Can I add nuts or fruit?
Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch to the crumb topping, and berries or diced apples make great mix-ins for the batter.
Q: What’s the best way to serve this cake?
It’s perfect warm with a cup of coffee or lightly dusted with powdered sugar for a little extra sweetness!
What You Need to Make Nebraskan Crumb Cake
For the Cake Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
For the Crumb Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
How to Make Nebraskan Crumb Cake
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla, and egg.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Step 3: Make the Crumb Topping
- In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly.
Step 4: Assemble & Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool & Serve
- Let the cake cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for the Best Nebraskan Crumb Cake
✔ Use buttermilk for extra tenderness – It gives the cake a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
✔ Don’t overmix the batter – A gentle mix keeps the cake light and fluffy.
✔ Make the crumb topping ahead – Prepping it in advance makes assembly faster.
✔ Want extra crunch? – Add chopped nuts to the topping for added texture.
✔ For a caramelized top – Sprinkle a little extra brown sugar over the crumb topping before baking.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma L. – “I made this for brunch, and it was perfect! So buttery and soft, and the crumb topping was just right—not too sweet.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 James K. – “A simple, classic cake that reminds me of my grandmother’s baking. Loved it with coffee!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Samantha W. – “This was so easy to make! I added some chopped pecans to the topping, and it was delicious.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lucas R. – “Moist, fluffy, and not too sweet. Definitely making this again!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica T. – “I served this at a potluck, and it disappeared in minutes! Perfectly light and crumbly.”
Printable Recipe
Nebraskan Crumb Cake
Ingredients
- For the Cake Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- For the Crumb Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla, and egg.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Step 3: Make the Crumb Topping
- In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly.
Step 4: Assemble & Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool & Serve
- Let the cake cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved this Nebraskan Crumb Cake, don’t keep it to yourself! Pin it on Pinterest, share it on Facebook, or send it to a friend who loves classic baked goods. I’d love to see your versions—tag me if you try it!
