Picture this: a warm, cozy kitchen filled with the smells of cinnamon, butter, and sugar. The air is thick with the anticipation of something delicious baking in the oven. As you take a step closer, you’re struck by the heavenly aroma of Krum Kuchen – a German crumb cake that’s perfect for any occasion.

Krum Kuchen (also known as Streuselkuchen) is a traditional cake recipe that’s been passed down for generations among German families. And now, I’m thrilled to share my own version of this classic dessert with you.

In my recipe for Krum Kuchen, I’ve taken all the best aspects of German crumb cake and added my own twist to create a deliciously sweet and buttery treat that’s perfect with coffee or as an after-dinner dessert.

I first came across this recipe during a trip to New Jersey, where I was introduced to the famous “Jersey Crumb Cake.” After trying it once, I was hooked and knew that I had to create my own version at home. And after many attempts and tweaks, I’m confident that this is one of the best recipes out there.

Whether you’re looking for something indulgent to satisfy your sweet tooth or just want to impress your friends and family with an authentic German recipe, Krum Kuchen is an excellent choice. So why not whip up a batch today? You won’t regret it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Krum Kuchen - Crumb Cake — Krum Kuchen – Crumb Cake

This crumb cake recipe is sure to become your new favorite! Rich with cinnamon, butter, and brown sugar, it’s the perfect mix of sweet and savory. Plus, it’s versatile enough for any occasion – serve it up for breakfast or dessert, with coffee or tea.

But what sets this cake apart from others is its crumb topping. Made with a simple mixture of flour, butter, and sugar, the streusel adds a delightful crunch to every bite. And let’s not forget about the soft, moist cake itself – made with a classic blend of milk, eggs, and baking powder, it’s exactly what you want in a traditional crumb cake.

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make. No need to fuss over complicated steps or ingredients – it comes together with just a few basic items you probably already have in your pantry. And if you’re feeling creative, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try to make this cake truly your own.

From its New Jersey roots to its popularity among the Amish community, this crumb cake has been enjoyed across the United States for many years. So if you’re looking for a classic yet delicious cake that everyone will love, give this Krum Kuchen – Crumb Cake Recipe a try!

Ingredient List

Golden crumbs layering over the Krum Kuchen

Let’s take a look at the ingredient list to make this delicious Krum Kuchen. You will need:

For the cake:
1 cup butter or shortening
2 cups sugar
4 eggs, separated
4 cups flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
For the crumb topping:
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 cups flour

This recipe may seem like it has a lot of ingredients, but they all work together to create the perfect texture and flavor for this German crumb cake. Most of these ingredients are likely already in your pantry, so let’s get started!

The Recipe How-To

Bite-sized pieces with a crumbly texture

Preparing the Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In a large mixing bowl, cream 1 cup of butter and 1 cup of shortening.
Gradually add 2 cups of sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
Beat in 4 egg yolks (saving the whites for later), one at a time.
Now stir together the dry ingredients:
4 cups of flour
4 teaspoons of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon of cinnamon
Add the dry ingredients to the batter, alternating with 1 cup of milk, until everything is well mixed.

Making the Crumb Topping

In another mixing bowl, combine:
2 cups of flour
2 cups of brown sugar
1 tablespoon of cinnamon
Add 1 cup melted butter, mixing until crumbly.

Building the Cake

Grease and flour a cake pan (preferably a Bundt® pan).
Pour half the cake batter into the prepared pan, distributing it evenly.
Sprinkle half the crumb topping over the batter, spreading it out to cover everything well.
Pour in the other half of the batter and add the rest of the crumb topping on top.
Finally, beat 4 egg whites until stiff peaks form and spread this on top of everything.

Baking it All Together

Bake in preheated oven for about an hour or until a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.
Cool on a wire rack before removing from pan.

Note: This recipe takes about two hours total time to prepare and bake but trust me, it’s worth every minute.

Substitutions and Variations

Enjoy the aromas of fresh baking on your kitchen with Krum Kuchen

As a baker, I understand the importance of having options when it comes to recipes. Luckily, with Krum Kuchen or crumb cake, there are many substitutions and variations to experiment with!

For those looking for a healthier twist, try using a mixture of whole wheat and all-purpose flour in place of just all-purpose flour. Additionally, you can substitute some of the butter or shortening for applesauce or mashed bananas to make it less calorie-dense.

If you are feeling creative, you can add some fun twists to your traditional Krum Kuchen. Try mixing in some chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter before baking. Or even adding a layer of fruit preserves between the cake and crumble topping for an extra burst of flavor.

Feeling adventurous? Swap out the traditional cinnamon and brown sugar crumb topping for one made with cocoa powder or even shredded coconut for a tropical twist.

No matter how you choose to switch up this classic recipe, don’t forget to document your variations so you can taste test your creations side by side. Experimentation is key in the kitchen – who knows, maybe your new creation will be the next big thing in baking!

Serving and Pairing

Dusting powdered sugar can add an extra layer of sweetness to this crumbly delicacy

Once your krum kuchen is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy it! This crumb cake is the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of coffee or tea. Its sweet, buttery flavor pairs well with the warmth of a hot drink and the bitterness of coffee or tea.

For a little bit of extra indulgence, you can serve your krum kuchen with whipped cream or ice cream on top, to balance out the sweetness of the cake. You may also sprinkle some cinnamon on top for an extra kick.

Krum kuchen also makes for a great breakfast pastry, accompanied by fresh fruit and yogurt or cottage cheese. It’s a filling and satisfying way to start your day.

If you’re serving krum kuchen for a crowd or as part of a larger dessert table, consider pairing it with other traditional German desserts such as Black Forest cake or Linzer torte for an authentic spread of treats.

No matter how you choose to enjoy it, krum kuchen is definitely a treat that will be enjoyed by all. So dig in and savor every mouthwatering bite!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Your morning cup of coffee needs a partner, and Krum Kuchen is a match made in heaven

When it comes to krum kuchen, you’ll be pleased to know that it can be made ahead and stored for a few days without compromising the taste or texture. This makes it an excellent option for busy home bakers who want to have their cake and eat it too!

If you want to make the krum kuchen ahead of time, simply bake it as instructed, then let it cool completely. Once the cake is at room temperature, wrap it tightly in plastic and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days.

When you’re ready to serve the krum kuchen, take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before slicing. This allows the cake to come back up to temperature so that the flavors are more fully developed.

If you have leftover krum kuchen that you want to store, wrap the remaining pieces tightly in plastic and store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to five days.

To reheat the cake, simply place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat it though, as this can cause the cake to become dry or tough.

There’s nothing quite like a freshly baked krum kuchen straight from the oven, but with these tips on make-ahead, storing and reheating, you can enjoy this delicious treat whenever you like.

Tips for Perfect Results

Dive into the buttery flavors with every bite of the Krum Kuchen

To ensure your Krum Kuchen turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

First and foremost, be sure to use room temperature ingredients. This means letting the butter and eggs sit out on the counter for about 30 minutes before using them. Room temperature ingredients blend together much more easily, giving you a smoother and creamier batter.

Another key tip is to use full-fat milk for a richer flavor. Skim or low-fat milk may work in a pinch, but they won’t give you that thick and creamy texture that makes Krum Kuchen so irresistible.

When making the crumb topping, be sure to mix everything together until it looks like coarse sand with pea-sized clumps. Overmixing can cause the butter to melt and create a soggy topping instead of a crispy one.

Once you’ve made the batter and added the crumb topping, be sure not to overcrowd the baking pan. For uniform baking and crisping of the topping, each piece of Krum Kuchen needs a little breathing room.

While on the oven, monitor it often so it doesn’t overbake. Overbaking can lead to a dry cake with crumbly top finish.

Lastly, don’t slice your cake until it has completely cooled down entirely. This can make it easier to cut without crumbling apart while still remaining incredibly moist.

Follow these tips and enjoy a slice of delicious homemade German Krum Kuchen with a hot cup of coffee or tea!

FAQ

As we come to the end of our Krum Kuchen recipe article, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to help you understand and troubleshoot any potential issues you might face while making this luscious German crumb cake. So, let’s take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions about Krum Kuchen.

Is Crumb Cake a New Jersey thing?

The exact origin of crumb cake remains a mystery, but it is widely believed in New Jersey that the best crumb cake comes from the state’s bakeries.

What is crumb cake topping made of?

To start off, let’s create our crumb topping. Grab a medium-sized bowl and combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Once mixed, pour melted butter and incorporate it with the dry ingredients. It’s important to be gentle and only mix the flour using a fork, maintaining a crumbly texture. Over-mixing can transform it into a dense paste, which we definitely do not want. Remember, the key is keeping those crumbles intact.

Is coffee cake and crumb cake the same?

When it comes to comparing crumb cake and coffee cake, the main distinguishing factor is the thickness of the streusel topping on them. Unlike coffee cake, crumb cake has a thicker layer of streusel topping. Moreover, coffee cake can be made either with or without the streusel topping, depending on one’s preference. Additionally, there is a variant of crumb cake known as the New York-style crumb cake, which has larger crumbs than the conventional one.

Why is my crumb cake dry?

One key factor in achieving the ideal texture and moisture for a cake is the proper balance of wet and dry ingredients. Finding the right ratio between flour and butter versus milk can make all the difference in creating a perfectly moist cake. Too little butter and too much flour can result in a dry, crumbly cake, while too much milk and not enough flour can leave the cake feeling soggy and heavy.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this Krum Kuchen recipe is perfect for anyone who enjoys a simple yet delicious crumb cake. With its classic cinnamon and brown sugar streusel topping, this cake will become your go-to recipe for any occasion. You can also try adding different variations to the recipe to make it your own or to suit your preferences.

Not only is this recipe enjoyable to make, but it also requires readily-available pantry staples, such as butter, milk, eggs, flour, and baking powder. This makes it a convenient and affordable option for any Baker who wants to indulge in some homemade goodness without too much fuss.

So why not try making a scrumptious Krum Kuchen today? You won’t regret it! Remember to follow the tips and recommendations provided in this article for the best results, and don’t hesitate to experiment with the recipe until you find your perfect flavor combination.

With this recipe in your hands, you are sure to impress family, friends and even yourself with a divine crumb cake that looks as good as it tastes. So get baking, put on a pot of coffee, invite some friends over or just enjoy that first bite alone – either way, you’re in for a treat! Bon Appétit!

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Steven

Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.

Crumb Cake Recipe: An Easy & Delicious Delight