This Martha Stewart Classic Crumb Cake is a soft and buttery recipe, which uses brown sugar and cinnamon for a thick crumb topping. It’s a classic, foolproof treat, perfect for breakfast or dessert, and ready in just 30 minutes.
Martha Stewart Classic Crumb Cake Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons canola oil, plus more for pan
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pan
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup packed light-brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

How To Make Martha Stewart Classic Crumb Cake
- Prep the oven and pan: Preheat oven to 325°F. Lightly brush a 9-by-12 1/2-inch baking pan with canola oil, dust with flour, and tap out excess.
- Make cake base: In a medium bowl, sift together 1 1/2 cups flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together egg, milk, 2 tablespoons canola oil, and vanilla. Fold dry ingredients into the egg mixture with a rubber spatula.
- Add batter to pan: Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan. Set aside.
- Make crumb topping: In a medium bowl, mix remaining 2 1/2 cups flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in melted butter and toss with a spatula until large crumbs form.
- Add crumbs and bake: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter. Bake for about 20 minutes, rotating the pan after 10 minutes, until a tester inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack. Dust with confectioners’ sugar. Cut into 3-inch squares and serve.

Recipe Tips
- How to make big crumb pieces: Use cool, not hot, melted butter and gently toss the topping to form large clumps.
- Can I use buttermilk instead of milk?
Yes, for a slightly tangy flavor and extra moisture. - How to prevent a dry cake: Don’t overbake—test at 20 minutes and remove as soon as the center is set.
- Can I add fruit to this cake?
Yes, try a layer of thinly sliced apples or blueberries beneath the crumb topping. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger pan and increase baking time accordingly.
What To Serve With Classic Crumb Cake
This rich, crumbly cake is best enjoyed with:
- Hot coffee or espresso
- Chai or black tea
- Fresh berries
- A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt

How To Store Classic Crumb Cake
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate: Store covered for up to 5 days. Warm slices slightly before serving.
Freeze: Wrap slices in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Classic Crumb Cake Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 420 per slice
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Sugar: 26g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is best for flavor, but margarine can be used in a pinch.
Why is my crumb topping sinking?
The batter may be too thin. Make sure to measure flour correctly and fold gently.
Can I use cake flour?
Stick with all-purpose flour for the best crumb texture.
Can I make this in a round pan?
Yes, use a 9-inch round pan and adjust the bake time slightly.
Try More Recipes:
- Martha Stewart Citrus Upside Down Cake
- Martha Stewart Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
- Martha Stewart Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Martha Stewart Classic Crumb Cake
Description
A buttery vanilla cake topped with thick cinnamon-brown sugar crumbs and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Oil and flour a 9×12.5-inch pan.
- Mix 1 1/2 cups flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Whisk egg, milk, oil, and vanilla. Fold in dry ingredients.
- Spread batter in pan.
- Mix 2 1/2 cups flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add butter and toss into crumbs.
- Top batter with crumb mixture.
- Bake for 20 minutes, rotating halfway. Cool and dust with powdered sugar.
