This Martha Stewart Crumb Cake is a tender and cinnamon-spiced recipe, which includes brown sugar and a buttery crumb topping. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 30 minutes.
Martha Stewart 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 Crumb Cake
- Prep oven and pan: Place oven rack in center and preheat to 325°F. Lightly brush a 9-by-12 1/2-inch baking pan with canola oil, dust with flour, and tap out excess.
- Mix base batter: In a bowl, sift together 1 1/2 cups flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, milk, 2 tablespoons canola oil, and vanilla extract.
- Combine and spread: Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula until combined. Spread evenly in prepared pan and set aside.
- Make crumb topping: In a separate bowl, combine remaining 2 1/2 cups flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour melted butter over and toss gently with a rubber spatula until large crumbs form.
- Top and bake: Sprinkle crumb mixture evenly over the batter. Bake for about 20 minutes total, rotating pan after 10 minutes. Cake is done when a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and cut into 3-inch squares.

Recipe Tips
- Why is my crumb topping dry? Make sure to toss the butter with the topping mixture gently—don’t overmix or the crumbs will be too fine.
- Can I add fruit? Yes, a layer of thinly sliced apples or berries under the crumbs works great.
- How do I know when it’s baked? The crumbs should be golden and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Can I use a different oil? Yes, vegetable oil or melted butter can be substituted for canola.
- How to keep crumbs from sinking: Press the topping gently into the batter before baking.
What To Serve With Crumb Cake
This soft and sweet coffee cake pairs perfectly with:
- A cup of coffee or tea
- Vanilla yogurt
- Fresh fruit
- A glass of cold milk
- A drizzle of maple syrup

How To Store Crumb Cake
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Rewarm before serving.
Freeze: Wrap slices individually and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw and dust with sugar before serving.
Crumb Cake Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 410
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Sugar: 24g
- Protein: 4g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, double and bake in two pans or a large sheet pan.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Partially, yes—replace up to half the all-purpose flour for a heartier texture.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use a plant-based milk and vegan butter substitute.
Can I skip the dusting sugar?
Yes, the cake is sweet enough on its own.
How do I keep the crumbs from getting soggy?
Cool the cake completely before covering or storing.
Try More Recipes:
Martha Stewart Crumb Cake
Description
A soft vanilla cake topped with a buttery cinnamon crumb—perfect for breakfast or desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Oil and flour a 9×12.5-inch pan.
- Sift 1 1/2 cups flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk egg, milk, oil, and vanilla in another bowl.
- Fold dry mix into wet and spread in pan.
- Mix 2 1/2 cups flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Toss with melted butter to form crumbs.
- Sprinkle over batter. Bake for about 20 minutes, rotating halfway.
- Cool completely. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and cut into squares.
