New Jersey Crumb Coffee Cake

 

Ingredients

• For the topping:
  • 2 cups packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) melted butter, plus more if needed
  • 3 cups cake flour
• For the cake:
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cups (1½ sticks) softened butter
  • 1½ cups sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1¼ cups buttermilk
  • 1½ teaspoons vanilla
  • ½ cup powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Make the topping:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cake flour.
   • Add the melted butter and work it into the flour mixture with a pastry cutter or fork until coarse crumbs form.
   • Squeeze a handful of the topping into your hand. If it doesn't clump together, add a little more melted butter until it does. Set aside.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
3. Make the cake:
   • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
   • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light.
   • Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla.
   • Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three alternating additions, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
5. Crumble the topping over the batter, covering it with a thick layer.
6. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
7. Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before dusting it with powdered sugar and cutting it into squares to serve.

Tips

• For a tender crumb topping, use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• To make your own buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Don't overmix the batter, as this can make the cake tough.
• Be sure to cool the cake completely before dusting it with powdered sugar, as a warm cake will melt the sugar.

I hope this helps!