Crumb cake bars Recipe

If you’ve been hunting for that perfect balance of soft, moist cake topped with a buttery, crunchy crumb, then these Crumb cake bars are exactly what your dessert dreams are made of. Imagine a tender base with a subtle tang from sour cream, generously covered with a cinnamon-kissed crumb topping that practically melts in your mouth. They’re easy to slice into bars, perfect for sharing or savoring with a cup of coffee any time of day. Whether for a casual get-together or just a cozy treat at home, Crumb cake bars deliver the comfort and joy of a classic crumb cake in a simple, approachable format.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are refreshingly straightforward, yet each plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make Crumb cake bars so irresistible. From the creamy tang of sour cream to the spicy warmth of cinnamon in the crumb topping, every element contributes to the cake’s moistness and crumbly golden finish.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cake, ensuring it holds together perfectly as bars.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake base just right without overpowering the other flavors.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture, making the crumb cake bars tender.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise softly for a light texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to achieve the ideal crumb softness.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the depth of flavor.
• 1 cup sour cream: Gives the cake a slight tang and keeps it moist and tender.
• 1 large egg: Binds all ingredients together and adds a bit of richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the batter with warmth and aroma.
• 1 cup brown sugar: Sweetens the crumb topping while adding a hint of molasses flavor.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Spices up the crumb, creating that signature cozy taste.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed: Essential for the crumb’s flaky, buttery texture.

How to Make Crumb cake bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s ready to bake your crumb cake bars to perfection. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This mix forms the foundation of your crumb cake bars, blending the leavening agents with the flour for lightness in every bite.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the sour cream, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth and fully incorporated. This mixture brings moisture and richness, essential for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 4: Make the Cake Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix! The batter will be thick but spreadable, ready to form the soft cake layer beneath your crumb topping.

Step 5: Prepare the Crumb Topping

In another bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon; this is the flavor-packed magic dust. Add the chilled, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture turns crumbly. These crumbs will bake into the golden, buttery topping that makes these bars so special.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the surface, making sure every bit of batter beneath gets covered. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean. Let the bars cool before slicing to get clean, beautiful pieces.

How to Serve Crumb cake bars

Garnishes

Serving Crumb cake bars can become an art form with simple garnishes like a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of vanilla glaze. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream add freshness and a creamy counterpoint to the buttery topping. These little accents can elevate your crumb cake bars for special occasions or just a cozy weekend treat.

Side Dishes

Crumb cake bars pair beautifully with hot beverages such as coffee, chai tea, or a creamy latte. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or a bowl of yogurt to balance the richness. The combination creates a well-rounded experience that’s both satisfying and comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the crumb cake bars into small squares and placing them on a wooden board for a rustic look at gatherings. You can also layer them in a trifle dish with whipped cream and fruit for a stunning dessert that everyone will talk about. Wrapping bars individually in parchment paper with a twine bow makes for a charming edible gift!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover Crumb cake bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the crumb topping pleasantly crisp without drying out the cake beneath. For longer freshness, transferring the container to the refrigerator is a good option.

Freezing

Crumb cake bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a resealable freezer bag. When you want a slice, thaw them at room temperature or warm gently in the oven for that freshly baked feel.

Reheating

Warm up crumb cake bars in a preheated 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to revive the crispness of the topping and the softness underneath. Microwaving is possible but may soften the crumb, so use the oven method for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt can be swapped in equal amounts and will provide similar moisture and tang. Just be sure to use plain, full-fat Greek yogurt for the best results.

Are Crumb cake bars gluten-free friendly?

The base recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but be mindful of possible textural differences in the bars.

Can I make the crumb topping ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the crumb topping and keep it chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This helps keep the butter firm, which creates the best crumbly texture during baking.

How do I know when Crumb cake bars are done?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The crumb topping should be golden brown and crisp.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely. Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans mixed into the crumb topping add delightful crunch and flavor. You could also sprinkle in chocolate chips or dried fruit for a fun twist.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about Crumb cake bars—the way the soft, tangy cake base meets that irresistibly buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumb topping feels like a warm hug in dessert form. They’re straightforward to make, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for sharing or savoring solo with a cup of your favorite drink. I can’t wait for you to try these crumb cake bars and make them a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.

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