New York-Style Crumb Cake – Classic Comfort with a Light Touch

Sink your fork into a slice of this tender, buttery New York-Style Crumb Cake, topped with a thick layer of golden, cinnamon-spiced crumbs. This lighter version captures all the nostalgia of a classic bakery treat—moist vanilla cake base and generous crumb topping—while keeping things a little more balanced for everyday enjoyment. It’s perfect with your morning coffee, for brunch, or as a cozy afternoon snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bakery-Worthy Crumb – Thick, cinnamon-sugar streusel topping just like the classic version.
Soft and Moist Cake – Tender vanilla cake that melts in your mouth.
Portion Friendly – Made to satisfy your craving without going overboard.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and maximum reward.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ¼ cup low-fat Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup low-fat milk

For the Crumb Topping:

• ½ cup flour
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp light butter or margarine, melted
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Make the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir in the melted butter until crumbly. Set aside.

3. Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together applesauce, yogurt, sugar, egg, vanilla, and milk. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

4. Assemble the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the batter.

5. Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 165
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Sugar: 12g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overmix – Fold batter gently for a soft, tender crumb.
• Let It Cool – Cooling slightly before serving helps the flavors settle and crumb set.
• Add a Touch of Texture – Mix a few chopped walnuts or oats into the topping for crunch.

This New York-Style Crumb Cake is a delightful twist on the classic, balancing rich flavor with a lighter touch. Whether you’re savoring it slowly with a warm drink or serving it up for brunch, it’s the kind of treat that feels indulgent without being over-the-top.