Crumb Buns Recipe: A Delicious, Fluffy Dessert with a Sweet Crumb Topping

If you’re a fan of baked goods with a sweet, buttery crumb topping, then Crumb Buns are exactly what you need. This classic treat features a soft, slightly sweet cake base topped with a deliciously buttery crumb layer. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee. The crumb topping gives it an irresistible texture, while the light, fluffy cake beneath balances the richness.

In case you’re looking for more inspiration for baked goods with similar crumbly toppings, check out Crumb Cake Recipes: A Sweet Tradition and How to Make the Perfect Cake for Every Occasion.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Crumb Buns Recipe: Delicious, Fluffy, and Perfectly Sweet

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Crumb buns are a delightful, sweet treat, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack with a cup of coffee. This recipe features a soft, yeasted cake base topped with a generous layer of buttery, cinnamon-laden crumbs, creating a perfect balance of texture and sweetness. The cake is rich and fluffy, and the topping is irresistibly crumbly. A dusting of powdered sugar gives it a polished finish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cake:

• Cooking spray (for greasing the pan)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (9 ounces; 256 g)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (1 3/4 ounces; 50 g)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons instant or rapid-rise yeast
• 3/4 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (for table salt, use half as much by volume)
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest (optional)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) warm whole milk (110-120°F)
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 3 pieces, softened (42 g)

For the Crumb Topping:

• 3 sticks unsalted butter, softened (24 tablespoons; 339 g)
• 1 1/2 cups packed light or dark brown sugar (11 1/4 ounces; 320 g)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (10 1/2 ounces; 300 g)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (15 3/4 ounces; 455 g)

For Dusting:

• Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting the top)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake:

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan with cooking spray.
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, salt, and lemon zest (if using).
   • In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, egg, and softened butter. Stir to combine.
   • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it is smooth and manageable.
   • Transfer the dough into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let it rise for about 45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.

2. Make the Crumb Topping:

   • While the dough is rising, make the crumb topping. In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to blend the ingredients together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.

3. Assemble and Bake:

   • Once the dough has risen, gently press the crumb topping over the entire surface of the dough, creating an even layer of crumbs.
   • Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (you may hit some crumbs, but no raw dough should remain).
   • Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

4. Finish the Cake:

   • Once the crumb buns have cooled slightly, dust the top with a light layer of confectioners’ sugar for a finishing touch.
   • Slice into squares or wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Yeast Type: Make sure to use instant or rapid-rise yeast, as it helps the dough rise quickly.

Topping Tip: For a crunchier topping, consider baking for an additional 5 minutes or so, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 45 minutes for rising)
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/12 of the cake)
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 40g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: Crumb Buns Recipe

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Base

1. Grease the Pan: Start by lightly greasing a 9-inch round or square cake pan with cooking spray. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal of the cake.
2. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm whole milk (110-120°F) with the granulated sugar. Sprinkle the instant yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes bubbly and frothy.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and optional grated lemon zest.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients: Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add the egg and softened butter to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough seems too sticky, add a small amount of flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
6. Knead and Rise: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-8 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Crumb Topping

1. Make the Crumb Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and all-purpose flour. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture forms large, crumbly pieces. You can also use a stand mixer on low speed to achieve this texture.

Assemble the Buns

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and spread it out evenly, pressing it into the edges of the pan. If you’re using a round pan, just press it into a flat, even layer.
3. Top with Crumbs: Generously sprinkle the crumb topping over the dough, covering it evenly with the buttery crumbs.

Bake the Crumb Buns

1. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
2. Cool and Dust: Let the crumb buns cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust the tops with confectioners’ sugar for a lovely finishing touch.

Advanced Techniques

1. Adding Fruit to the Cake

For an extra burst of flavor, try adding fresh fruit to the cake before baking. Raspberries, blueberries, or sliced peaches would pair wonderfully with the rich crumb topping. Gently fold the fruit into the dough after mixing, being careful not to deflate the air in the dough.

2. Flavor Variations for the Crumb Topping

While cinnamon is the classic choice for the crumb topping, you can experiment with other spices to change the flavor profile. Consider adding nutmeg, allspice, or even cardamom for a unique twist. Alternatively, you can add some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crumbs for extra texture and flavor.

3. Make Ahead

This recipe can be made ahead for convenience. After assembling the cake and adding the crumb topping, cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature before baking as usual.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

1. Storing Leftover Crumb Buns

If you have leftovers, store the Crumb Buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay soft and delicious!

2. Freezing Crumb Buns

For longer storage, you can freeze the Crumb Buns once cooled. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a resealable freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, just microwave or warm in the oven for a few minutes.

3. Keeping the Crumb Topping Crisp

To keep the crumb topping crispy, it’s best to bake the buns fresh rather than reheating leftover buns. If you must reheat them, do so in an oven to maintain the texture of the crumb topping.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

1. Dairy-Free Crumb Buns

To make Crumb Buns dairy-free, substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free butter or margarine. Additionally, use a non-dairy milk, such as almond milk or oat milk, to replace the whole milk.

2. Gluten-Free Option

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to also use a gluten-free instant yeast to ensure the buns rise properly.

3. Reducing Sugar

If you’re looking to reduce sugar, try cutting the amount of granulated sugar in both the cake and crumb topping by 1/4 cup. You can also opt for a sugar substitute like Stevia or Erythritol, though this may affect the texture and flavor slightly.

FAQs About The Recipe

1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast, but you will need to activate it in warm water with sugar first. Instant yeast doesn’t require this step.

2. Can I freeze the unbaked crumb buns?

Yes, you can freeze the dough after it has risen. Simply assemble the cake and crumb topping, then cover and freeze. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

3. How do I get the crumb topping to stay on top of the cake?

Ensure the crumb topping is generously applied and slightly pressed down onto the dough before baking. The topping will naturally adhere as it bakes.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Crumb Buns are a delicious, comforting treat perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed with your morning coffee or as a sweet afternoon snack, these buns will quickly become a family favorite. With a soft, lightly sweet cake base and a rich, buttery crumb topping, it’s a dessert that combines simplicity and indulgence in every bite.