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Nutmeg Crumb Cake

3.8

(23)

This is a variation on a cake that my mother makes for both dessert and breakfast. The original recipe used a couple of bowls and a mixer, but I've developed a quick saucepan method, and even my mother says it has the same moist, tender texture and flavor.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup buttermilk or plain yogurt
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg yolk

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Coat an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick oil spray.

    Step 2

    Melt the butter in a medium saucepan or in a mixing bowl in a microwave oven.Stir in the flour, brown sugar, and nutmeg until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Measure out and reserve 1/2 cup of the crumbs.

    Step 3

    In a small bowl, whisk the baking soda into the buttermilk or yogurt, then whisk in the vanilla and egg yolk. Stir the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients. Spread the batter evenly in the pan, then sprinkle with the reserved 1/2 cup crumbs.

    Step 4

    Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature on the day of baking. (The cake may be covered and frozen for up to 1 month.)

Reprinted with permission from Short & Sweet, by Melanie Barnard. © 1999 Houghton Mifflin _ _
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