Vanilla Nut Crumble Cake

Name: Vanilla Nut Crumble Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup chopped mixed nuts (walnuts and almonds); ¼ cup brown sugar; ¼ teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love baking, and my Vanilla Nut Crumble Cake is among my favorite creations! Every time I make it, the warm aroma of vanilla and toasted nuts fills my kitchen, making it a delightful experience. This cake isn't just about taste; the crumble topping adds an irresistible crunch that complements the soft, fluffy cake perfectly. Whether it's for a family gathering or a cozy evening at home, this cake never fails to impress. Plus, it's simple to make, which is a bonus when you want to whip up something special without too much fuss.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-02-09T17:09:27.498Z

Baking the Vanilla Nut Crumble Cake was a delightful journey for me. I chose high-quality vanilla extract and a mix of nuts that I had on hand, such as walnuts and almonds. Combining these ingredients creates a depth of flavor that elevates the cake. What worked wonders for this recipe was understanding the importance of toasting the nuts before adding them to the crumble topping; this simple step intensifies their flavor and adds a lovely crunch.

During my baking experiments, I learned that letting the cake cool slightly before serving enhances its texture. I often pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, which brings the entire dessert together. It's a treat that never goes unnoticed, and each bite feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The harmonious blend of vanilla and toasted nuts creates a magical flavor.
The crumble topping adds a delightful crunch that elevates each bite.
Perfect for gatherings, this cake is sure to impress friends and family.

Mastering the Batter

When preparing the cake batter for the Vanilla Nut Crumble Cake, it's crucial to achieve a smooth consistency. Start by ensuring your butter is adequately softened; it should be creamy but not melted. Creaming butter and sugar together for about 3-5 minutes will introduce enough air into the mixture, resulting in a light, fluffy cake. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well so that each egg is fully incorporated before the next addition.

Make sure to sift your dry ingredients like flour and baking powder prior to adding them to the wet mixture. This ensures an even distribution of leavening agents and prevents clumping. You’ll know your batter is ready when it appears glossy and slightly thick, which will help it hold up to the crumble topping after baking.

The Perfect Crumble Topping

The crumble topping is what elevates this cake to another level. For the best texture, use a combination of walnuts and almonds, finely chopped to distribute their flavor throughout the topping. The nuts should be fresh to provide that desirable crunch; stale nuts can turn chewy during baking. The addition of cinnamon not only enhances the flavor but also complements the vanilla beautifully.

Drizzling melted butter over the dry crumble ingredients is critical to achieving the right crumbly texture. Avoid overmixing; you want the mixture to hold together in some spots while remaining loose in others. This creates those delightful bits of crunch on top, which contrast perfectly with the soft cake underneath.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Vanilla Nut Crumble Cake

Cake Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt

Crumble Topping Ingredients

½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup chopped mixed nuts (walnuts and almonds)
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Make sure to measure the ingredients accurately for the best results.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate the vanilla extract, baking powder, flour, and salt until smooth.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes.

Prepare the Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, chopped nuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle with melted butter and mix until crumbly.

Add the Crumble Topping

After the cake has baked for 25 minutes, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the surface. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes.

Cool and Serve

Once done, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm, optionally topped with ice cream.

Enjoy your delicious Vanilla Nut Crumble Cake!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider using different nuts or adding chocolate chips to the batter.

Flavor Variations

While this Vanilla Nut Crumble Cake perfectly showcases the delightful flavors of vanilla and nuts, feel free to explore other variations. For a fruity twist, try adding 1 cup of fresh blueberries or sliced strawberries into the batter before baking. This addition will not only enhance the flavor but also provide a visually appealing contrast with the golden cake and crumble topping.

Alternatively, if you're in the mood for chocolate, switch out a portion of the flour—1/4 cup—for cocoa powder to introduce a rich chocolate flavor. This pairs exceptionally well with the nuts and will undoubtedly please chocolate lovers.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you're planning to make the cake ahead of time, it stores beautifully. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, preserving its softness.

For longer storage, consider freezing the unfrosted cake. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving, and add the crumble topping fresh for a perfect texture on serving day.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different nuts for the crumble topping?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite nuts for a personalized touch.

→ How do I store leftover cake?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the Vanilla Nut Crumble Cake?

Yes! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

→ What can I serve with this cake?

This cake pairs beautifully with freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.