Can’t figure out what to stir up for your furry Lapp pals in Scandinivia? Too hot to think in Equatorial Guinea about dessert? Your troubles are over. Here’s a cake for all seasons, fit for every occasion and universal in its taste. The beauty of this cake, apart from the fact it’s pretty and sweetened to perfection, is that it will take exactly the same amount of time to put together as much your oven will take to heat up. This is one of those cakes that is unfussy about its ingredients and comes with a promise of being put together with everything that’s already in your pantry.
My version uses a cranberry and blueberry jam but the next time I’d like to try this with a homemade peach or perhaps a peanut butter and jam layer. A perfect breakfast. Or late night dinner. Pair it with tea. Or coffee or a frosty mochacino. Or Vodka. Whatever you choose, you’ll be happy to have tried it.
Over to the recipe: Soft vanilla cake with a pretty layer of jam and finally finished off with a cinnamon scented topping.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- Cooking spray
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour (about 5½ ounces)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup jam (I used cranberry and blueberry)
- To prepare crumb topping: lightly spoon ¼ cup flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in 2 tablespoons butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse meal; set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- To prepare cake: lightly coat an 8-inch springform pan with cooking spray; set aside. Lightly spoon 1¼ cups flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl; set aside.
- Combine powdered sugar and ¼ cup butter in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended (about 2 minutes). Add vanilla and egg; beat 2 minutes. Add buttermilk to sugar mixture, and beat 2 minutes.
- Add half of flour mixture to sugar mixture; stir until smooth. Add remaining flour mixture, and stir just until combined.
- Spoon half of batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Top with strawberry spread. Spoon remaining batter over strawberry layer, spreading evenly. Sprinkle reserved crumb topping evenly over batter. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pan on a wire rack; remove from pan. Cool completely on wire rack.
Happy Baking!
This looks so good! I like the sound of the peanut butter and jam version!
Crumb cake is one of those treats I enjoy on a lazy weekend morning. Adding jam inside is a great idea. This looks fantastic. I wish the weekend was a bit closer.
Yum, this looks perfect for any occasion. You’re right, it can be changed up an infinite number of ways, I would love to try it with the quince jam I made last fall!
This looks super delicious! I want a slice with my cup of coffee RIGHT now.
Wonderful simple recipe! Haveing it as PB & J sounds yummy!!
All I saw were the words jam and cake and I had to come running over here! YUM!
Delicious combination of textures: the crunchy crumble and the tender juicy filling, perfect with a cup of tea ;-D
Happy #berrylove, Anuradha!
Looks so scrumptious. I saw another version of this in the BBC GFG ‘s issue this month. I had it bookmarked. I have to try this.
Yes please! I love jam, I put it on all sorts of things so I am sure I would love this
I really like this. I’m pinning and bookmarking. I want to try it. Nicely done!
Wonderful buttermilk cake with cinnamon flavoured streusel…oh man..writing that has already made me salivate…
Haha, I’ll have mine with vodka. Very nice recipe, I could see this adapt easily.
Sometimes I do crave for a snack cake like this. Not a slice of a big fancy layered cake and not a bready coffee cake..so this is just the ticket! I like that it has just a touch of jam and a crumb coating, light flavors but not overbearing which means the cake part can really shine! Delicious post.
Oh my gosh this cake does look like it would end all of my troubles – it is superb :)
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
pining it, loving it, wanting it, craving it!
This looks perfect with a cup of tea! Another recipe I have to try…
Now this recipe excites me a lot! I’m gonna have to make it this coming weekend for sure.
Yes! I love crumb cakes & I love jam! This is a winning combination for me! It looks sooo delicious!! I actually don’t think I’ve ever had blueberry jam but it sounds incredible so clearly I’m going to have to go find it tonight. :) Yum!
I’d eat this for breakfast, snack and lunch!
What a tasty looking crumb cake. The jam filling must add a nice touch!
You had me at crumb topping…
That does look perfect! Beautiful job :)
I could down a 3-4 of these cake squares with Coffee and Mochacino.
Everything you make is so good! Nom Nom Nom!
mmmm…this sounds incredible. Love the cinnamon crumbly topping.
Hi Anuradha,
OMG, how gorgeous is this cake? Love it. I love the cranberry and blueberry jam used here. It’s late night here and I am craving this cake. I know I cannot get it so looks like I will have settle for some Kit-Kat from my pantry.
Mmmmm, crumb cake is such a comforting treat to me. Filled with jam – especially cranberry- it has to be good!
This cake looks excellent! Love the jam in the middle!
great idea for a quick breakfast..or snack!
Oh wow, this looks amazing! I love crumb cakes, they’re easy and simple to make, like you said. The jam is a great idea to add to an already delicious cake. I love the idea of adding peanut butter to it too, I’m a PB addict! Great recipe, hope you have a wonderful rest of your week :)
Perfect little light cake for tea time. I love the crumbs on top! Your choice of cranberry and blueberry sounds perfect for my kind of cake! :-)
Beautiful crumb cake!So delicious with the jam in there!Perfect with my cup of tea :)I need a slice right now :)
This sounds perfect in the morning with a cup of java. Love the cranberry jam or any jam for that matter. Lovely.
The cake sounds like a must have from looking at those delicious photos! :D
This looks AMAZING. I love crumbs and I love jam.
Ummm…I think that with blueberry jam this cake should be wonderful, as it looks in the picture. This should be a must for a perfect tea time.
By the way, there is an ward waiting for you, it’s my waay to say thanks for all your dedication: http://mividaenundulce.wordpress.com/2012/04/05/tengo-un-versatile-blogger-award/
Ooooh! Crumb cake. This would be perfect with my morning tea!
looks great! Have a great weekend and Happy Easter!
Mmmm, jammy, crumby cake. Delicious!
Crumb cake and jam together are perfect for with a cup of coffee or tea. I would like a piece for breakfast now.. HAve a great weekend!
Mmmm fantastic texture! Such a lovely breakfast food, accompanied by a cup of coffee or tea. The jam filling is really the kicker though – creative and delicious!
I can’t think of another adjective that hasn’t already been said. I absolutely love dropping in to see what you’ve baked up. I think the jam in the middle makes it more homey. Excellent!
Those opening lines of the post made me laugh! This cake looks seriously fantastic–I am having a tea in a few weeks and am bookmarking this to make it.
That crumb topping gets me every time! Yum.
Breakfast or dessert – sounds great for either one. I love jams in cake and your idea of peanut butter and jam sounds even better!
How did I miss this MIss. Fifi?! That slice looks so perfect and the jam peeping through it. Missing talking to you!
Oh, I love the looks of this! And so many options with different jams and marmalades :)
Sounds like a perfect midnight snack to me! I love the addition of ground ginger:-) Hugs, Terra
I am loving that layer of jam in the cake. Such a nice thing to enjoy in each and every bite!!
Gorgeous! I just made homemade strawberry balsamic jam last night so I’m sure it’ll go really well with this cake :)
I can totally see this w/ a great cup of coffee! YUMM!!!
oh yum, how fantastic does that look? i could definitely go for a slice with my afternoon tea!
I do love crumb cakes and this one looks fantastic!
Hi. I’m stopping by to give you the versatile blogger award. I love your blog and all of the delicious, sweet treats you post. Muffin Monday is my fav. Thanks for sharing.
Aw.. Thanks Jennie! You’re too sweet. xx
It is a rainy Sunday morning here and I can’t tell you what I wouldn’t give for a slice of that crumb cake to go with my coffee. Love it!!