Here’s a guide for Crumb Cake and Babka — two beloved baked treats with rich flavors and comforting textures.
🍰 Classic Crumb Cake
Serves: 8–10
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Cake:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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¼ tsp salt
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup sour cream or yogurt
For the Crumb Topping:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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½ cup brown sugar
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1 tsp cinnamon
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¼ tsp salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Instructions
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Preheat oven: 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan.
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Make crumb topping: Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Set aside.
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Make cake batter: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, then mix in sour cream. Gradually add dry ingredients until combined.
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Assemble: Pour batter into pan and sprinkle crumb topping evenly.
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Bake: 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before slicing.
🍫 Chocolate Babka
Serves: 8
Prep Time: 30 minutes + rising time
Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Dough:
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4 cups all-purpose flour
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½ cup granulated sugar
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2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
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½ tsp salt
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½ cup milk, warm
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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2 eggs
For the Filling:
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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½ cup brown sugar
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½ cup cocoa powder
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Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips
For the Syrup (optional, for shine):
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½ cup water
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¼ cup sugar
Instructions
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Make the dough:
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Dissolve yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes.
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Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add eggs, butter, and yeast mixture. Knead until smooth. Let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
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Prepare filling:
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Mix melted butter, brown sugar, cocoa, and chocolate chips.
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Assemble babka:
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Roll dough into a rectangle (~12×16 inches). Spread filling evenly. Roll tightly from long edge. Slice in half lengthwise and twist the two strands together. Place in greased loaf pan.
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Second rise: 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Bake: 35–40 minutes until golden.
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Optional syrup: Boil sugar and water for 2–3 minutes. Brush over hot babka for shine and sweetness.
Tips & Variations
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Crumb cake: Add fruit like blueberries or apples for extra flavor.
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Babka: Try cinnamon, nut, or pistachio fillings instead of chocolate.
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Both: Make ahead and freeze; warm slices taste freshly baked.
If you want, I can also give a simpler one-bowl crumb cake and a quick babka in a skillet version — easier for weeknight baking. Do you want me to do that?
