Vanilla Nut Crumble Cake

Name: Vanilla Nut Crumble Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ cup milk; ¾ cup chopped mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans); ¼ cup brown sugar; ½ tablespoon cinnamon; 2 tablespoons melted butter; ½ cup all-purpose flour

Highlighted under: Cozy Meal Favorites

I love sinking my fork into a slice of Vanilla Nut Crumble Cake. The moist vanilla-infused cake combined with a crunchy nut topping creates a delightful contrast that excites my taste buds. This dessert is perfect for cozy gatherings or a quiet afternoon treat with a cup of tea. The aroma wafting through the kitchen as it bakes is simply irresistible. With just a handful of ingredients, I whip this cake up effortlessly, making it a quick and rewarding culinary adventure for anyone who tries it.

Created by

Noah

Last updated on 2026-02-09T16:02:27.334Z

When I first created the Vanilla Nut Crumble Cake, I was inspired by the textures and flavors that I love. The combination of a soft vanilla cake with a crunchy nut topping not only tantalizes the palate but also offers a beautiful presentation. I discovered that by using roasted nuts, the flavors deepen, making every bite an indulgence of rich goodness.

What's truly special about this recipe is the simplicity involved. I find that letting the cake cool slightly before serving enhances its flavor profile, allowing the vanilla and nutty aromas to fully develop. It’s these little tips that turn a good cake into a great one and elevate it for any occasion.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich vanilla aroma that fills your kitchen
A perfect balance of moist cake and crunchy nuts
Easily adaptable with your favorite nuts or spices

Understanding Texture and Flavor

The secret to achieving that moist cake texture lies in the balance of wet and dry ingredients. The combination of softened butter and sugar not only adds sweetness but also incorporates air, which helps create a lighter cake. Ensuring that you beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes—is crucial for the right texture. Additionally, adding the eggs one at a time allows for better emulsification, further enhancing the cake's structure.

Using high-quality vanilla extract makes a noticeable difference in flavor. Vanilla is often the star of the show in this cake, so choose a pure vanilla extract for its rich, aromatic profile. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even substitute almond extract for a different, nutty layer of flavor that complements the nuts in the crumble topping.

Perfecting the Crumble Topping

The crumble topping is where the magic happens, providing a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the moist cake underneath. When mixing the nuts with brown sugar and cinnamon, be sure to chop the nuts finely but not too small; this ensures they hold their crunch and provide texture without overwhelming each bite. If you want to experiment, try using flavored nuts like honey-roasted almonds for an additional layer of flavor.

For best results, combining the crumble topping ingredients until they resemble wet sand creates clumps that will bake into a perfect crunchy top. If your topping seems too dry, add a little more melted butter; conversely, if it’s too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour until you reach the desired consistency.

Ingredients

For the Cake

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

For the Crumble Topping

¾ cup chopped mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans)
¼ cup brown sugar
½ tablespoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons melted butter
½ cup all-purpose flour

Combine ingredients in a mixing bowl and set aside.

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pan

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.

Prepare the Crumble Topping

In a small bowl, mix the nuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and flour until combined and crumbly.

Pour and Top

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the top.

Bake the Cake

Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Slice and serve with your favorite beverage.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a hint of almond extract to the cake batter or drizzling some chocolate over the top before serving.

Storage Tips

Once baked, let the Vanilla Nut Crumble Cake cool completely before storing. This helps maintain its moistness. For short-term storage, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, I recommend refrigerating it; it can last up to a week that way. Just make sure to allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze the cake. Slice it first, then wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top bag. This way, you can take out one slice at a time for a quick treat! The cake can last in the freezer for up to 3 months—just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Feel free to mix and match the nuts in the crumble topping based on your preferences. For instance, adding some dried fruits like raisins or cranberries can lend a chewier texture and a pop of tartness that balances the cake's sweetness perfectly. If you prefer a touch of spice, consider mixing in a pinch of nutmeg or swapping the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice.

Serving suggestions can elevate this cake to a whole new level. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar can make it visually appealing, while pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures. Serve it warm for a cozy experience or at room temperature for a casual afternoon treat with tea or coffee.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different nuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any nuts you prefer or have on hand, such as hazelnuts or peanuts.

→ How do I store leftover cake?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with this cake?

This cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.