Raspberry Crumb Cake: A Sweet, Spiced Delight Perfect for Buffets and Gatherings
This Raspberry Crumb Cake is a dessert that beautifully combines the warmth of cinnamon and mace with the tartness of fresh and frozen raspberries, creating a treat that will be the star of any buffet. The cake’s crunchy almond topping and tender, cinnamon-infused crumb base make each bite utterly irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering, a special occasion, or a casual afternoon tea, this cake brings a touch of homemade charm and indulgence that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients and Nutritional Information
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 2/3 cup |
| Cornstarch | 1/4 cup |
| Water | 3/4 cup |
| Fresh raspberries | 2 cups |
| Frozen unsweetened raspberries | 1 cup |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Ground mace | 1/4 tsp |
| Butter (or margarine) | 1 cup (softened) |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| All-purpose flour (for topping) | 1/4 cup |
| Sugar (for topping) | 1/4 cup |
| Butter (for topping) | 1/4 cup (cold) |
| Sliced almonds (for topping) | 1/2 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 501.8 kcal |
| Fat Content | 22.2 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 13 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 88.9 mg |
| Sodium Content | 444 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 70.8 g |
| Fiber Content | 2.7 g |
| Sugar Content | 37.3 g |
| Protein Content | 6.4 g |
Instructions
Preparing the Raspberry Filling
- Cook the Raspberry Filling: Start by placing the sugar, cornstarch, and water in a medium saucepan. Stir these ingredients together over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Boil and Thicken: Add the fresh raspberries and frozen unsweetened raspberries to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Let it boil for about 5 minutes or until the filling has thickened to a nice, syrupy consistency.
- Add Lemon Juice: Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in lemon juice. Set the filling aside to cool while you prepare the crust and topping.
Making the Crust and Cake
- Prepare the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of sugar, baking powder, salt, 1 tsp of cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp of ground mace. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Incorporate the Butter: Cut the softened butter into small cubes and add it to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Pour this egg mixture into the crumb mixture and stir well until everything is combined and the dough holds together.
Assembling the Cake
- Layer the Crust: Lightly grease a 13x9x2-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the dish, spreading it evenly to form the crust layer.
- Add the Raspberry Filling: Spoon the cooled raspberry filling over the crust, leaving about 1 inch of space around the edges of the pan.
- Top with the Remaining Crust: Crumble the remaining crumb mixture over the raspberry filling, creating an even layer of crumbs on top.
Preparing the Topping
- Make the Almond Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, and the cold butter. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly. Stir in the sliced almonds.
- Top the Cake: Sprinkle the almond topping evenly over the cake, ensuring the almonds are spread out across the surface.
Baking the Cake
- Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the prepared cake in the oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy this delightful raspberry crumb cake with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect treat.
Why You’ll Love This Raspberry Crumb Cake
This cake is the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and savory flavors. The raspberry filling offers a burst of fruity goodness, while the spiced crumb cake creates a warm, comforting base. Topped with a crunchy almond topping, this cake offers layers of texture that make each bite exciting.
Ideal for any occasion, this cake also stores well in an airtight container, making it easy to enjoy later or share with loved ones. Whether you’re looking for a treat to brighten up your buffet spread or a homey dessert to impress at a gathering, the Raspberry Crumb Cake is sure to become a favorite.
