The Perfect New Jersey Crumb Buns: A Nostalgic Treat with Mile-High Crumbs
There’s something magical about biting into a proper New Jersey crumb bun. Unlike their sad imitators found elsewhere, authentic Garden State crumb buns boast an impressive crumb-to-cake ratio that will make your sweet tooth sing. If you’ve ever visited a classic New Jersey bakery, you know exactly what I’m talking about – those glorious squares topped with a mountain of buttery, cinnamon-scented crumbs that practically beg to be enjoyed with a strong cup of coffee.
Today, I’m sharing my favorite recipe for these beloved treats. What makes this recipe special is the perfect balance between the tender, slightly yeasty cake base and the abundant, melt-in-your-mouth crumb topping. Let’s dive in!
The Secret to Perfect Crumb Buns
The true star of any New Jersey crumb bun is, of course, the crumb topping. This recipe doesn’t skimp – we’re talking a seriously generous layer of those big, chunky crumbs that define this classic treat. The cake portion is intentionally modest, serving as the perfect foundation for the main attraction above.
Ingredients
For the Cake Base:
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 whole egg
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- ¾ teaspoon table salt
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
For the Crumb Topping:
- 18 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup dark brown sugar
- ¾ cup white sugar
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 cups cake flour
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Making the Cake Base
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine the flour, milk, sugar, egg, yeast, and salt. Stir briefly to incorporate all ingredients.
- Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed for about two minutes until the dough comes together.
- Add the butter one tablespoon at a time, waiting until each addition is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Once all the butter is incorporated, increase the mixer speed to medium-high and continue mixing for about six minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Transfer the dough to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to the edges.
- Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until noticeably puffy.
Creating the Perfect Crumb Topping
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, dark brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, and salt until well combined with no clumps. Some of the sugar should dissolve in the butter.
- Add the cake flour and stir until completely incorporated. The mixture will be quite thick.
- Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flour to fully hydrate.
Bringing It All Together
- Once the dough has risen, check if it has pulled away from the sides of the baking dish. If so, gently push it back using lightly floured fingertips.
- Take handfuls of the crumb topping mixture and break it into approximately ½-inch pieces, scattering them generously over the entire surface of the dough. Don’t be shy – pile those crumbs high!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the crumb buns to cool completely in the pan, which should take about three hours. (I know it’s hard to wait, but it’s worth it!)
- Once cooled, use two spatulas to carefully loosen the sides of the cake from the pan, then slide the spatulas underneath to lift the entire cake out.
- Cut into 12 generous pieces, separate them slightly, and dust liberally with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh strainer.
The Joy of Fresh Crumb Buns
There’s something deeply satisfying about pulling these crumb buns out of the oven. As they cool, your kitchen will fill with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and butter – a scent that instantly transports many New Jerseyans back to childhood bakery visits.
While these buns are at their absolute best on the day they’re made, they’ll keep at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. Just give them a fresh dusting of powdered sugar before serving if they’ve been stored.
Pair your crumb bun with a cup of strong coffee or tea, and you’ve got yourself a little slice of Garden State heaven right in your own home. Enjoy!
Hamilton Beach Food Processor & Vegetable Chopper for Slicing, Shredding, Mincing, and Puree, 10 Cups + Easy Clean Bowl Scraper, Black and Stainless Steel (70730)
$54.99 (as of March 8, 2025 15:03 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Hamilton Beach Food Processor & Vegetable Chopper for Slicing, Shredding, Mincing, and Puree, 10 Cups + Easy Clean Bowl Scraper, White and Stainless Steel (70733)
$54.99 (as of March 8, 2025 20:53 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
