Woman's Day Cardamom Crumb Cake

That's what I'm saying! From the January 2007 issue. (FYI: I find that a small jar of espresso powder is usually cheaper at the Mexican markets.)

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• CRUMBS

• 1⁄2 cup unbleached white flour
• 1⁄2 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1  tablespoon  finely grated orange zest
• 1⁄2 teaspoon instant espresso powder
• 1⁄8 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter, softened, cut into 8 pieces

• CAKE

• 2  cups unbleached flour
• 2  teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1⁄4 teaspoons ground cardamom
• 1  teaspoon instant espresso powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 2⁄3 cup sugar
• 2  tablespoons orange zest, finely grated
• 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, melted then cooled
• 2  large eggs
• 1⁄2 cup  whole milk
• 1⁄2 cup  strong coffee, cooled
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (NOT imitation)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Butter an 8 inch square oven proof baking pan. Dust with flour. Set aside.
2. CRUMBS: Mix all ingredients together *except* for the butter. Add butter, then using your fingers or pastry blender, blend in well until you have coarse crumbs.
3. CAKE: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cardamom, espresso powder and salt.
4. Place the sugar and orange zest in a small bowl and rub together with your fingers until mixture is evenly moist.
5. Transfer the sugar/zest mixture to the large bowl and whisk to blend ingredients.
6. In another mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, milk, coffee and vanilla extract. Pour over the flour mixture and *stir, NOT beat [just] until evenly moist*.
7. Scrape into prepared baking pan and top with even layer of crumbs. Pat the crumbs gently into the batter.
8. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean.
9. Cool in pan on wire rack. Can be served warm or at room temperature.