Brown Sugar Crumb Cake

 

From Diana Rattray,

Your Guide to Southern U.S. Cuisine.

 

INGREDIENTS:

 

    * 2 cups brown sugar, packed

    * 2 cups all-purpose flour

    * 4 ounces butter, cold, cut in pieces

    * 1/8 teaspoon salt

    * 1 cup buttermilk or sour milk

    * 1 large egg

    * 1 teaspoon baking soda

    * 1 teaspoon baking powder

    * 1 teaspoon vanilla

    * 1/2 cup chopped pecans, optional

 

PREPARATION:

Heat oven to 350°. Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan.

Combine brown sugar, flour, and salt in a mixing bowl; cut in butter until the mixture is like coarse crumbs. Reserve 1 scant cup of crumbs and set aside.

Combine remaining ingredients and whisk until smooth; stir into the remaining crumbs in bowl. Spread in prepared baking pan. If desired, add chopped pecans to reserved crumbs; sprinkle crumbs evenly over the batter. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.