Mom's Molasses Crumb Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and butter. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Reserve 3/4 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping.

In a separate bowl or measuring cup, stir the baking soda into the hot water until dissolved.

Add the molasses and baking soda mixture to the remaining crumb mixture.

Stir by hand just until combined. The batter will be thin.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.

Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the top.

Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool before slicing and serving.