This recipe for easy crumb topping is perfect for adding to the top of pies, crisps, muffins and more! Sweet and buttery with a hint of cinnamon and lots of texture, this crumb topping comes together quickly in one bowl by hand or with a mixer.
Easy crumb topping, otherwise known as streusel, is a delicious addition to a variety of baked goods. Made from a few pantry staples, the crumb topping comes together easily in one mixing bowl. I love using these mixing bowls with lids so that the crumb topping can be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator. It bakes up crisp, crunchy, buttery and sweet. I love adding to it my Raspberry Almond Cake, Pumpkin Spice Bread and any kind of muffin, including my Banana Bread Muffins!
HOW EASY CRUMB TOPPING COMES TOGETHER
- 1. Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl: flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. The recipe calls for old fashioned oats but quick oats can be used as well.
- 2. Add the vanilla and cold cubed butter to the bowl: Using your hands, squeeze and smear the chunks of butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture clumps together well. This can also be done in a stand mixer or with a hand mixer until the butter just incorporates in to the dry ingredients.
- 3. Bake on top of your favorite baked good! This topping is perfect for topping coffee cakes, pies, fruit crisps and even muffins.
INGREDIENTS & NOTES
- 1. Old fashioned vs quick oats: The recipe calls for old fashioned oats because I really love the extra texture. Quick oats can be used instead in equal amount.
- 2. Salted vs unsalted butter: I prefer to use salted butter in my recipes, but feel free to use unsalted butter. The added salt can be increased by 1/4 tsp if desired.
- 3. Adding to baked goods: This crumb topping can be added to the top of a variety of baked goods and then baked according to the recipe’s instructions. If the topping is browning quicker than you prefer, simply tent the top of the baked good with foil.
Easy Crumb Topping
A recipe for buttery crumb topping perfect for pies, muffins and crisps!
Equipment
- 1 kitchen scale
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 set measuring spoons
- 1 stand mixer with a paddle attachment optional
- 1 hand mixer with paddle attachments optional
Ingredients
- 6 tbsp (45 grams) all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (23 grams) old fashioned oats
- 6 tbsp (75 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (57 grams) salted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. Stir to combine. Add the vanilla and cubed butter and begin kneading with a clean hand until the butter incorporates into the dry ingredients to form a crumble. You can also do this in the bowl of a stand mixer or with a hand mixer until just combined.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly on top of pies, crisps or muffins before baking. This recipe can easily be doubled.
Notes
To make ahead: Crumb topping can be made and stored in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container before baking for up to 3 months.
