Streusel Topping
A streusel topping is a crumbly mixture of flour, butter, and oats. Add flavor and texture to your muffins, quick breads, cakes, and more!
For Cakes, Pies, Muffins, and More
This basic streusel topping is a simple, crumbly mixture that adds sweetness, texture, and contrast to baked goods. It comes together quickly with pantry staples and works just as well for muffins and quick breads as it does for coffee cakes and fruit pies.
The combination of flour, brown sugar, butter, and oats creates a topping that bakes up lightly crisp on the outside while staying tender underneath. Once you know this formula, it’s easy to customize it with spices, nuts, or flavorings to suit whatever you’re baking.
What You’ll Like About This Recipe
Reliable, go-to formula. This streusel uses a classic ratio of flour, butter, sugar, and oats, so it behaves exactly the way you expect every time. It bakes up crumbly and lightly crisp without melting into the batter or turning greasy.
Works across many baked goods. This topping is equally at home on muffins, quick breads, coffee cakes, and fruit pies. Once you have it memorized, you can reach for it whenever a recipe needs extra texture or visual appeal.
Easy to customize without guesswork. Because the base is neutral and well-balanced, it’s easy to add spices, nuts, citrus zest, or even a touch of vanilla without throwing off the texture. You can adapt it to match the flavors of whatever you’re baking.
Quick to make with pantry staples. Everything in this recipe is something most bakers already keep on hand. It comes together in minutes and doesn’t require chilling unless your kitchen is very warm.
Great make-ahead option. The streusel can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, making it especially convenient when you’re baking multiple items or working ahead for holidays or brunches.
Ingredient Notes
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the streusel and gives it structure as it bakes.
- Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a light caramel flavor that pairs well with fruit and warm spices.
- Rolled oats: Provide texture and a slightly hearty bite; old-fashioned oats work best here.
- Salt: Just a small amount balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Butter: Should be soft but not melted so it blends into coarse crumbs rather than a paste.
Steps to Make Basic Streusel Topping
- Combine the flour, brown sugar, oats, and salt in a bowl and mix with a spoon or whisk until thoroughly blended.
- Work the butter into the dry mixture using a pastry blender, fork, or your fingers until coarse crumbs have formed.
- Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the prepared batter or filling.
- Bake according to the recipe you’re topping.
- Alternatively, bake the streusel on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 10 to 12 minutes and sprinkle it over desserts or use it in soft desserts for texture.
Tips
- Use room-temperature butter. Butter that’s too cold won’t blend evenly, while melted butter will create a paste instead of crumbs.
- Aim for coarse crumbs. Stop mixing when you have uneven, pebble-sized pieces; some larger chunks help create a more interesting texture.
- Chill if needed. If your kitchen is warm or the streusel feels soft, refrigerate it briefly before using to help it hold its shape during baking.
- For baked streusel pieces. You can bake the crumbs on a parchment-lined sheet until crisp, then use them as a topping for yogurt, ice cream, or fruit desserts.
Make Ahead
Refrigerator: Prepare the streusel topping and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze the prepared streusel in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Use straight from the freezer when ready to bake.
Recipe Variations
- Cinnamon streusel. Add ground cinnamon for a warm, classic flavor that works especially well with apples and bananas.
- Nutty streusel. Stir in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added crunch and richness.
- Citrus streusel. Add finely grated lemon or orange zest to brighten the flavor.
- Extra-crunchy streusel. Increase the oats slightly or add a spoonful of granulated sugar for more texture.
How To Use Streusel Topping
- Coffee Cakes and Crumb Cakes – sprinkle a layer on half of the batter and top with the rest of the batter. Finish with more streusel on the topping. Bake and enjoy!
- Parfaits – Layer baked streusel between layers of yogurt or ice cream and finish with an extra sprinkle.
- Puddings and Custard – Sprinkle over puddings and custards to give them texture and make them more appealing.
- Pancakes and Waffles – Stir baked streusel into pancake or waffle batter.
- Cobblers – Add streusel to the top of cobblers for an extra layer of sweetness and texture.
- Muffins and Quick Breads – Sprinkle streusel topping over the tops of the muffins or quick bread just before baking.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Unbaked streusel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze unbaked streusel for up to 3 months; no thawing is needed before use.
Refresh: Baked streusel can be recrisped briefly in a low oven if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Basic Streusel Topping
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 tablespoons quick oats, or old-fashioned rolled oats
- Dash salt
- 4 tablespoons butter, room temperature
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, oats, and salt. Whisk or stir until thoroughly combined.
- Work the butter in with a pastry blender, for, or your fingers until coarse crumbs have formed.
- Sprinkle the topping over quick bread, muffins, a coffee cake, or one-crust fruit pie and then bake as directed.
Notes
Baked Streusel
- Chill the streusel topping.
- Preheat the oven to 350 F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Arrange the streusel crumbs in the pan in a single layer.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
