For Cakes, Pies, Muffins, and More
A crumbly, buttery, brown sugar streusel topping is a great way to jazz up a cake, pie, muffins, or quick bread. Aside from being more attractive, the flavor and texture will be improved. This formula makes a classic streusel combination. If you crave more crunch, add a few tablespoons of finely chopped pecans or walnuts along with the oats for texture. The streusel takes only a few minutes to make, and it can turn an ordinary dessert into something much more impressive.
See the recipe notes for baked streusel.
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.
- Pancakes, Waffles, and French Toast – Stir baked streusel into the batter for extra texture in each bite.
- Cobblers – Add streusel to the top of cobblers for an extra layer of sweetness and texture.
- Muffins and Quick Breads – Sprinkle streusel over the tops of the muffins or quick bread just before baking.
Basic 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!
- Prep Time: 8
- Total Time: 8 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts, Cakes
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 3 tablespoons 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.
