Streusel topping is a buttery 3-ingredient crumb topping that bakes up crisp and golden on muffins, coffee cake, and fruit crisps.
This classic streusel recipe is made with flour, sugar, and cold butter, mixed into sandy crumbs that turn crunchy in the oven.
I use it as a coffee cake topping or muffin topping, but it also works as a crisp topping you can bake separately and sprinkle over desserts.
Why you'll love this recipe
- 3 ingredients: flour, sugar, butter.
- Perfect crunch: crisp, buttery crumbs every time.
- So versatile: coffee cake, muffins, pies, crisps.
Ingredients You Need
- All-purpose flour: the base for this classic streusel topping.
- Sugar: granulated sugar for a crisp crumb, or light/dark brown sugar for a deeper caramel note.
- Unsalted butter: very cold and cubed for the best crumb texture (avoid soft butter).
- Optional flavorings: pinch of salt, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, or lemon zest.
Tips for this recipe
- Use very cold butter: it keeps the streusel crumb chunky instead of greasy.
- Stop mixing early: leave a mix of small crumbs + a few bigger pieces for better crunch.
- Chill if needed: if your kitchen is warm, chill the crumb topping 10 minutes before baking.
- Bake until golden: pale streusel stays soft; golden streusel turns crisp.
- Cool completely: it crisps up as it cools.
How to Make Streusel Topping
Mix flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon (optional) in a bowl.
Add very cold butter cubes and rub with your fingertips until crumbly with small and medium chunks.
Crumble the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 15 minutes, until golden and crisp.
Cool completely, then break into smaller pieces and use as a crunchy streusel topping.
Ways to Use Streusel
- Muffins & cupcakes: sprinkle on top before baking.
- Cakes & quick breads: perfect for coffee cake or banana bread.
- Fruit crumbles: apples, berries, peaches.
- Cheesecakes: add after baking for crunch.
- Yogurt & desserts: use as a sweet crunchy topping.
Storage
Store baked streusel in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days, or freeze up to 1 month.
Recipe Variations
- Cinnamon streusel: add extra cinnamon.
- Nut streusel: mix in chopped almonds or pecans.
- Oat streusel: replace part of the flour with rolled oats.
- Chocolate streusel: add cocoa powder or chocolate chips.
- Lemon streusel: add fresh lemon zest.
recipe questions
Why is my streusel not crumbly?
The butter is probably too warm or the mixture was overmixed. Always use very cold butter and stop mixing as soon as crumbs form.
Can I add streusel before baking?
Yes. Streusel is usually sprinkled directly on muffins, cakes, and pies before baking.
Can I make streusel ahead of time?
Yes. You can bake it in advance and store it until ready to use.
Can streusel be frozen?
Yes. Freeze baked streusel for up to one month and reheat briefly to bring back the crunch.
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes. Brown sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
More crumble and topping recipes
I hope you’ll love this recipe! Rate it ★★★★★ and leave a quick comment — it always helps. Happy baking!
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Streusel Topping
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
Description
Crispy and sweet streusel mix, perfect for adding a delicious touch to your desserts. (ideal for topping a pie, cake, or 12 muffins)
Ingredients
- 100 g (¾ cup + 1 tbsp) all-purpose flour
- 80 g (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) brown sugar
- 75 g (⅓ cup) unsalted butter - cold
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon - optional
- ½ tsp vanilla extract - optional
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon (optional).
- Add the cold butter to the dry ingredients along with the vanilla (optional) and use your fingers to work the butter into the flour until you achieve a crumbly texture.
- Gather the dough with your hands to form a ball.
- Crumble the dough into small pieces.
- Place the streusel in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to help it hold its shape during baking.
- Spread the streusel on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let cool before using it to top your desserts.
Equipment
Buy Now → Notes
Storage: Store baked streusel in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days or freeze it in an airtight bag for up to one month.
Tips:
- Use cold butter: Ensure the butter is very cold for a perfect crumbly texture.
- Don’t overwork the dough: Mix the butter with the dry ingredients just enough to achieve a crumbly texture.
- Chill before baking: Refrigerate the streusel before baking to help it hold its shape.
- Add flavors: Try adding vanilla or citrus zest for varied flavors.
- Watch the baking time: Remove from the oven as soon as the streusel is golden to prevent it from hardening too much.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: filling, topping
- Cuisine: American
Maria
So good and easy to make. Perfect crunchy topping!