Looking to add a delicious crunch to your desserts? This classic streusel recipe is just what you need! Quick, easy, and made with simple ingredients, it’s the perfect way to bring irresistible texture to your cakes, pies, and crumbles. Let’s get baking!
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Streusel is a crumbly, buttery topping that adds the perfect crunchy layer to baked goods. Often used on cakes, muffins, and pies, it brings a delightful texture contrast and a hint of sweetness to any dessert.
Made with just three simple ingredients: flour, sugar, and butter. It’s super easy and quick to whip up, making it perfect for any baking day. Plus, you can easily flavor it to match your favorite tastes, whether adding cinnamon, vanilla, or even a touch of lemon zest.
We love streusel for its irresistible crunch and how it elevates any dessert. Its crispy, buttery texture adds a touch of indulgence to everything from cheesecakes and fruit crumbles to muffins, cakes, and breads.
It even brings a delightful twist when sprinkled over simple treats like yogurt. Streusel makes every bite more satisfying and delicious!
Why you'll love this recipe
Ingredient You Need
Here are the ingredients you'll need to make this homemade streusel:
- Flour: Use all-purpose flour or any other type of flour.
- Sugar: Choose white sugar or brown sugar, like light brown or dark brown sugar, for a more caramelized flavor.
- Butter: Use unsalted, very cold butter cut into small cubes for easier incorporation.
- Vanilla, salt, spices: Optional, but vanilla extract adds aroma, a pinch of salt enhances flavor, and a bit of cinnamon gives a warm touch.
How To Make A Classic Streusel
Here are some quick visual instructions. Remember that the full instructions with exact ingredients are in the main recipe card below!
Step 1: In a bowl, place all the dry ingredients—flour, brown sugar, a pinch of salt, and cinnamon (optional)—and mix until well combined.
Step 2: Add the cold butter pieces and mix with your fingertips, pressing the butter into the dry ingredients until a crumbly, sandy texture is achieved.
Step 3: Form the mixture into a dough ball and crumble it into small and medium pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 4: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the streusel for about 15 minutes until golden and cooked through. (You can also sprinkle it directly on muffins, cakes, or pies before baking)
Step 5: Let the streusel cool for a few minutes before breaking it into smaller pieces if needed, then let it cool completely and use it directly on your desserts.
Ways to Enjoy Streusel on Your Desserts
- On a Fruit Crumble: Perfect for a classic, crispy topping on baked fruits like cinnamon apples, berries, peaches, etc.
- Cupcakes and Muffin Topping: Add before baking for a crunchy top, like on pumpkin streusel muffins, blueberry streusel muffins, apple pie cupcakes.
- Cake & Breads: Sprinkle over an apple or banana cake before baking, as in a pumpkin streusel bread or in this apple pie cake.
- Fruit Tart: Use as a crunchy finish for apple or pear tarts, like in an apple crisp pie.
- Cheesecake: Add as a garnish after baking for a texture contrast.
- Pastries: Top brioches or croissants for an indulgent touch.
- Ice Cream or Yogurt: Sprinkle for a sweet, crunchy finish.
- Parfaits or Trifles: Alternate layers of streusel with cream and fruits.
Tips for this recipe
Storage instructions
Room Temperature: Once baked, store the streusel in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days to keep it crisp. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing: You can also freeze the baked streusel in an airtight bag for about 1 month. To regain its crunch, warm it slightly in the oven at a low temperature before using.
Variations & Substitutions
recipe questions
How do I make my streusel extra crunchy?
Using cold butter and mixing until you have varied chunk sizes helps achieve a crunchier texture. Adding oats or nuts can also enhance the crunch.
Can I use different types of sugar?
Yes, you can use white sugar, brown sugar, or even coconut sugar for different flavor profiles. Brown sugar gives a more caramelized taste.
What if my streusel melts in the oven?
If your streusel melts, it might be due to too much butter or overly warm butter. Ensure the butter is cold when you mix it, and keep the streusel chilled until you use it.
Can I make streusel gluten-free?
Definitely! Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour for a gluten-free version.
Why is my streusel not crumbly enough?
This could be due to overmixing or using butter that’s too soft. Make sure to blend just until crumbly with cold butter for the perfect texture.
More Recipes You Love
I hope you love this traditional streusel recipe. If you make it, be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Happy Baking!
Print Streusel
- Total Time: 20 minutes
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: French
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