Crumble Topping Recipe

Introduction

This simple crumble topping recipe adds the perfect sweet and crunchy finish to your favorite baked goods. With a blend of oats, spices, and buttery goodness, it’s quick to make and versatile enough for muffins, pies, or even as a snack on its own.

A close-up view of a single layer of crumbly oat topping in a white bowl, showing a mix of small and medium clumps with a golden-brown color and visible oat flakes throughout, accompanied by a silver fork partially resting in the topping. The texture looks crunchy and coarse. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup rolled oats
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ to 1 ½ teaspoon spices (mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, etc.)
  • 5 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, rolled oats, sea salt, and your choice of spices.
  2. Step 2: Drizzle the melted butter over the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a fork until all ingredients are combined and no dry spots remain, but the mixture is still clumpy. Avoid overmixing to prevent forming a dough.
  3. Step 3: Use the crumble topping as directed in your recipe. Sprinkle it over muffins, quick breads, or pies before baking.
  4. Step 4 (optional): To use as a crunchy sprinkle, bake the topping alone on a lined baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, then use it over yogurt, ice cream, or pancakes.

Tips & Variations

  • Adjust the spice blend to your preference—adding more cinnamon for warmth or clove for depth works well.
  • For a nuttier crumble, add chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds before baking.
  • Use cold butter to create a more crumbly texture similar to classic streusel.

Storage

Store any unused crumble topping in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If baked separately, keep it crisp in a sealed container and sprinkle over dishes as needed. Reheat briefly in a low oven if it softens.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white plate filled with a crumbly oat mixture, showing a mix of small and medium-sized clumps in light golden brown tones with visible oat flakes throughout, giving a textured, grainy look. A silver spoon rests on the right side, slightly embedded in the mixture, reflecting light softly. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this crumble topping gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free for a safe alternative.

How much topping should I use per recipe?

This amount makes enough topping for about 2 medium-sized pies or 12 muffins. Adjust the quantity depending on how thick you want your crumble layer.

Print
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Crumble Topping Recipe


  • Author: Lana
  • Total Time: 5-25 minutes
  • Yield: Enough topping for 2 servings or to cover approximately 2 pies or 12 muffins

Description

This easy crumble topping recipe combines a perfect blend of sugars, flour, oats, and warm spices, all brought together with melted butter to create a deliciously crunchy and sweet topping. Perfect for enhancing muffins, quick breads, pies, or even baked as a crispy snack to sprinkle on yogurt or ice cream.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • ½ cup rolled oats
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ to 1 ½ teaspoon mixed spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, etc.)

Wet Ingredients

  • 5 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add ½ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 cup all purpose flour, ½ cup rolled oats, ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt, and your choice of ½ to 1 ½ teaspoon mixed warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Stir these together thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.
  2. Add Melted Butter: Drizzle the cooled melted butter (5 tablespoons) over the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a fork, combining until no dry spots remain but the mixture remains clumpy. Be careful not to overmix to avoid forming a dough-like consistency.
  3. Use as Desired: Sprinkle the crumble topping over muffins, quick breads, or pies before baking as per your main recipe instructions.
  4. Alternative Baking Method: If you prefer, spread the crumble mixture evenly on a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through. This creates a toasted, crunchy topping perfect to sprinkle over yogurt, ice cream, or pancakes.

Notes

  • Adjust the spice amount based on your flavor preference; use a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove for a warm aromatic blend.
  • Ensure the melted butter is cooled to prevent prematurely cooking the sugars during mixing.
  • Do not overmix after adding butter to preserve the crumbly texture.
  • The crumble topping can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
  • Use gluten-free flour and oats to make this crumble topping gluten free if needed.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes (optional baking)
  • Category: Topping
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: crumble topping, streusel, dessert topping, crunchy topping, baking topping, oats crumble, cinnamon crumble

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