How to Make Streusel Topping

Let’s be honest, the best part about a coffee cake, muffin, or fruit crisp is that crunchy streusel topping. Once you make it, you’ll want to add it on everything. In this post, we’re sharing how to make classic streusel topping, plus some tips for getting it perfect every time.

Gather your Ingredients

• All purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Butter
• Add-ins: spices, citrus zest, nuts, oats, etc.
  • Depending on what you’re making, adding different flavors can make your streusel taste 10x better. We love adding cinnamon for coffee cake, lemon zest for blueberry muffins, or oats for a mixed berry crisp.

What butter should i use?

We’ve tested this recipe with melted, softened, and cold butter. So, let’s break it down:

Cold butter: Cold butter creates chunkier crumbs that hold their shape when baked. It gives you that classic streusel texture.

Softened butter: For more tender crumbs, use softened butter. It’s soft enough to mix easily with the dry ingredients but still solid enough to hold its shape while baking.

Melted butter: Melted butter creates a more uniform topping, but spreads in the oven and loses its crumbly texture so you won’t get defined chunks.

Two ways to bake streusel

There are two ways you can bake streusel depending on how you plan to use it:

01. Bake it with your dessert

This is the most common method. Sprinkle the streusel over muffins, coffee cake, or pie before baking. It crisps up as the dessert bakes, melting into the top and forming that crunchy layer.

02. Bake it on its own

If you want a crumb topping to sprinkle on yogurt, ice cream, or already-baked desserts, spread the streusel in an even layer on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake it at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, stirring halfway. Let it cool completely before using. Store in an airtight container at room temp. for up to five days or freeze up to one month.

Check out some of our favorite recipes:

• Maple Pecan Coffee Cake
• Mini Chocolate Chip Muffins
• Oatmeal Apple Crumble
• Coffee Cake Donuts
• Blueberry Cheesecake Danish