Learn how to make the BEST crumble topping! This basic recipe is super simple and easy to make (ready in minutes) and so delicious. Pair this buttery crumb mix with your favorite fruit for a tasty crisp, use it as a pie topping, or sprinkle it over muffins, breads, and other desserts!
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Don't you just love a recipe that can be used a million different ways? This easy crumble topping is one that I return to again and again. It's become a go-to dessert topper for me!
This tasty topping is a simple recipe that you'll want to keep in your back pocket! You're going to love the crisp, crumbly texture, and warm, buttery, cinnamon-brown sugar flavor. Even better, you only need a few ingredients to make it, and the recipe is super easy and ready in minutes.
You can use this crumble mix in so many different ways, too! Sprinkle it over everything from crumbles / crisps to muffins, pies, and other desserts to make them even more delicious.
Ready to get crumbling? Then keep reading for all the details!
Ingredients
You only need five simple ingredients to make this versatile crumb topping:
- Flour - All-purpose flour forms the base of the crumble mixture. I like King Arthur but any brand will work.
- Sugar - Of course, you'll need some sugar. Brown sugar sweetens the recipe and adds flavor, too. I used light brown sugar, but dark brown sugar will also work.
- Spices - This is where you can get creative! For this basic topping, I kept things simple and used classic cinnamon, which works great in so many different recipes. However, other warm spices (like ginger, allspice, cardamom, nutmeg, etc.) may also be used.
- Butter - You need butter for flavor and to hold the other ingredients together. I used unsalted butter (and recommend it for most recipes), but salted butter also works (just don't add any extra salt).
- Salt - A little salt is the key to a great tasting topping. I recommend using kosher salt, which has the best flavor.
This basic crumble recipe is naturally vegetarian and nut free. If you'd like to make it vegan and dairy free as well, simply use plant based butter.
You'll Also Need
To prepare the recipe, you'll need measuring cups and spoons, a small bowl to melt the butter, a medium bowl to prepare the topping in, a whisk to combine the dry ingredients, and a fork, spatula, or spoon to mix in the butter.
How to Make Crumble Topping
This basic crumble recipe couldn't be easier to make! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's an overview of the steps:
- Combine dry ingredients. You'll start by whisking together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Add butter. Next, stir in the melted butter until fully incorporated, pressing gently as you do to form large clumps. Once everything is combined, let the topping sit for about 10 minutes before using it, so it can firm up.
- Pair with your fave dessert + bake. Finally, crumble the topping over your dessert-of-choice, making the chunks as large or small as you'd like. Then bake it, following the dessert recipe for timing. It should be browned and firm when done cooking.
Wasn't that simple? You are going to find so many ways to use this scrumptious crumble topping recipe ... keep reading for some easy ideas!
Variations
Here are a few quick + easy ways to customize this recipe:
- Oats - Are you're looking for a similar recipe, but made with oats? Then you'll love my delicious Oat Crisp Topping!
- Spices - Using different spices is an easy way to experiment with this recipe. Warm spices, such as cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, allspice, or pumpkin pie spice, will all work great.
- Vegan - To make this recipe dairy free + vegan, use plant based butter instead of regular butter.
How to Use
There are so many ways to use this delicious dessert Crumble! Here are a few ideas and recipes to inspire you:
- Fruit Crumbles / Crisps - The best way to enjoy this recipe, in my opinion! Use it to make my Peach Crumble, Berry Crumble, Rhubarb Crumble or Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp, or create your own fruit crumble. All you need to do is combine five to seven cups of fresh fruit (such as peaches, apples, berries, etc.) with ½ to 1 cup sugar (depending on how sweet the fruit is), a tablespoon of lemon juice, and a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch. Transfer this mixture to an 8 x 8-inch baking dish, then crumble the topping over it. Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 to 50 minutes.
- Muffins - Add this topping to your favorite muffin recipe to make them even tastier. You'll love it on my easy Crumb Cake Muffins!
- Pies - Skip the pastry and sprinkle this crumb mix over your homemade pies for an unexpected treat.
- Breads - The mixture also make a wonderful topper for quick breads. Try it on my Blueberry Banana Bread, Banana Strawberry Bread, or this easy Rhubarb Bread.
- Bars - It also make an excellent topping for your favorite bars.
- Cakes - Bake the crumbles (see tip below), then use them to top a frosted cake ... they'll add a lovely buttery-cinnamon flavor and a nice textural contrast the tender cake!
- Other Desserts - Use this buttery streusel to top any dessert that could use a little something extra! You can even crumble to mix onto a baking sheet, bake at 350 until browned, then sprinkle over yogurt, ice cream, or any dessert that needs a crunchy topping.
Related Recipes
Looking for a similar crumb topping recipe, but with oats? You'll love my easy Oat Crisp Topping, too! And here are some other sweet treats you're sure to enjoy:
- Blueberry Compote
- Plain Frozen Yogurt
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Maple Pecan Shortbread
- Easy Chocolate Bark
- Almond Kringle
- Peanut Butter Tart (No Bake)
Frequently Asked Questions
A crumble topping is typically made of flour, sugar, warm spices (such as cinnamon), butter, and salt.
It's called a crumble, because the topping is crumbled over your dessert before baking. It also has a crumbly texture.
There are a few secrets to a good fruit crumble. First, use in-season fruit that's at its peak of freshness. Next, mix the topping ingredients together, then set them aside for about 10 minutes before using. This helps the crumble topping stick together. Add a little sugar and lemon to sweeten the fruit and brighten its flavor. Finally, bake the crumble until the topping has browned and the fruit filling is bubbling.
If your crumble isn't crispy after baking, you may need to cook it a little longer. The topping should be browned when done. If the topping doesn't hold together well before baking, you may also have added too much butter (try stirring in an extra tablespoon of flour). Keep in mind too, that the fruit layer often has a lot of liquid. Crumbles will be crispiest when eaten the day that you make then. The topping tends to get a little soggy after a day or two.
Crumbles and crisps are baked fruit desserts, whose names are often used interchangeably. The difference is that a crumble topping has no oats, while a crisp topping is made with oats. Meanwhile, cobblers (another baked fruit dessert) have a biscuit-like topping.
Crumble Topping
Ingredients
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Equipment
- Medium Bowl
Instructions
- Whisk together flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl until well-combined.
- Stir in melted butter. Mix well, then press gently on the mixture to form large clumps.
- Set the topping aside for about 10 minutes.
- Crumble the topping over the recipe of your choice. Follow recipe instructions for baking times and temps (see notes below). Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
