Crumb Topping (2024)

Published: by Helen S Fletcher · This post may contain affiliate links · 10 Comments

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There's nothing like a Crumb Topping for muffins, pies, coffee cakes, cakes, bar cookies, and quick breads. And with this recipe there is no more pinching dough together to make crumbs. Just follow the directions for either the processor or mixer version and you will have a pile of crumbs in less than 30 minutes to use as you wish.

Crumb Topping (1)

Just five ingredients to make the crumbs that can be frozen for future use. This can't be easier for perfect results every time.

If you are wondering what the difference is between crumb topping and streusel, not much is the answer. Both are crumb toppings containing the same ingredients but streusel often has more sugar, cinnamon, nuts and or oats included.

Crumb Topping (2)

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Baking gets better when you subscribe to receive this PDF on getting the most out of baking including information on equipment, ingredients and baking equipment.

I have used these crumbs on the New York Syle Crumb Cake, Strawberry Muffins, Cuccidati Coffeecake and Crumb Cake Doughnuts as well as other recipes.

Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love This Recipe
  • Crumb Topping Ingredients
  • Step by Step Instructions
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipes To Love with Crumb Topping
  • Crumb Topping

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The crumbs use 5 ingredients that are probably in your pantry now.
  • They can be made in either the mixer or a processor. I think the crumbs are lighter in the processor but either mixing methods works.
  • These can be frozen so they are always on hand whenever needed.
  • I can't imagine an easier recipe to make.
  • The crumbs take 30 minutes or less to make.

Crumb Topping Ingredients

Crumb Topping (3)

COUNTERCLOCKWISE: Unsalted butter, cake flour, brown sugar, salt, granulated sugar.

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients and instructions.

Step by Step Instructions

Food Processor Method

Crumb Topping (4)

Step 1. The cold butter is cut into pieces. Keep the butter cold.

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Step 2. Place all of the dry ingredients in the bowl of a food processor.

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Step 3. Process the dry ingredients to combine them.

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Step 4. Place the butter over the dry ingredients and pulse the processor until the crumbs form. Do not over process or a paste will form.

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Step 5. If freezing, place the crumbs on a tray and freeze hard. Place in a freezer bag where they will last several months.

Mixer Method

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Step 1. For this version the butter should be softened. Place the butter and both sugars in the mixing bowl.

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Step 2. Cream the mixture until light, scraping down as necessary. Do not use the scraper blade for this recipe. Use the normal paddle.

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Step 3. The flour and salt are mixed and added to the flour to the mixing bowl. Mix on low to combine, raise to medium to make the crumbs.

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Step 4. The crumbs are transferred to a bowl. They may be frozen as above.

Recipe FAQs

Can all purpose flour be used instead of cake flour?

It can. However, the crumbs are a bit sturdier and not as soft as with cake flour. If using all-purpose flour, use the same weight. If measuring by volume, remove 2 tablespoons of flour.

Can all one sugar be used?

Yes but if only granulated sugar is used the crumbs might be a bit bland. In that case, add 2 teaspoons molasses to kick up the flavor. If using only brown sugar, you don't need to do anything.

Can the crumb topping mixture be overmixed?

Yes, it will turn into a paste so watch it and stop when the crumbs form

Expert Tips

  • Be sure the butter is the correct temperature for whichever way the crumbs are being made. Softened for the mixer method, cold for the processor.
  • If substituting all-purpose flour and measuring by volume instead of weight, remove 2 tablespoons of flour.
  • Add ¾ teaspoon cinnamon to dry ingredients if desired.
  • I prefer the term softened butter which is about 75°F instead of room temperature. Room temperatures vary wildly - think Alaska and Arizona.
Crumb Topping (13)

Recipes To Love with Crumb Topping

If you love thisCrumb Toppingor any other recipe on my website, please please leave a🌟star rating in the recipe cardand let me know how it went the in📝commentsbelow. I appreciate each of you being here!

Crumb Topping (18)

Crumb Topping

Helen S Fletcher

This quick and easy Crumb Topping recipe can be used wherever a crumb topping is used be it cake, muffins, pies, cupcakes, coffeecakes, doughnuts, or quick breads and is made in a matter of minutes..

5 from 4 votes

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Cake, Coffee Cake, Muffins, Quick Bread

Cuisine American

Servings 2.5 cups

Calories 812 kcal

Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter (114 grams or 1 stick)
  • cup granulated sugar (65 grams)
  • cup brown sugar (65 grams)
  • 1 ½ cups cake flour (190 grams)
  • ¾ teaspoon cinnamon, optional
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Processor Method

  • Cut the cold butter into pieces. Keep cold.

  • Place all the dry ingredients in the processor bowl and pulse several times to mix.

  • Circle the cold butter over the dry ingredients and pulse the processor until crumbs form. Do not over process or a paste will form

  • Use at once, store in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

Mixer Method

  • The butter should be softened to about 75°F for this method. I don't use the term room temperature because Alaska and Arizona can have wildly different temperatues.

  • Place the butter and both sugars in the mixing bowl. Cream until light.

  • Combine the flour and salt. Add to the mixer and mix on low to blend, then on medium to form crumbs. Do not over mix or a paste will form.

Notes

  1. Be sure the butter is the correct temperature for whichever way the crumbs are being made. Softened for the mixer method, cold for the processor.
  2. If substituting all-purpose flour and measuring by volume instead of weight, remove 2 tablespoons of flour.
  3. I think the crumbs are lighter in the processor but either mixing methods works.
  4. This crumb topping can be refrigerated for a week or frozen so they are always on hand whenever needed. To freeze them, spread them out on a tray, freeze and then bag. You can then use what you need and the rest can be kept frozen for several months.

Nutrition

Calories: 812kcalCarbohydrates: 110gProtein: 9gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 24gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 98mgSodium: 248mgPotassium: 128mgFiber: 2gSugar: 55gVitamin A: 1138IUVitamin C: 0.02mgCalcium: 53mgIron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Mention @helensfletcher or tag #pastrieslikeapro!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Suzanne Knapp says

    Crumb Topping (24)
    You are so right!! I keep a 4 cup container of this mix in my refrigerator at all times. It goes on my Raspberry Crumb Muffins, my best ever Zucchini Bread, sometimes my apple pie, Rhubarb Cobbler--please stop me, I'm getting hungry!!

    Reply

    • Helen S Fletcher says

      Hi Suzanne - I think crumb toppings are an American addiction and I'm all in as it seems you are.

      Reply

  2. Grace says

    This is genius! Thank you. I love crumb topping, but find once I've mixed up my muffins or cake, I just don't want to take the time or mess up another bowl to make it. Of course, once the item is baked I'm sorry I was lazy and skipped it. Now I'll always have it in the freezer, ready to go for my last minute muffin craving.

    Reply

    • Helen S Fletcher says

      Thanks Grace. I think everyone loves crumb topping and this makes it super easy to have. I'd sure appreciate it if you'd pop back in the recipe and give it a star rating. It helps move the blog along.

      Reply

  3. Judy Imanse says

    Crumb Topping (25)
    I love the idea of freezing it! Great to have it ready for fall apples to top Dutch Apple Pie! Thanks fro another great recipe and time saving idea! Judy

    Reply

    • Helen S Fletcher says

      Hi Judy, Happy to help.

      Reply

  4. Eileen Murphy says

    Crumb Topping (26)
    I am so glad you featured this. I discovered this topping when I first tried your NY Style Crumb Cake. I keep a ziploc of this in my freezer to add to baked goods.

    Reply

    • Helen S Fletcher says

      Hi Eileen - Thanks Eileen. I discovered that, at some point,I had made this in the processor so I decided to turn it into a stand alone post. Either way is great!

      Reply

  5. Mary says

    Crumb Topping (27)
    Always a good move to have crumble mixture in the freezer.

    Reply

    • Helen S Fletcher says

      For sure Mary!

      Reply

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Crumb Topping (2024)

FAQs

What is crumble topping made of? ›

As its name suggests, crumb topping is a dessert topping. It's a simple mixture of butter, sugar, and flour, and is typically used to top pies or muffins prior to baking for a crunchy, sweet contrast.

What is the difference between a crumb topping and a streusel? ›

This can't be easier for perfect results every time. If you are wondering what the difference is between crumb topping and streusel, not much is the answer. Both are crumb toppings containing the same ingredients but streusel often has more sugar, cinnamon, nuts and or oats included.

What is the secret to good crumble? ›

❓FAQ
  • Use cold butter. This will help to create a crumbly texture that will not stick together when baking.
  • Use a mix of flour and oats. The oats will add a bit of crunch and texture to the topping.
  • Don't overmix the ingredients. The crumble topping should be made with a "coarse" crumb.
Jun 5, 2023

What is streusel topping made of? ›

Streusel is a crumbly topping usually made with real butter, flour, and sugar.

Why is my crumble topping not crunchy? ›

Too much butter and your topping will become a greasy blob or disappointingly soggy. Some recipes will ask you to cut in cold butter along with your dry ingredients, resulting in pea-size pieces that are sprinkled across the hot fruit filling.

Why put baking powder in crumble topping? ›

A crisp contains oats in the topping, while a crumble does not. Baking powder can also be added to a crumble topping (like it is here) to ensure it's extra light and tender.

What can I substitute for butter in crumb topping? ›

WHAT ARE BUTTER ALTERNATIVES FOR BAKING?
  • MARGARINE. Margarine is a fat that is made mostly from vegetable oil that's flavored to taste like butter. ...
  • SHORTENING. Shortening is 100% fat, made from hydrogenated vegetable oils. ...
  • OLIVE OIL & VEGETABLE OIL. ...
  • COCONUT OIL. ...
  • PUMPKIN PURÉE. ...
  • APPLESAUCE. ...
  • GREEK YOGURT. ...
  • BANANAS.

Why did my crumb topping sink? ›

it turned out the oven was way off and the baking time was too long. the structure of the cake has to set quickly to hold the crumb topping up. my coffee cake uses sourcream which makes a more acidic batter which also helps to set the structure.

Should butter be cold for crumble? ›

Flatten down with your hand to prevent too much crumble falling through. Put 175g plain flour and 110g golden caster sugar in a bowl with a good pinch of salt. Slice in 110g cold butter and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture looks like moist breadcrumbs.

How to keep crumble topping crispy? ›

Double-baking the crumb topping keeps it wonderfully crisp over its jammy fruit filling.

Why is my crumble topping like dough? ›

Often this happens if the crumb topping is over-mixed or if the butter was much too hot. Over-mixing will leave you with a pasty, batter-like mixture rather than the crumbly topping you are aiming for. Using very hot butter can cause the sugars to melt, leaving you with a greasy and not crumbly mixture.

Can you overcook a crumble? ›

Go too hot and the crumble topping with get too dark before the fruit is ready. You'll be left with too-hard fruit and a burnt topping, which will make both you and us sad. If the top could use a little extra browning, jack the temperature or broil it after it's fully baked. Just keep a vigilant watch!

What is the crunchy sugar on top of muffins called? ›

Turbinado sugar is most commonly used to give baked goods a crunchy, sparkly topping: think muffins and loaf cakes, bread pudding, shortcakes and pie crust. In these cases, you sprinkle it on before baking.

What if crumb topping is too wet? ›

Why Is My Crumble So Soggy? Once again, it's likely due to using the wrong amount of butter. The most common culprit of a soggy crumble is the use of too much butter! Try adding just a bit more flour to soak it up.

What is apple crumble topping made of? ›

Apple crumble recipe topping is typically made of butter, sugar and flour which gets topped on the cooked fruit filling. To add an extra element of texture and flavour, oats, coconut, nuts and cinnamon can be added to the crumble mix.

What is cookie crumble topping made of? ›

Crumble topping is a combination of only 3 simple ingredients: butter, flour, and sugar. It adds the perfect sweetness and crunch to any muffin, quick bread, or pie!

What is crumble cake made of? ›

Ingredients for Crumb Cake

Flour: All-purpose flour is the structure of this cake. It's sturdy enough to support the thick wet ingredients and crumb layer on top. Baking Soda + Baking Powder: Baking soda and baking powder help the cake rise. Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cake.

Is crumble better than shatter? ›

Some people love the snap of cannabis shatter, while others prefer scooping wax or crumble on their dabbing spoon. Choosing between these high-quality concentrates is primarily a matter of personal preference. Arguably, flavor-chasers will prefer waxes over shatter because they tend to have higher terpene percentages.

What is cobbler crumble made of? ›

Crisps, Crumbles, Cobblers and Brown Bettys

All contain fruit that is mixed with sugar and often thickened with flour, cornstarch or tapioca. They are often served with ice cream or whipped cream on the side. All are popular simple summer desserts that use readily available fruit.

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