Welcome back to your favorite baking and dessert blog! In this blog post, “Easy Butter Streusel (Crumb Topping),” I’ll dive into the step-by-step process of creating the perfect streusel, share expert tips and tricks, and provide you with a delicious recipe..teehee!
If you’re a fan of crumbly toppings that add texture, sweetness, and a crunch to your baked goods, then you’re in for a treat with streusel! Streusel is a versatile and irresistible crumb mixture often used to top up pies, muffins, coffee cakes, and other delectable pastries.
Streusel consists of three basic components: flour, sugar, and butter. These simple ingredients create a crumbly buttery topping that adds depth and richness to your baked treats.
One of the greatest things about Streusel is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences and complement the flavors of your baked goods.
Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, mastering the art of making streusel will take your baked creations to the next level.
Table of contents:
- History
- Equipment required
- Ingredients required
- Procedure
- Step-by-step picture
- Video Tutorial
- FAQ
- Recommended recipes
- Recipe Card
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History
Streusel, originating in Germany and Austria, is a crumbly topping that has been loved for centuries. Originally made with flour, sugar, and butter, it has evolved with variations like nuts, spices, and flavorings. Streusel became a staple in German coffee houses and spread worldwide, adding a delicious touch to baked goods.
What equipment do I need to make butter streusel?
A set of teaspoons and tablespoons: This stainless steel measuring spoon set is perfect. I use the one that my pastry college provided to me. I did use the plastic ones but let me tell you, they may look boring but stainless steel is best for long-term and safe use.
Big Bowl: I use this one because it reflects the light when I shoot videos and you also get to see all the ingredients. It can also be used in the microwave.
Chopping board: I bought my chopping board from a fair in Shantiniketan but I found something similar online. You can check this one out here.
Chef-s Knife: – When I was studying hotel management, my chef said, keep your knife and wife close. Sexist, but you get it. Our knives are precious to us. We sharpen it regularly, clean it, and love it. Our chefs always taught us, that we need to love our tools and equipment and they will work perfectly for us. I agree with that and my knife always has been super kind to me. I bought this knife seven years ago and it’s as good as new. Here is the knife that I use.
What ingredients do I need to make butter streusel?
All-Purpose Flour
When it comes to making streusel, all-purpose flour is the key ingredient that forms the base of this delightful topping. Its neutral flavor and versatility make it the perfect canvas for other ingredients to shine.
Granulated Sugar
Granulated sugar is essential for adding sweetness and texture to the streusel. It not only enhances the overall flavor but also contributes to the crumbly texture that we all love. Adjust the amount of sugar based on your personal preference, whether you prefer a subtle sweetness or a more pronounced sugary delight.
Cold Butter
Cold butter is the secret behind achieving that perfect crumbly texture in streusel. Incorporating cold butter into the dry ingredients creates small pockets of fat that melt during baking, creating a heavenly texture. Make sure to cut the butter into small pieces and work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Spices and Flavor Enhancements
To take your streusel to the next level, consider adding spices and flavor enhancements. The ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or a hint of vanilla extract can infuse your streusel with aromatic warmth and depth. You can also experiment with citrus zest or even a touch of cocoa powder for a unique twist.
With these essential ingredients, you’ll be ready to create a delectable streusel topping that will elevate your baked goods to new heights. Get creative and have fun exploring different flavor combinations to personalize your streusel and make your treats truly unforgettable. Also, I once baked these peanut butter brownies with some streusel on top and they were everyone’s favorite that day!
Check the recipe card for the quantity
How to make streusel?
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Gather Your Ingredients
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Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and granulated sugar. Whisk them together until well combined. This forms the base of your streusel mixture.
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Cut in the Butter
Add the cold butter pieces to the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, gently work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to keep the butter cold to achieve that perfect crumbly texture.
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Optional: Add Spices or Flavorings
If you want to infuse your streusel with additional flavors, now is the time to add your chosen spices or flavorings. Whether it’s a dash of cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, or a splash of vanilla extract, sprinkle them over the mixture and incorporate them evenly. If cinnamon is your thing, do try out this cinnamon roll that bakes in a minute!
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Mix Until Crumbly
Using a fork or your hands, continue mixing the streusel mixture until it forms crumbly clusters. Make sure all the ingredients are well incorporated, but be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense texture. By the way, this crumbling skill will come in handy when you bake scones at home.
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Sprinkle and Bake
Once you’ve prepared your streusel, it’s time to sprinkle it generously over your chosen baked goods. Whether you’re making muffins, coffee cake, or a fruit crumble, evenly distribute the streusel on top of the batter or filling.
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Bake to Perfection
Bake it on the lower rack by following the baking instructions on the recipe card. You may want to bake it less the case by 5 minutes when you top it on cakes or muffins or anything else. This is because it will be baking again with that dish so may end up burning if you cook it completely in the first step. You can sprinkle it on top of classic cakes like pound cakes, or eggless cakes, or even your beloved breakfast muffins, or may I suggest even on banana breads…brb I’m drooling!
Step-by-step pictures on how to make streusel?
Frequently Asked Questions about making butter streusel:
What to do if my streusel is burning and my cake or muffin is not done yet?
Simply cover the streusel with aluminum foil to prevent overbaking. Next time, bake the streusel a few minutes less to end up with a perfect bake on the streusel after topping it up with some other baked goods. Ensure you are using the lower rack to reduce the heat from above on the streusel. Also, you can use this streusel on this incredibly soft double chocolate muffin.
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with different flours like whole wheat flour or almond flour. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly. If you prefer whole wheat while baking, you can check out my 100% whole wheat bread recipe.
Can I substitute the granulated sugar with brown sugar?
Absolutely! Brown sugar adds a hint of caramel flavor to the streusel. Feel free to use it as a substitute or even try a combination of both sugars for a unique taste. I even use a mix in most of my cookie recipes like this brown butter espresso cookie.
What if I don’t have cold butter?
Cold butter is ideal for achieving the desired crumbly texture, but if you only have softened butter, place it in the freezer for a few minutes before using it. It’s essential to keep the butter as cold as possible while mixing.
Can I make streusel in advance?
Certainly! You can prepare a larger batch of streusel and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This way, you’ll have it ready whenever you want to add a delightful topping to your baked goods. Let me share a guilty pleasure with you, I used to bake streusel along with granola as well. I know granola is supposed to be healthy but mixing streusel in makes it even more yummy! Shhh!
Can I freeze streusel?
Yes, you can freeze the streusel for future use. Simply place it in a freezer-safe airtight container or bag, and it will stay fresh for up to three months. When needed, you can sprinkle it directly from the freezer onto your baking creations.
Can streusel be used on savory dishes?
Traditionally, streusel is associated with sweet treats, but there’s no harm in experimenting! Try incorporating savory elements like herbs or grated cheese into the streusel mixture for a fun twist on dishes like casseroles or roasted vegetables. Try starting slow and maybe top your milk buns with some streusel.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While butter provides the best flavor and texture, margarine can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind that the flavor and consistency might differ slightly from traditional streusel. Not to mention, the quality drops and it is not that good for your health as well.
Looking for recipes on which you can use this gorgeous butter streusel?
[ CLICK ON THE IMAGE FOR THE RECIPE]
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How to make Streusel topping?
How to make Streusel topping will guide you to make streusel the right way to top it on cakes and muffins and take them to the next level.
Ingredients
- Cold butter: 100 grams
- Brown sugar: 100 grams
- Flour: 100 grams
Directions
- Step 1 Mix all the ingredients for streusel.
- Step 2 Add any other ingredient that you would like.
- Step 3 Bake it at 180 °C for 10 mins, stirring every 3 minutes. Take it out w=once it’s beautiful golden brown in color.
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I hope you found my post “Easy Butter Streusel (Crumb Topping)” helpful. If you have any queries, feel free to post them in the comments below.
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