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!
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Favorite Topping for Muffins
I recently just made my pumpkin crumb muffins with this delicious topping and let me tell you, it was the star of the show! It’s the perfect combination of rich, buttery and sweet and makes a great crumb topping for muffins. I could eat it by the spoonful!
This easy crumble topping is the perfect way to add some extra pizazz to your baked goods. It can be whipped up in just 5 minutes and only requires 3 simple ingredients that I bet you already have in your fridge and pantry.
You can sprinkle this delicious crumb topping over breads, pies, bars, muffins…even coffee cake cookies. One of my favorite recipes to use it in is this brown bag apple pie or Dutch apple pie. It also tastes delicious on top of this razzleberry pie or sprinkled over this easy coffee cake recipe as well.
3 simple ingredients
The base recipe starts with 3 simple ingredients (amounts included in printable recipe below). Feel free to mix in an additional spice or two for even more flavor, like cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice. You can even mix in some chopped pecans for an extra crunch, or add in oats to make it more of a streusel topping.
- Butter: Use salted butter and melt it down in the microwave.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works great.
- Sugar: I love to use granulated sugar or half sugar and half brown sugar.
How to make crumble topping
COMBINE the flour, sugar and melted butter in a bowl. Sprinkle in cinnamon if using. Then use a spoon to combine the mixture until crumbs start to form (do not mix until smooth). Refrigerate until ready to use.
SPRINKLE the crumb topping evenly on top of muffins, pies or breads. Then bake in the oven according to directions.
More ways to use crumb topping:
- Berry crumble pie
- Apple cobbler or peach cobbler
- Pumpkin streusel coffee cake
- Strawberry rhubarb crisp
- Caramel apple pie bars
- Pumpkin crisp
- Peach crumble pie
Crumble Topping
Video
Ingredients
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar or brown sugar (I like to a do 3 TB each)
- 4-6 Tablespoons salted butter , very soft
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon , optional
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Add cinnamon, if desired. Add the softened butter (should be softened to a spreadable, almost melted state) into the bowl while stirring the crumbs with a fork. I like to start with 3-4 Tablespoons and add more as needed until the crumbs form. Do not over-mix (you do not want this to become like a dough). Add an extra Tablespoon of flour if needed.
- Store in the refrigerator until ready to use. Evenly spread across muffins, quick breads, or pie.
Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Marilyn
I made this as the recipe stated however, I usually use room temp butter. I enjoy this topping on Cobblers, Pies & look forward to trying on other things! It’s an easy & wonderful topping.
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
So glad you enjoyed it!
Jodi
Whats the cooking time on the crumble to use it as a topping for No bake caramel apple pie topping?
Jamielyn Nye
If you’re just baking the crumble, I’d spread on a cookie sheet (lined with parchment paper) and bake about 10-15 minutes at 350. Watch the last few minutes, as it could burn easier on it’s own.
Kayla
Finally, a crumble topping that doesn’t require cold pats of butter! Simply amazing! Thank you!!!
And for those asking for the bake time because you can’t find it in the recipe, the bake time for the crumble is the same time as whatever you are putting it on top of, to bake in the oven. If you’re making muffins, then the bake time for the crumble is the same time as your muffins. They are one-in-the-same when it comes to the time required for baking the crumble. Hopefully that helps for anyone who might need to know!
I Heart Naptime Community
I am so glad you enjoy the crumble Kayla! Thank you for your kind comments :)
Chesca
Looks great! I wanted to use the crumble on its own to compliment part of a dessert. Can you cook the crumble on its own and if so do you know what temp and for how long? Thank you 🙏🏼
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
Sorry the crumble is meant to be put on baked goods before baking them. I would recommended adding it to the part of the dessert you are serving it with before baking it.
Michelle
Hold on sorry but I think I’m missing part of the recipe, where’s the bake time I mean the recipe didn’t say to bake the flour first and as far as I’m aware eating raw flour is very bad for you.
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
Crumble topping is not meant to be eaten on its own but to be added to baked goods as a topping. When it is added to baked goods and the baked good is baked per te recipe direction it also bakes the topping. Enjoy!
Eliza
I can’t find a baking time either!!
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
Baking time will vary depending on the recipe you are using it on. Crumble topping isn’t meant to be consumed on it’s own but tops a baked good (such as muffin, quick bread, fruit crumble). Top your baked good and follow that recipes direction for baking.
Chelle
Can I use unsalted butter?
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
Yes, you may want to add a pinch of salt to the ingredients.
Claire
Delicious
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
Thanks for the review!
Kiana
How long is this good for? Muffins are in the oven now, so excited!
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
When used on muffins, I would refer to the muffin recipe and store muffins as directed.
Kiana
I meant the left over crumble.
Linda
Super simple and tasty. Nice to have on hand for quick desserts.
Cristina
This is the easiest crumble I have ever made! It is perfect every single time!
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
Yeah! Thanks for the review!
Marilyn
Very good
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
Thanks for the review!
Sarah
being british there is no excuse, but this was my first crumble topping in a while. the best
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
So happy to hear this!
Christopher
Can you add goat cheese to this crumble?
Jamielyn Nye
I haven’t tried, but unfortunately I think it would change the consistency.
Moana Roedel
Thank you- so easy
Tina
What happens if you substitute with Stevia for sugar, but still use brown sugar as the other half? Asking because I’m at a friend’s and that’s all they have! lol
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
It may work, taste might differ than intended. Let us know what you think!
Aj
It didn’t turn crumbly..more of a paste, I followed the instructions, but I could have done something wrong. The taste wasn’t bad, it’s just sugar, flour, cinnamon, and butter, but idk I didn’t get it to work.
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
I would try melting the butter then letting it cool slightly, also only start with a small amount of the butter at first when combining.
Nancy
I use this recipe frequently. It’s quick and delicious on pies and muffins.
Nicola
How do I get metric ?
I Heart Naptime Community
Hi Nicola! I haven’t tested this recipe in metrics.
Eliza
Excuse me please, what is the temperature and baking time??? Can’t find it and I have it the oven waiting. 😒
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
Hello, a crumble topping is meant to be used on a baked goods (think muffin, coffee cake, quick bread, fruit desserts). The baked good you are using it on will vary the time and temperature. Place crumble on top the baked good recipe and follow that recipe for baking time / temp. Thanks!