Cinnamon Streusel Topping
This quick and easy Cinnamon Streusel Topping adds a delightful buttery, sweet, and spiced crunch to any baked good, transforming ordinary muffins, coffee cakes, or fruit crumbles into extraordinary treats.
For 12 servings
In a medium bowl, combine the packed light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and fine sea salt. Whisk them together thoroughly until no lumps of brown sugar remain and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Add the very cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Ensure the butter is cut into small, roughly 1/2-inch pieces to facilitate easy incorporation.
Using your fingertips, a pastry blender, or two knives, cut the butter into the dry ingredients. Work quickly to prevent the butter from warming too much.
Continue mixing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized pieces of butter still visible. Avoid overmixing; the goal is a crumbly texture, not a paste.
Once the desired crumbly texture is achieved, the streusel is ready to use. It can be sprinkled generously over unbaked muffins, coffee cakes, fruit crumbles, or pie fillings before baking.
For best results, use immediately. If not using right away, spread the streusel on a small baking sheet and freeze for 15-20 minutes to firm up the butter, then transfer to an airtight container.
Store any unused streusel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw slightly before using if frozen.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Keep Your Butter Cold: The secret to a perfect streusel is very cold butter. This prevents it from melting too quickly and creates those desirable pockets of steam for a crumbly texture.
- 2Don't Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough, paste-like streusel instead of a light, crumbly one. Stop as soon as coarse crumbs form.
- 3Add a Nutty Crunch: For extra texture and flavor, incorporate 1/4 cup of finely chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the dry ingredients before adding the butter.
- 4Make Ahead: This streusel can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to a month, making your baking day even easier.
Adapt it for your goals.
Nutty Streusel
Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the dry ingredients for an enhanced texture and rich, nutty flavor.
Spiced StreuselSpiced Streusel
Introduce other warm spices like a pinch of ground ginger, nutmeg, or allspice to complement the cinnamon, creating a more complex flavor profile.
Citrus Zest StreuselCitrus Zest Streusel
For a brighter note, add 1 teaspoon of finely grated orange or lemon zest to the dry ingredients. This pairs wonderfully with fruit-based desserts.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Antioxidant Properties
Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
Enhances Palatability
While a treat, this topping can make healthier baked goods, like those made with whole grains or less sugar, more appealing and enjoyable.
Quick Energy Source
Provides a quick source of carbohydrates and fats, offering a boost of energy, especially when paired with a balanced breakfast or snack.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you might want to omit or reduce the added 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt to prevent the streusel from becoming too salty. Taste and adjust accordingly.
