In my mind, I’m filing this crumb topping recipe under “Kitchen Essentials” because it’s the kind of simple trick that can really elevate things like muffins or apple pie.
And for some reason I know this should probably be called crumb topping, but in my mind I always think crumb topping or crumb topping. lol
More than a recipe, this is all about the ratios of cold butter, flour, and sugar. It is really that easy. But this crumb topping can completely transform a store-bought muffin mix or top it with warm, baked berries (the perfect late summer dessert).
Can you make crumbles without brown sugar?
I make this with both brown sugar and granulated white sugar, but you can use granulated white sugar in place of the brown sugar portion.
However, if you do, I’d add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and maybe a small pinch of cinnamon or another spice you might have, since it’s the brown sugar that gives that a bit more flavor.
Do you have to use cold butter?
Cold butter is important here. Don’t heat the butter, although this will make it easier to work with. This is similar to making pie crust – you want the recipe’s fat to be very cold.
If I make this first (before the muffins or whatever else I’m going to do with it), then I put the crumb topping in the fridge until I’m ready to use it.
I mostly use these for muffins, cakes, or cobblers, but another fun use is in cookies like these Banana Bread Muffin Cookies or Blueberry Muffin Cookies.
Happy baking! xo. Emma
sprinkles topping
Crumb topping for muffins or cakes
-
½
Cup
butter
cold -
⅔
Cup
all purpose flour -
¼
Cup
sugar
Brown -
¼
Cup
White sugar
granulated
-
Cut the cold butter into small cubes. Pour into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
-
Add the flour, brown sugar and granulated sugar.
-
Using a mixer or your clean hands, mix until the dough is crumbly and the largest pieces are the size of a pea.
-
Keep refrigerated until use.
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar instead. If you do, add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and maybe a pinch of cinnamon or another spice to add a bit of flavor (since some is lost if you don’t use brown sugar).
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