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The Best 5-Minute Streusel Topping Recipe (Easy)

The best 5-Minute Streusel Topping for all of your cakes, bundt cakes, muffins, pies and more! Using four basic ingredients (plus some optional spices) this buttery, crunchy streusel will be ready in less than 5 minutes (tops!). This foolproof recipe comes out perfect every time!
*Half-batch recipe for muffins included in the recipe card NOTES.
5 from 2 reviews
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: Cakes, Muffins
Keyword: Bundt Cakes, Coffee Cakes, Muffins, Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert, Baking
Servings: 1 Batch
Author: Rebecca Firth

Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ cup (169 g) all-purpose flour (how to measure flour)
  • 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar (packed (dark brown sugar can be used as well))
  • 2 teaspoons (4 g) cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 8 tablespoons (113 g or 4 oz) unsalted butter (room temperature and cut into 16 small pieces)

Instructions

  • For the streusel, in a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and sea salt. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, work the butter into the mixture until it resembles wet sand and when pinched together it holds into clumps.
  • Store in the fridge, covered, until ready to use. 

Notes

Spices

This is my classic spiced streusel topping. Some recipes call for omitting cinnamon altogether. Feel free to omit the spices and/or add in different spices. Cardamom is delicious in streusel!

Storing

Streusel can be made up to several days ahead of time. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Half Batch Cinnamon Streusel Topping

For most muffin recipes, a half batch of streusel topping is ideal.
Use these quantities:
  • 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons (85 g) all-purpose flour (how to measure flour)
  • 1/3 cup (73 g) light or dark brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 teaspoon (2 g) cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.5 g) sea salt
  • 4 tablespoons (57 g or 1/4 cup) unsalted butter (room temperature and cut into 4 pieces)

 

As a Simple Dessert

Bake the streusel on a lined baked sheet at 350°F (177°C) for about 10 minutes or until lightly bronzed. Let cool completely before adding to the top of vanilla ice cream for the perfect crunchy topping (and easy, delicious dessert).
Thanks for baking with me! Please rate + comment this recipe and tag me on social @displacedhousewife #displacedhousewife so I can see your beautiful treats! xo