When I think of cafe-style muffins, the first thought that pops into my mind is crumb topping. The muffins that I tend to purchase at a cafe are always warm and soft with a delicious crumb topping that adds the perfect crunch to each and every bite.
For me, whenever I bake muffins that include fruit, I almost always throw on a crumb topping to kick the flavor and texture up a notch. However, crumb topping isn’t just tasty on muffins. It can also be added to pies, tarts and crisps.
All crumb toppings generally use the same ingredients: sugar, flour, cinnamon and butter. Many people prefer to use cold butter when creating a crumb topping. I’m just the opposite. I’ve found that using melted butter is much easier and creates perfect crumbs that look great and taste even better.
This crumb topping tastes great when used to top muffins. However, like I said earlier, it is also delicious when used as a topping on pies, tarts and crisps. The next time you bake either one of these treats, try throwing some crumb topping on top before baking it. The crumb topping will add so much flavor and texture.
If you’re in the mood for some muffins with crumb topping, be sure to stop by Banana Muffins with Crumb Topping and Cafe-style Blueberry Muffins. These are two of my favorite muffins because they are loaded with flavor and topped with this delicious recipe for crumb topping that adds a great crunch.
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- In a small bowl, use a fork and mix together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and butter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle over the muffin batter.
- Place muffins in the oven and bake for required time.
- The recipe makes enough crumb topping for 12 muffins.
What’s your favorite type of muffin?
Maggy@ThreeManyCooks.com says
I love when muffins and coffee cakes have that crumb topping…! Never knew how to make it, cool!
Appetite for Conversation says
Your tips are always so great!
Amber says
Wow! I think this is exactly what my new bananas and cream muffin needs to take it to the next level. I keep a bag of crumb topping in my freezer that I made, with, as you said, cold butter. But melted butter! It's genius! It was great to meet you on Saturday :)
Jenny says
love this post, Crumb topping is my absolute favorite part of the muffin :)
Cookin' Canuck says
Give me a bowlful of that crumb topping and I would gobble it up in not time.
Fuji Mama says
I LOVE LOVE LOVE crumb topping and your recipe looks like it makes the perfect crumbs!
Anonymous says
I wish i read this earlier! I just started baking and i made my first apple pie yesterday. I tried four times to make the crust but no luck, so next time i gotta try the crumble
Anonymous says
every time I make crumb topping, it just melts into the muffins and I end up having a hole in all of them .. am I doing something wrong? I always follow the recipe exactly
Francis says
Love crumb topping. However, having a problem with my topping on my pies. After baking, the crumb topping is hard!
What am I doin wrong??
I MIX, 1/2 C flour, 1/4 C butter, 2/3 C brown sugar….mix flour & sugar in my Kitchen-aid, then add cold butter until blended and cover pies. Any suggestions?
Heidi Suydam says
The best muffin crumble ever!!
Monica says
this was delicious ans very easy to put together. Thank you!