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How To Make a Crumble Topping

This versatile crumble topping starts with real butter—and that’s what makes it so good. Rich, melted butter brings everything together while baking into golden clusters with irresistible crunch. You can customize the flavor with add-ins like oats, chopped nuts, browned butter, warming spices, or citrus zest. It’s the perfect topping for cheesecakes, ice cream, crisps, or even yogurt parfaits.

Get Started

Step 1: Choose Your Flavors

Warming spices like cinnamon—or even nutmeg or cardamom—add cozy depth, while citrus zest offers a bright, fresh contrast to the richness of the butter. You can also brown your butter for added nuttiness or stir in oats or toasted nuts for texture.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together all-purpose flour, brown sugar and granulated sugar. This is also where you'd add any additional flavorings, like oats, spices or nuts. 

Step 3: Add Melted Butter

Pour in melted and cooled unsalted butter. Stir with a spoon or spatula until the mixture begins to form clumps.

Step 4: Mix Into Crumbs

Use your hands to gently press and mix until coarse crumbs form, being careful not to overmix—you want some larger clumps for the best texture. The butter binds the ingredients into sandy, buttery clusters that will crisp up beautifully in the oven.

Step 5: Bake

Spread the crumbs into an even layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, or until the crumble is golden and lightly crisped.

Step 6: Cool & Store

Let the crumble cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, break into smaller chunks if needed. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Give it a Try

Want to see a few of our favorite desserts featuring crumble toppings? See the collection!