Do you have lots of fruit hanging about in your pantry, freezer or fridge? Maybe it’s fresh out of your garden…lucky you! This crumble topping is the BEST way to use up your fruits by making divine fruit crumbles.
Apple crumble is one of my signature desserts. Growing up, my mom and dad both made this recipe, so it’s still one of my favourites.
This basic crumble topping is soft, sweet, and a little bit crunchy. Oh, and did I mention delicious?
Did you know that you can freeze crumble topping? It’s a must-have in your freezer. Ready to go on short notice so you can get a dessert or dish out on the table when you’re too busy to make something from scratch.
When you stock up on ingredients for your family, making ready-to-go meals and desserts like this crumble recipe is a great way to preserve the ingredients and make something your family will enjoy.
I love to make a double batch of crumble topping when I make apple crumble because we love a thick helping of crumble with our fruit.
If you want to freeze this crumble topping, try doubling or tripling the recipe so you can keep more on hand in your freezer. Why not, since you’re already making a batch?
You can even use this crumble topping on muffins, cakes, or sweet bread. It tastes amazing with a sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar on top.
Don’t forget to grab fresh cream or make a batch of my favourite condensed milk ice cream when it’s time to make apple or fruit crumble.
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Why is This Crumble Topping the Best?
- Made from simple pantry ingredients
- Simple and quick to make in less than 10 minutes
- Can be stored in a Ziplock bag in the freezer
- Taste oh so good!
Basic Crumble Topping Ingredients
Flour – All-purpose flour, and of course, unbleached!
Baking Powder – helps it rise.
Butter – I always bake with salted butter, but you can use unsalted.
White Granulated Sugar – White sugar is used in this crumble mixture to help create the crunch this crumble has.
Rolled Oats – Rich in fibre, oats add texture and a lovely nutty flavour. Rolled oats or old-fashioned oats are best for this recipe.
Fruit Crumble Variations
- Apple crumble
- Rhubarb crumble
- Berry crumble
- Peach crumble
- Cherry crisp
Tips to Make Crumble Topping
1. Leave the butter on the bench for an hour or so before making your crumble so it can get to room temperature. Don’t use melted butter; the flour will soak it up, and this recipe won’t work.
2. Cut the butter into cubes to help with rubbing it into the dry ingredients.
3. If you try to use a hand beater or mixer, the crumble topping can be overmixed. It’s best to rub the ingredients together by hand.
Crumble Topping Recipe
You can find the full printable recipe below.
Step One – Sift flour and baking powder into a large bowl. Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients. Rub the butter into the dry ingredients until it begins to look like coarse breadcrumbs.
Step Two – Add the sugar and mix to combine.
Step Three – Add the rolled oats and mix the crumble topping to combine all the ingredients together.
Step Four – Freeze uncooked in a Ziplock bag for later, or pour over fruit for a fresh crumble. Sprinkle this crumble over your fruit crumble and bake for 30 minutes at 190℃ (375℉) or until the fruit is tender.
Crumble Topping FAQs
What Are The Best oats to use?
Rolled or old-fashioned oats are best for this recipe. I wouldn’t recommend instant oats, as they are too powdery.
Can I Use Self-Rising Flour?
Yes, use the same amount of flour, but omit the baking powder if you use self-rising flour.
How Do I Store this Crumble Topping?
In an airtight container or Ziplock bag in the freezer. This can be stored for months, make sure to label your freezer stock so you know what it is later on.
If you made and enjoyed this recipe, I would appreciate you giving it 5 stars!
Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!
Looking For More Yummy Baking Recipes? Try These!
Basic Crumble Topping (Freezer Friendly)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 80 g butter soft and cubed
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 cup rolled oats
Instructions
- Sift flour and baking powder into a large bowl. Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients. Rub the butter into the dry ingredients until it begins to look like coarse breadcrumbs.
- Add the sugar and mix to combine.
- Add the rolled oats and mix the crumble topping to combine all the ingredients together.
- Freeze uncooked in a Ziplock bag for later, or pour over fruit for a fresh crumble. Sprinkle this crumble over your fruit crumble and bake for 30 minutes at 190℃ (375℉) or until the fruit is tender.
Notes
- Pop the butter out on the bench for an hour or so before making your crumble so it can get to room temperature. Don’t use melted butter, the flour will soak it up and this recipe won’t work.
- Cut the butter up into cubes to help with rubbing it into the dry ingredients.
- Crumble topping can be over-mixed if you try to use a hand beater or mixer. It’s best to rub the ingredients together by hand.
- This crumble topping is delish with apples, peaches, berries, rhubarb or cherries.
- Double the mixture for a thicker crumble topping.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
