(Part 1) Pie Series: Streusel

Crumb topping is one of those things that really does not need a recipe- just a template. You can easily tuck away in your memory without even needing to reference a recipe. For years now I have been able to just throw a crumb topping together no problem & now you can too!

The recipe is simple. I like to do 1/2 of the blend as a gluten free flour Mix & the other half my granulated sugar of choice. Then I mix in spices if I feel like it, a pinch of salt then add melted butter tbsp by tbsp stirring with a fork until I reach the perfect crumbly consistency.

Flour Options:

The easiest way to go about it is to just grab any gluten free all purpose flour or cup for cup flour blend that you like. (regular all purpose flour works too of course).

If you are paleo/grain free the best option is to do a mix of Blanched almond flour and starch (tapioca/arrowroot/potato starch). DO NOT USE Coconut Flour. It wont taste great. You can either do a half and half mix, or 3/4 almond flour & 1/4 starch if you are trying to manage your carbs. Almond flour burns faster than regular flour- so keep the baked good covered 2/3 of the time in the oven.

If you are keto you may use all almond flour for the recipe. Remember though that nut and seed flours burn quickly in the oven. Do not leave your baked good uncovered for more than 10-12 minutes until the and keep a close eye.

Sugar Options:

ANY granulated sugar will work here. Cane Sugar, Brown Sugar, Palm Sugar, Granulated Maple Sugar.

When it comes to using keto/ Sugar Free granulated sugars I will usually use 1-3 tbsp less than the half and half amount. Doing this helps avoid any after taste. My favorite sugar free granulated sweeteners are bochasweet and granulated alluose.

Keep in mind that if you want your crumb topping to be sweeter- you can go ahead and add more. Do it to your taste preferences..theres no going wrong here.

Fat Options:

Any liquid fat will work. Melted Butter, Melted Vegan Butter, Melted Ghee, Melted Coconut oil. Avocado, vegetable or or even olive oil.

Different flours will require different amounts of fat- so go slow adding it 1 tbsp at a time. If you use too much fat you can balance things out by adding a little bit more flour and sugar.

How much crumb topping/streusel do you need for various recipes?

Pie: 1- 2 cups of flour & sugar blend. (not including the butter amount).

Dozen muffins: 1 cup of flour & sugar blend (not including the butter amount)

Quickbread: 1 1/2 cups of flour & sugar blend. (not including the butter amount).

7x7 or 8x8 Coffee Cake: 1-2 cups of flour & sugar blend. (not including the butter amount).