Crumble Topping (with Oats)

Crumble Topping with Oats

You’ve no doubt heard us rave about the oat crumble that accompanies our go-to fresh fruit desserts! We love this topping because you can use it for any fruit crisp such as cherry crisp, apple crisp, peach crisp, strawberry crisp, etc. The possibilities are endless! Homemade oat topping lends a crunchy element to the soft fruit and we like to throw in a dash of cinnamon to really sell that warm, earthy flavor. 

How To Make Crumble Topping with Oats:

1. Place the rolled oats, cubed butter, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon into a medium bowl and use a pastry cutter or your hands to combine the ingredients. I find that hands work the best for mixing in this case. It ensures everything is incorporated.
2. The butter should be fully incorporated and no dry, sandy patches should remain.
3. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over your favorite fruit crisp or pie. Bake according to the recipe instructions. The topping is baked through when it’s lightly browned and crunchy.

Tips and Variations

• The butter should be cold, not softened. I like to make the topping first when preparing a recipe, then pop it into the fridge to firm up while I prepare the remaining ingredients.
• It’s important that the ingredients are well mixed and no dry patches remain. Otherwise, you’ll have dry flour patches on your crisp or pie, too.
• I typically use light brown sugar for the recipe, but you can use dark brown sugar if you want to try a richer, more caramelized flavor.
• You won’t be able to use steel cut or instant oats for this recipe. Neither will work. Old fashioned (rolled) oats are the best in texture and taste, however quick oats can work in a pinch.
• If you aren’t a fan of cinnamon, try substituting nutmeg or another spice of your choosing.
• Nuts are a great addition to the crumble topping. Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds are all wonderful!

Storage Recommendations 

• Refrigerator: Because of the butter, the crumble topping needs to stay refrigerated. Keep it in an airtight container for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Freezer: You can freeze this topping for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: If you haven’t previously baked this crumble topping and are baking it from the freezer, bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until the oats are golden brown in color.