#1 Use High Quality Sugar
Begin by mixing your sugars before adding any other ingredients. Using a combination of ½ cup C&H® light brown sugar and ¼ cup C&H® granulated sugar gives the topping a deep, caramelized flavor with just the right amount of sweetness. This step ensures that the sugar blends evenly with the other ingredients, creating a well-balanced crumb.
#2 Add Flavor with Cinnamon and Salt
Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt to the sugar mixture. These spices not only add warmth but also enhance the overall flavor of the crumb topping. The salt balances the sweetness and the cinnamon adds a subtle, aromatic spice that compliments most baked goods.
#3 Melted Butter for Even Texture
Instead of using room temperature butter, melt 1 stick of butter before adding it to the mixture. Melted butter ensures that the fat is evenly distributed throughout the crumb, preventing any dry spots. This is especially important in gluten-free baking, where achieving the right texture can be tricky.
#4 Gently Incorporate the Flour
Add 1 ¼ cups of flour (gluten-free will work!) and use a fork to gently toss and stir the mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can create a paste rather than a crumbly texture. The key is to mix just enough so that the ingredients come together without losing the crumbly consistency.
#5 Elevate Your Crumb with a Glaze
Once your crumb topping is prepared, consider drizzling it with a simple glaze to add an extra layer of sweetness and shine. This not only enhances the visual appeal of your baked goods but also adds a delightful contrast in texture, taking your crumb-topped muffins or coffee cake to the next level.
Recipe by
Erin Collins
@Meaningfuleats
Erin Collins is the creator of Meaningful Eats, where she uses her food science background to create tested & perfected gluten-free recipes. Erin started her website in 2012 when she was diagnosed with celiac disease. She aims to share easy-to-prepare, approachable gluten-free food that anyone will enjoy. Erin’s recipes are made in thousands of kitchens around the world every single month. She resides in North Carolina with her husband and 4 children.