Gluten and dairy-free streusel topping is naturally-sweetened and the perfect way to complete muffins, pies, fruit crisps, bars, and more! It’s easy to make and adds a delicious crunch and hearty richness to all of your favorite snacks and desserts.
Quick Look at the Recipe
- 🍽️ Flavor: Sweet and buttery
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 5 minutes
- 👥 Yield: About 5 1/2 cups
- 🥣 Main Ingredients: Oats, oat flour, almond flour, coconut sugar, maple syrup, coconut oil
- 📋 Method: Bake according to recipe instructions
- 📖 Dietary Info: Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, egg-free
- ❄️ Freezer Friendly: Yes!
- 👩🍳 Tip: Maple syrup gives this streusel a clumpy, chewy texture and rich, naturally-sweet flavor.
The Only Complaint? There’s Never Enough
When it comes to healthier sweets, oat streusel is one of my favorite secret weapons. It instantly upgrades almost anything without adding any refined sugar. (You’ve got to try streusel-topped sheet pan pancakes!)
This streusel is so easy to make, and since it’s gluten and dairy-free it works well for my husband’s food sensitivities. It’s truly a favorite in our home, and my family’s only critique is that no matter how much streusel I add to something, they always insist it needs more.
If I need a quick dessert, I’ll sprinkle it over fresh fruit and bake it into a simple fruit crisp. If I’m making muffins, I can add it on top for a little something extra. It’s one of those simple recipes I’m always coming back to because it makes everything better.
Ingredients
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: First, in a large mixing bowl, gently stir all of the ingredients together until they’re just combined.
Step 2: Drop in pieces over your favorite baked goods and bake according to the recipe’s instructions.
If you’re looking for recipes that use streusel, check out my pumpkin cheesecake bars and cranberry sauce bars!
Tips for Success
Don’t over-mix – To keep the topping tender and crumbly, mix until just combined.
Drop in chunks – For a classic chunky texture, drop the streusel in pieces over your recipe and don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even.
Cover before it burns – If the topping starts to turn golden brown before the recipe is done baking, cover it with a sheet of aluminum foil.
What is Streusel?
Streusel (not to be confused with the German pastry strudel) is a delicious crumb topping that can be added to numerous desserts and snacks! It is very popular in German and Austrian recipes, and is a key component of coffee cake, fruit crisp, and more.
It is a wonderful addition to any type of muffins or sweet breads and can also be used as a topping for pies. You can even use it as a crust for bars like these gluten-free fig bars.
The options are endless when baking with streusel, so have fun and get creative!
Variations
Add-Ins
You can add up to 1 cup total add-ins per batch of streusel.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Slivered almonds
- Mini chocolate chips
- Unsweetened coconut flakes
- Sunflower or pumpkin seeds
Additional Flavorings
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, and other warm spices (start with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon and increase according to your taste)
- Lemon or orange zest (start with 2-3 tablespoons)
- Almond extract (1 teaspoon)
FAQs
Yes, you can absolutely use this oat streusel in place of the streusel called for in another recipe. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the amount depending on the size of the dish and how thick you want the topping to be.
You can sprinkle unbaked oat streusel over muffins, breads, coffee cakes and more and bake the recipes as usual. If the batter is thin it tends to sink in, so it works best in recipes with thick batter.
Yes, you can prep streusel ahead of time and store it unbaked in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Violet’s Favorite Tip
This streusel also makes a fantastic crust for bars! Simple press it down firmly in the bottom of a baking dish, spread jam or another fruit filling over it, and top with a little more streusel. For full instructions, check out my recipe for fig bars.
If you try this recipe, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram @violet_rightathome
Gluten-Free Streusel Topping with Oats
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups rolled oats certified gluten-free
- 1 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1 1/4 cup oat flour certified gluten-free
- 2/3 cup coconut oil softened
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, gently stir all of the ingredients together until they're just combined.2 1/2 cups rolled oats, 1 1/4 cup almond flour, 1 1/4 cup oat flour, 2/3 cup coconut oil, 1/2 cup coconut sugar, 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Drop in pieces over your favorite baked goods and bake according to the recipe's instructions.
Notes
- You can substitute butter for the coconut oil.
- You can substitute brown sugar for the coconut sugar.
- You can store the unbaked stresel topping in the fridge for a week or the freezer for 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
Nutrition
If you tried this naturally-sweetened streusel, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Please make sure to come back and leave a comment and a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating.
This recipe is such a family classic in my home! If you have any questions on using this topping on various baked goods, let me know. I’m always happy to help!