Streusel Topping
on Sep 12, 2024
I ALWAYS like to keep some Streusel Topping on hand to sprinkle over fresh fruit. This can turn even a sliced banana or your morning oatmeal into a special treat!
Why I Love This Recipe
Hey there, fabulous foodies! It’s Chef AJ, your Queen of Quick and Easy, here to share one of my favorite go-to toppings—Streusel Topping. This recipe is featured in my newest book, Sweet Indulgence, where you’ll find even more delicious and healthy desserts! This versatile topping transforms simple fruits, oatmeal, or desserts into something truly special. With the rich flavors of cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg combined with dates and pecans, it adds a perfect crunchy, sweet finish to just about anything. Plus, it’s easy to make and stores well in the fridge for when you need a little something extra.
I love that this recipe can be adapted to fit your dietary needs. You can swap the pecans for gluten-free rolled oats to lower the fat, or even use reduced-fat shredded coconut. This streusel is not only delicious but also wholesome, making it a guilt-free addition to your favorite plant-based treats!
Key Ingredients
- Raw Unsalted Pecans: These provide the base for the streusel, offering a rich, buttery flavor and crunch. Pecans are also packed with healthy fats and antioxidants.
- Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: Adds texture and a slight natural sweetness. You can use reduced-fat shredded coconut to lower the fat content while still getting that delicious coconut flavor.
- Deglet Noor Dates: These drier dates help bind the streusel together without making it too sticky. Dates also act as a natural sweetener and are loaded with fiber and essential nutrients.
- Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Vanilla Bean Powder: These warm spices add depth of flavor and a lovely aromatic touch to the streusel, making it perfect for sprinkling over your favorite dishes.
The Process
To make this Streusel Topping, start by placing the raw pecans in a food processor fitted with the “S” blade. Process them into a flour-like consistency, but be careful not to overprocess and turn them into nut butter.
Next, add the shredded coconut, cinnamon, vanilla bean powder, and nutmeg to the processor and blend again.
Finally, add the Deglet Noor dates, a few at a time, until you achieve a crumbly, streusel-like texture. Store your topping in a sealed container in the refrigerator, ready to sprinkle over your favorite fruits, oatmeal, or desserts.
Chef’s Tips
- To lower the fat content, substitute gluten-free rolled oats for the pecans. You can also use reduced-fat shredded coconut for an even lighter version.
- While this streusel is great on fruit or nice cream, it’s also fantastic sprinkled over frosted desserts like my Ultimate Pumpkin Pie or Cinnamon Bun Cupcakes.
- Keep this streusel in the fridge for up to a week. It’s so versatile, you’ll find yourself using it on everything!
How to Store Streusel Topping
Store your streusel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It also freezes well, so you can make a large batch and keep some on hand for future use.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Medjool dates are much moister and will make the streusel too sticky. Deglet Noor dates are drier and perfect for achieving the right texture.
Yes, simply swap out the pecans for gluten-free rolled oats for a nut-free option.
This streusel is fantastic sprinkled over fresh fruit, oatmeal, nice cream, or desserts. It even makes a great stuffing for baked apples!
Serving Suggestion
Sprinkle this Streusel Topping over your morning oatmeal, a sliced banana, or your favorite nice cream. For an extra indulgent treat, try it over frosted desserts like pumpkin pie or cupcakes. The possibilities are endless with this versatile, easy-to-make topping!
Summary
This versatile Streusel Topping is a must-have for turning simple dishes into something special. Made with wholesome ingredients like pecans, dates, and warm spices, it’s perfect for sprinkling over fruit, oatmeal, or desserts. Plus, it’s customizable for lower-fat or nut-free options.
If you tried this recipe, I’d love to see your results! Share your culinary creation on social media and tag me. As the Queen of Quick and Easy, nothing makes me happier than seeing how my convenient plant-based recipes inspire your kitchen adventures. Let’s celebrate the love of cooking and enjoy the deliciousness together!
Streusel Topping
Equipment
- 1 Food processor
Ingredients
- 4 ounces raw, unsalted pecans, (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla bean powder
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 12 ounces pitted Deglet Noor dates, (about 2 cups)
Instructions
- In a food processor fitted with the “S” blade, process the nuts into a flour-like consistency, being careful not to overprocess into nut butter.
- Add the coconut, cinnamon, vanilla bean powder, and nutmeg, and process again.
- Add Deglet Noor dates, a few at a time, until a streusel-like texture is achieved.
- Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
