Mastering streusel: Turning simple ingredients into dessert magic

Streusel is one of those additions that can transform any dessert. Its crispy texture and delicate flavour make it a favourite for many. Although it seems simple to make, it requires some precision and the right ingredients. Here's how to make a good streusel, step by step.

To prepare streusel, you only need a few basic ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients for streusel:

• 125 grams of butter (chilled but not hard)
• 70 grams of brown or white sugar
• 160 grams of plain flour

When selecting ingredients, it's worth paying attention to their quality. Good quality butter and flour are the keys to success. If you like, you can experiment with additions like cinnamon or vanilla to enhance the flavour of the streusel. However, remember that the basic version is equally delicious and will surely satisfy any sweet tooth.

Start by combining the flour and sugar in a large bowl. Then add the chilled butter cut into cubes. It's best to use your hands to gently rub the butter into the flour and sugar until you achieve a mixture with a texture resembling wet sand. It's important not to heat the butter too much, so try to work quickly.

When the streusel is ready, you can use it immediately or store it in the refrigerator until needed. Baking the streusel is the next key step. Spread it evenly over the top of the cake or dessert and bake in an oven preheated to 180 degrees Celsius until it turns golden and crispy.

Streusel is extremely versatile and can be used in many recipes. The most popular use is, of course, sprinkling it on cakes such as apple pie, other shortcrust pastries or yeast cakes. Streusel also pairs excellently with fruit, which can be served warm with ice cream.

Don't be afraid to experiment with streusel in other dishes. You can add it to muffins to give them a crunchy texture or use it as a topping for yoghurt or porridge.