streusel
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of streusel
1925–30; < German: literally, a sprinkling; see strew
Explanation
Streusel is a sweet, crumbly topping for baked goods. If you're not a fan of pie crust, you might prefer pies with streusel on top. Yum! Typically, streusel is made with butter, flour, and sugar, sometimes with added ingredients like oats, spices, or nuts. Besides pies, sweets that often have a streusel topping include coffee cake, muffins, cakes, and fruit crisps. In German, Streusel means "something scattered or sprinkled," which is exactly what a baker does with streusel before baking.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Erin Jeanne McDowell revamped a seemingly ordinary pie with homemade streusel.
From Salon ● May 23, 2025
The streusel — made from a flour mixture of oats, all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and sea salt — is sprinkled on top before baking.
From Salon ● May 23, 2025
Sichuan chile crisp sundae with peanut streusel is an unexpected combination that works.
From New York Times ● Mar. 21, 2023
This pumpkin-packed crumb cake topped with spicy, crispy streusel and an optional glaze is just the thing for an afternoon snack.
From New York Times ● Oct. 12, 2022
I'd be happy with that and a spoon, but this recipe adds a bonus: graham cracker streusel.
From Salon ● May 12, 2022
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
