Can you use bread flour for crumble topping?

You can use bread flour for a crumble topping, but it's not the most ideal choice. Here's why:

Bread flour's high protein content (11-14%) leads to a tougher, chewier crumble topping. This is because the gluten in bread flour develops more strongly, resulting in a less crumbly texture.

All-purpose flour (with a protein content of 10-12%) is a better choice for crumble toppings because it results in a lighter, flakier, and more crumbly texture.

However, if you only have bread flour on hand, you can still use it. To help compensate for the higher protein content, you can:

* Use less flour: Start with slightly less bread flour than the recipe calls for and adjust as needed.

* Add more fat: Using more butter or oil will help to create a more tender crumble topping.

* Use cold ingredients: Chilling the butter and flour before mixing helps to prevent gluten development and keep the crumble topping light and fluffy.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. You can experiment with bread flour for a crumble topping, but be prepared for a slightly different texture.