Inexplicably, I hate making crumb topping. Whipping up a cake batter is fine, but the mixture of sugar, flour, and butter destined for the top of the cake irritates me to no end.

Nutter Butter cookies: These peanut-shaped sandwich cookies are used for both the crumb crust and the cookie crumble topping.You'll have a few cookies left over from a 16-ounce package, perfect ...

Prepare the crumble topping: In a medium bowl, stir together the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. Cut in the peanut butter and butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.

Crush 16 cookies; toss with the butter. Press into an ungreased 9-in. square dish. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, peanut butter and 1 cup confectioner’s sugar until smooth.

Place the cookie crumbs in a small bowl. Add the sugar and melted butter and toss with a fork until blended. Pat the crumbs evenly onto the sides and bottom of a 9-inch pie plate.

Make the crumb topping: Put the butter in a medium skillet and place over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts, continue cooking, whisking occasionally, until the butter foams and then starts ...