This simple single-serve apple crumble is the perfect solution when a sweet craving strikes and you don’t want to share. Fresh, tender apples are topped with a buttery, oat-studded crumble for a warm, comforting dessert that comes together quickly and bakes in a small oven-safe dish. It’s ideal for fall, but satisfying any time you want a little homemade treat without the fuss of making a large pan.
Because this recipe makes a single portion, you can adjust sweetness, spices, and serving size to suit your own taste. Prep is minimal — about 10 minutes to peel, core, and toss the apples, and another few minutes to mix the topping. Bake until the fruit is bubbling and the crumble is golden, then let it rest briefly so the topping firms up. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you like.
Ingredients
- Apples – 1 cup peeled, cored and sliced (any firm variety such as Gala, Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith).
- Sugar – 2 teaspoons (use white sugar, coconut sugar, or another sweetener to taste).
- Salted butter – 1 tablespoon, very soft.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats – 1 tablespoon.
- Flour – 1 tablespoon.
- Brown sugar – 1 tablespoon.
- Cinnamon – 1/4 teaspoon.
These quantities make one two-cup serving. Adjust proportions if you make more than one portion.
How to Make Single Serve Apple Crumble
Preheat the oven to 325°F (about 160°C). Lightly grease a two-cup oven-safe baking dish or small ramekin.
1. In a small bowl, toss the sliced apples with the sugar until evenly coated. Transfer the fruit to the prepared baking dish.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the very soft butter, oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Use a fork to mix until small crumbs form.
3. Evenly sprinkle the crumb mixture over the apples.
4. Bake for about 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the apples are bubbling. Remove from the oven and let cool at least 10 minutes before serving so the topping sets up.
Top Tip
For natural sweetness and depth of flavor, stir 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey into the apple filling before baking. A squeeze of lemon juice also brightens the fruit.
Substitutions
- Spices: Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice for a warmer profile.
- Sugar: Use coconut sugar, a sugar substitute, or less sugar if your apples are very sweet.
Variations
Small changes let you customize this dessert:
- Apple choice: Use any firm apple you enjoy. Sweet varieties like Gala or Honeycrisp lend a milder flavor; Granny Smith adds a nice tart contrast.
- Fruit mix: Add a few chopped pears, a handful of berries, or some chopped dried fruit for variety.
- Protein boost: Stir a teaspoon of unflavored protein powder into the crumble for an added protein lift.
- Serving ideas: Top with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of warmed caramel for an indulgent finish.
For another single-serve treat, try a sugar cookie or mug cake prepared the same way—small portions for big satisfaction.
Equipment
All you need is a small mixing bowl, a fork, a peeler or small knife to prepare the apples, and a two-cup oven-safe baking dish or ramekin.
Storage
Store any leftover portion in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 2–3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave; note that the crumble topping will soften after refrigeration. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the topping changes once thawed.
Common Questions
Are there optional add-ins I can include?
Yes—try caramel bits, chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), or a few spoonfuls of fresh or frozen berries mixed with the apples for extra flavor and texture.
Why is my crumble not crispy?
Make sure the topping is well mixed so the butter coats the dry ingredients evenly. Bake until the edges are golden and the filling bubbles. Allowing the dessert to cool for at least 10 minutes helps the topping firm up. If you rush serving it while piping hot, the topping can be softer.
Related
Other small-batch desserts to try: Passion Fruit Mocktail, Chocolate Chips Hot Chocolate, Single Serve Chocolate Cookie, Apple Cinnamon Mug Cake.
Recipe
Single Serve Apple Crumble
Servings: 1
Prep time: 10 minutes • Cook time: 25–30 minutes • Total time: about 35–40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup apples, peeled and sliced
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- Crumb topping:
- 1 tablespoon salted butter, very soft
- 1 tablespoon old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a two-cup oven-safe baking dish.
- Toss the sliced apples with the sugar in a small bowl. Transfer to the baking dish.
- Combine butter, oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Use a fork to mix until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping over the apples.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until the edges are golden and the filling is bubbling. Cool at least 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition (approx.)
Calories: 293 kcal • Carbohydrates: 47 g • Protein: 2 g • Fat: 12 g • Fiber: 4 g • Sugar: 33 g
Enjoy this warm, single-serve apple crumble as a quick, comforting dessert that’s easy to customize and simple to prepare.