Healthy Apple Crumble For One
This apple crumble is the perfect small batch dessert when you’re craving something sweet but don’t need a full pan. With just one apple, one bowl, and a couple of baking dishes, you can whip up a warm, comforting treat in no time. The sweetly spiced apples soften beautifully in the oven, while the buttery topping bakes into a crisp, golden layer. Serve it straight from the baking sheet, or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. Perfect for a cozy night in, this easy baking recipe is great when you want a quick, homemade treat.
What Is Apple Crumble?
Apple crumble is a classic baked fruit dessert featuring tender apples coated in sugar, cinnamon, and butter, then topped with a golden streusel topping. Unlike an apple crisp, this version skips the oats and nuts, giving it a smoother, more buttery texture. Many find it even more satisfying than a small apple crisp recipe, thanks to its rich, crumbly topping.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Irresistible Texture – The contrast between soft baked apples and a crisp, buttery topping makes this a guaranteed win.
Small Batch & Satisfying – Perfect when you have a craving but don’t want a huge dessert. Just the right amount for two!
Easy & Quick – Made in one bowl with no mixer required. Simple steps and minimal cleanup.
Few Ingredients, Big Flavor – Uses pantry staples, yet delivers a rich, buttery topping over sweet, spiced apples.
Ingredient Notes
Butter – After melting, let it cool slightly before mixing to avoid affecting the texture of the crumble.
Apple – I prefer to peel and dice apples into small chunks for a softer texture and faster cooking. Peeling is optional, but it helps create a smoother filling.
Brown Sugar – I used light brown sugar, but dark brown or even granulated sugar will also work. Each will slightly change the flavor depth.
Flour – All-purpose flour is my go-to, but you can use wheat flour for a nuttier taste or gluten-free flour for a GF version.
Recipe Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease two apple crumble ramekins with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well coated. Divide the mixture evenly between the baking dishes.
- Step 3: In the same bowl, combine flour, salt, and extra brown sugar. Stir in melted butter until the mixture forms a crumb topping.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the crumb topping over the apples, ensuring even coverage. If making an apple crumble recipe with oats, mix oats into the topping before sprinkling.
- Step 5:Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown. Allow it to cool slightly before serving warm
Expert Baking Tips
For the best apple crumble for one, choose apples like Granny Smith, Envy, or Honeycrisp—each brings a unique balance of sweetness and tartness. If you love a bit of extra texture, mix in oats or nuts with the crumb topping before baking. Serving warm? A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes this apple crumble recipe (individual-sized) to the next level. Enjoy every bite of this cozy, single-serve dessert!
Storing & Freezing
Once cooled, this mini apple crumble recipe can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, covered tightly with saran wrap to maintain freshness. If you plan to freeze it, simply cover the dish and store it for up to 2 months. This is a great option if you bake two but only want to eat one right away. When ready to enjoy, let the crumble come to room temperature before serving. This single serving apple crumble recipe is perfect for prepping ahead without waste!
More Recipe To Taste
Cheesecake Recipe With Cream Cheese
Easy Apple Crumble Recipe
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Envy, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar light or dark
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg optional
For the Crumble Topping:
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
- 2 tablespoons oats rolled or quick oats
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter slightly cooled
- Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped nuts for extra crunch
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease two ramekins with butter or cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, mix together peeled and diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Divide the mixture evenly between the baking dishes.
- Using the same bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter and mix until the mixture forms a crumbly texture. For extra crunch, stir in chopped nuts.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples, ensuring full coverage.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping turns lightly golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
FAQs
What are the best apples for apple crumble?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Envy apples work great. They offer a balance of tartness and sweetness, making the crumble perfectly flavorful.
What’s the difference between apple crumble and apple crisp?
Apple crisp has oats and sometimes nuts, while crumble has a buttery, streusel-like topping.
How do I prevent a soggy crumble topping?
Make sure the butter is melted and slightly cooled before mixing, and bake until lightly golden brown for the best texture.
Can I make apple crumble without oats?
Yes! This recipe skips oats for a more traditional texture. If you prefer oats, mix them into the topping for extra crunch.
