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Craving a warm, sweet dessert that’s easy to make? Try my Single-Serve Apple Crumble! This delightful treat is not only quick to prepare, but it also packs a burst of flavor in every bite. With fresh apples and a crispy topping, it’s a perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Join me as I share tips, tricks, and variations to customize this scrumptious dessert just for you!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This single-serve apple crumble takes just 10 minutes to prepare, making it a perfect last-minute dessert.
- Deliciously Comforting: The warm, spiced apples paired with a crunchy topping create a comforting treat that’s hard to resist.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out the apple variety or add nuts and dried fruits to the crumble for a personal touch.
- Perfect Portion: This recipe is designed for one, so you can indulge without any leftovers tempting you later!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
To make a tasty single-serve apple crumble, you need:
– 1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons rolled oats
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon cold butter or coconut oil, cubed
– Pinch of salt
– A scoop of vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have a Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apple, feel free to use any firm apple. Fuji or Gala work well. For brown sugar, you can swap it with white sugar or coconut sugar. If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut oil instead of butter. You can also replace all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty flavor. If you want a crunchier topping, add nuts or seeds to the crumble mix.
Importance of Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh ingredients is key for great flavor. Fresh apples give you the best taste and texture. When apples are crisp, they hold up well during baking. Fresh spices like cinnamon add a warm, rich aroma. Fresh lemons give you bright acidity, balancing the sweetness of the apples. When you use fresh ingredients, your dish tastes better and looks more inviting. Always choose the best quality for a delightful dessert!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Detailed Cooking Process
First, gather your ingredients. You need one medium apple, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, rolled oats, flour, cold butter or coconut oil, and a pinch of salt.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps your crumble bake evenly.
Next, peel and dice your apple. I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their tartness. In a small bowl, mix the diced apple with lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Toss everything together until the apple is coated.
Then, place the apple mixture into a small, oven-safe ramekin. Spread it out evenly.
Preheating and Preparations
While the oven preheats, prepare the crumble topping. In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, cubed butter or coconut oil, and a pinch of salt. Use your fingers or a fork to mix it all together. You want it to look like coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the apple. This layer adds texture and crunch.
Baking Tips for Optimal Results
Now, place your ramekin in the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the apple is tender and the topping turns golden brown.
After baking, let it cool slightly. This makes it easier to eat. If you want to make your dessert extra special, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream right before serving!
Tips & Tricks
How to Perfect Your Apple Crumble
To make the best apple crumble, choose the right apple. I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. They add a nice tartness. Make sure to peel and dice them evenly. This helps them cook at the same rate. Toss the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon. This adds flavor and keeps the apples bright.
Flavor Enhancements
You can add extra flavors to your crumble. Try mixing in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. This adds crunch and depth. For a twist, mix in dried fruits like raisins. A splash of vanilla extract can also boost flavor. If you want a more spicy kick, add a pinch of nutmeg.
Serving Suggestions
Serving your apple crumble warm is the best way. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top makes it even better. The hot crumble and cold ice cream create a great contrast. You can also serve it with whipped cream for extra creaminess. If you have leftovers, enjoy them for breakfast topped with yogurt!
Pro Tips
- Choose the Right Apple: For the best flavor and texture, opt for tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet ones like Honeycrisp. They hold up well during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the crumble.
- Enhance the Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the crumble topping for an extra layer of warmth and spice that complements the apples beautifully.
- Crispy Topping Tip: Ensure your butter or coconut oil is cold when mixing it with the dry ingredients. This helps achieve a crunchy, crumbly texture when baked.
- Serving Suggestions: For a delightful twist, serve your apple crumble with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added crunch and flavor.

Variations
Different Fruit Options
You can change the fruit in this apple crumble. Try pears for a sweet twist. Berries, like blueberries or raspberries, add a nice tartness. Peach chunks give it a summer vibe. You can mix two or three fruits for a fun blend. Just remember to adjust sugar based on how sweet your fruit is.
Healthier Ingredient Alternatives
To make this dessert a bit healthier, use less sugar. You can swap brown sugar with honey or maple syrup. Use unsweetened applesauce instead of butter to cut calories. You can also use almond flour or oat flour in place of all-purpose flour. These options keep the taste yummy while being kinder to your body.
Gluten-Free and Vegan Versions
For gluten-free options, simply use certified gluten-free oats and flour. Coconut oil works well in place of butter for a vegan choice. If you want to add extra flavor, sprinkle in some nuts or seeds. This adds crunch and boosts nutrition. Enjoy this treat knowing it fits your diet!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your apple crumble fresh, first let it cool. Then, cover the ramekin with plastic wrap or foil. You can also transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps it tasty and ready for you.
Reheating Instructions
When you want to enjoy your leftover apple crumble, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the crumble in the oven, covered with foil, for about 10-15 minutes. This warms it evenly without drying it out. If you prefer, you can also microwave it. Heat it for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Just check to see if it’s warm enough before digging in.
Shelf-Life of Apple Crumble
If stored well, your apple crumble can last for about three days in the fridge. If you freeze it, it can last for up to three months. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your delicious dessert anytime!
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples?
Yes, you can use other apples! I recommend using apples that are crisp and tart. Honeycrisp and Fuji apples work well. They add a sweet touch. You can also try Granny Smith for a tangy flavor. Mixing different apples can give a great taste. Just make sure to adjust the sugar if needed.
How do I know when the crumble is done?
The crumble is done when the apples are soft. Check for a golden brown topping. It should look nice and crispy. Bake it for 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). If you’re unsure, you can poke the apples with a fork. They should be tender.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare your apple crumble ahead of time. You can chop the apples and mix them with lemon juice and sugar. Store this mix in the fridge for up to a day. You can also make the crumble topping and keep it in a separate bowl. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready!
In this blog post, we explored key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips for making apple crumble. You learned about ingredient substitutions and the importance of freshness. We discussed baking tips and serving ideas to enhance flavor. Also, we covered variations for different diets and how to store leftover crumble.
Apple crumble is fun to make and share. With these steps, you can create a tasty dessert to enjoy anytim
Single-Serve Apple Crumble
A delicious individual dessert featuring baked apples topped with a crumbly mixture.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Calories 300 kcal
- 1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cold butter or coconut oil, cubed
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a small bowl, toss the diced apple with lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well coated.
Transfer the apple mixture into a small, oven-safe ramekin or baking dish and spread it evenly.
In another bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, cubed butter (or coconut oil), and a pinch of salt. Use your fingers or a fork to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the apples in the ramekin.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the apple is tender and the topping is golden brown.
Once done, let it cool slightly before serving.
For an extra treat, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream right before serving!
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Keyword apple, crumble, dessert, single serve
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