There’s something undeniably comforting about tucking into a warm, single-serving apple crumble straight from the oven. The contrast between tender, lightly spiced apple slices and a golden, buttery crumble topping feels like a cozy hug in dessert form. In just minutes, you can transform a simple pantry of everyday staples into a decadent treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without leaving a mountain of leftovers. This recipe is perfect for those evenings when you crave something indulgent yet manageable—no wrestling with giant casseroles or worrying about the whole family’s preferences. It’s a one-dish adventure that captures the essence of homemade baking, marrying soft fruit and crisp topping in every spoonful. Plus, it’s an absolute breeze to pull together, even if you’re new to the kitchen or simply in need of a stress-free sweet fix.
What I love most about this single-serving apple crumble is how it invites you to slow down and savor each bite. The moment you slide the ramekin into the oven, the house fills with the sweet scent of warm apple and cinnamon mingling with melted butter. While you wait—even if it’s just twenty minutes—you can curl up with a good book, enjoy a cup of tea, or text a friend about your mini-baking triumph. By the time you return, you’re greeted by a bubbling surface of golden crumbs that crackle as you dig in. It’s those simple sensory joys—soft apples, fragrant spices, and that irresistible crumble—that turn a quick dessert into a memorable ritual. Whether it’s a midweek treat or a weekend indulgence, this recipe proves that big flavors don’t require big effort.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN SINGLE SERVING APPLE CRUMBLE
To bring this cozy dessert together, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and fridge. Each component plays a vital role: creating the juicy apple base, building a crisp, buttery topping, and ensuring that perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
- Apple
A crisp, juicy apple provides the foundation of this crumble. When peeled, cored, and sliced, it softens in the oven while retaining just enough texture to create a hearty, fruity layer beneath the topping.
- Granulated Sugar
This fine sugar distributes sweetness evenly over the apple slices and helps to draw out their natural juices, ensuring each bite is sauced with lightly sweetened apple syrup.
- All-Purpose Flour
Added to the apple mixture, this flour helps thicken the fruit juices as they bubble, preventing a soggy bottom and creating a slightly glossy coating on each slice.
- Cinnamon
A warming spice that infuses the apple layer with fragrant depth. Its subtle heat pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the fruit.
- All-Purpose Flour (for crumble)
The backbone of the crumble topping, this flour combines with cold butter and brown sugar to form coarse, buttery nuggets that bake into a crisp, golden crust.
- Brown Sugar
Offering a hint of molasses flavor, brown sugar adds richness to the topping and encourages caramelization, giving the crumble its signature warm, deep sweetness.
- Cold Unsalted Butter
Cut into small pieces, this chilled butter is the secret to flaky, tender crumbs. As it melts during baking, it creates pockets of butter that yield a light, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Salt
Just a pinch of salt in the crumble highlights the sweetness of both the topping and the apple filling, balancing the flavors and enhancing richness.
- Cinnamon (for crumble)
A second sprinkle of cinnamon in the topping weaves the same comforting spiciness into every golden crumb, linking the layers harmoniously.
- Vanilla Ice Cream or Whipped Cream (optional)
A cold scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fluffy dollop of whipped cream adds creamy contrast to the warm crumble, making each bite extra indulgent.
HOW TO MAKE SINGLE SERVING APPLE CRUMBLE
Before you know it, this delightful dessert will be ready to enjoy. The process is straightforward, and with each step you’ll be closer to that delicious moment when sweet, tender apples meet crisp, buttery topping.
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a small ramekin or ovenproof dish. This ensures your crumble won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. In a small bowl, combine the apple slices with granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of flour, and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. Toss everything together until each slice is evenly coated, which helps the fruit caramelize and prevents any dry patches.
3. Transfer the coated apple mixture into the prepared ramekin or dish, spreading it out in an even layer so every nook is filled with juicy fruit.
4. In another bowl, mix 1/4 cup flour, brown sugar, cold butter pieces, a pinch of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. Using your fingertips, gently rub and pinch the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs—no large chunks should remain.
5. Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the top of the apples, covering every bit of fruit so you get a crispy topping in each bite.
6. Bake the ramekin in the preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the apples underneath yield to a fork with tender, syrupy perfection.
7. Remove the ramekin carefully from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired, then dive in while it’s still bubbling and fragrant.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR SINGLE SERVING APPLE CRUMBLE
Once your apple crumble comes out of the oven, you’ll want to savor every warm, luscious bite. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or adding a personal flourish to dessert time, these serving ideas will elevate your crumble and make it feel extra special.
- Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream nestled right on top. The contrast between the cold, creamy ice cream and the warm, spiced crumble creates a dreamy interplay of temperatures and textures.
- Drizzle a little homemade caramel sauce over the finished dish. The rich, buttery sweetness of the caramel enhances the natural fruit juices, making each spoonful even more indulgent.
- Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top just before serving. The nutty crunch adds a delightful textural counterpoint to the tender apples and buttery crumbs.
- Pair your crumble with a steaming cup of coffee or spiced chai tea. The aromatic beverage not only complements the cinnamon notes in the dessert but also turns your dessert moment into a cozy ritual.
HOW TO STORE SINGLE SERVING APPLE CRUMBLE
Whether you’re preparing this crumble ahead of time or simply want to save leftovers for a later treat, proper storage will keep it tasting fresh and delicious. With just a few simple steps, you can maintain that signature crisp topping and luscious filling—no sogginess allowed.
- Refrigerator Storage
Allow the crumble to cool to room temperature, then cover the ramekin tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10–12 minutes to refresh the crisp topping.
- Freezer Storage
For longer preservation, let the crumble cool completely, then cover the dish securely with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15–20 minutes, or until warmed through and the top is crisp again.
- Pre-Bake Prep
You can assemble the layers in the ramekin, cover tightly, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready, bake directly from the refrigerator; you may need an extra 5 minutes to reach that perfect golden top.
- Individual Crumble Packs
Scoop the dry crumble topping into small zip-top bags and keep in the freezer. When you want to bake a single serving, slice a fresh apple, toss it with sugar and spices, then top with the frozen crumble mix—no thawing required.
CONCLUSION
This single serving apple crumble is proof that sometimes the simplest recipes deliver the most joy. From the first step—peeling and slicing a crisp apple—to the moment you break through the golden, buttery topping, every part of this dessert feels like a small celebration. The ingredient list is delightfully minimal, yet the flavors are anything but. Warm apples spiced with cinnamon nestle beneath a pillow of brown-sugar-laced crumbs that crisp up beautifully in your oven. It’s a beginner-friendly recipe with a cooking time of just half an hour, a prep time of ten minutes, and a brief five-minute rest so you don’t have to wait long before indulging in sugary comfort. With approximately three hundred calories per serving, this treat strikes a balance between decadence and portion control. You can easily print this article and save it for later, so the next time you crave something sweet—without the commitment of a large pie—everything you need is right at your fingertips. And remember, you can follow the FAQ below if any questions pop up while you bake.
I hope you’ll share how this one-dish wonder brightens up your day. If you have any comments, questions, or feedback—whether it’s about swapping in gluten-free flour, trying a new apple variety, or perfecting that crumble texture—I’d love to hear from you. Did you serve it with ice cream or add a handful of toasted nuts? Did it bring a little extra warmth to a quiet evening on the couch? Leave a note so others can learn from your experience, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need a hand tweaking the recipe to your tastes. Your baking adventures matter, and I’m here to help make them as sweet and stress-free as possible. Enjoy every bite!
Single Serving Apple Crumble
Description
Enjoy the comforting flavors of tender apples and a buttery, crumbly topping in just one serving. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth without leftovers!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a small ramekin or ovenproof dish.
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In a small bowl, combine the apple slices with granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of flour, and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix well to coat the apples.
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Place the apple mixture into the prepared ramekin or dish, spreading it out evenly.
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In another bowl, combine 1/4 cup flour, brown sugar, butter, salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. Use your fingertips to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the top of the apples.
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Place the ramekin in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
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Carefully remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Note
- This recipe is perfect for using up a single apple and requires minimal ingredients.
- You can adjust the sugar levels based on the sweetness of the apple or your personal preference.
- Feel free to add a handful of chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
- To make it gluten-free, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Experiment with different apple varieties for a unique taste in each serving.
