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For a delightful single-serve apple crumble, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 2 tablespoons rolled oats - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon cold butter or coconut oil, cubed - A pinch of salt - A scoop of vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving) You can swap ingredients based on what you have. Use any apple type, like Fuji or Gala. If you want a different sweetener, granulated sugar or maple syrup works too. For a dairy-free option, replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. If you need gluten-free ingredients, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in flavor. Fresh apples are crisp and juicy. They create a tasty filling. Pre-packaged ingredients, like canned apples, may save time but can lack texture. If you choose canned apples, ensure to drain them well to avoid a soggy crumble. Fresh is always best for this dessert! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by peeling and dicing one medium apple. I like using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their sweet and tart balance. In a small bowl, add the diced apple, one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, one tablespoon of brown sugar, and half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Toss everything well. This mix gives the apples a great flavor. Pour the apple mix into a small oven-safe ramekin. Spread it evenly across the bottom for even baking. In another bowl, combine two tablespoons of rolled oats, one tablespoon of all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt. Then, add one tablespoon of cold butter or coconut oil, cubed. Use your fingers or a fork to mix until the texture looks crumbly, like coarse sand. This topping adds a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft apples. Evenly distribute this crumble over the apples, covering them completely. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the oven is ready, place the ramekin inside. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it; the apples should get tender and the topping should turn golden brown. After baking, take the ramekin out and let it cool for a few minutes. This cooling time keeps you from burning your mouth. For a tasty treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream right before serving! When picking apples, I suggest using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These apples give a nice tartness and hold their shape well when baked. Look for apples that feel firm and have a smooth skin. Avoid apples with bruises or soft spots, as they may spoil quickly. Fresh apples make your crumble taste great and add texture. This single-serve apple crumble is delightful on its own, but I love pairing it with vanilla ice cream. The warm crumble and cold ice cream create a lovely contrast. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top. If you want a drink, try serving it with hot apple cider or a warm cup of tea. Both enhance the cozy feel of this dessert. If you have dietary needs, it’s simple to modify this recipe. For a vegan option, swap the butter for coconut oil. Use a plant-based ice cream if you want to keep it dairy-free. If you need a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend. These changes keep the flavors rich while meeting dietary needs. Pro Tips Choose the Right Apple: Opt for tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Keep It Cold: Use cold butter or coconut oil to achieve a flaky and crunchy crumble topping. This prevents the fat from melting too quickly. Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: The acidity from lemon juice not only enhances the flavor but also prevents the apples from browning too quickly. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add nutmeg or ginger to the crumble for an extra layer of warmth and flavor. {{image_4}} You can change the apple in your crumble for other fruits. Try pears, peaches, or berries. Each fruit brings a new taste. Mixing fruits can add layers of flavor. For example, apple and raspberry work great together. Just keep the same amount of fruit. The cooking time may stay the same or change a little. Want a vegan version? Swap the butter for coconut oil. Use gluten-free flour instead of regular flour. These small changes keep the dessert tasty while meeting your diet needs. There are many gluten-free flours to choose from, like almond or oat flour. They work well in this recipe. Nuts can give a nice crunch. Try adding chopped walnuts or almonds to the crumble topping. They add texture and flavor. You can also add spices like nutmeg or ginger for warmth. A little pinch can go a long way. Just be careful not to overpower the apple taste. These tweaks make your single-serve apple crumble even more special! To store leftover apple crumble, let it cool first. Cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you keep the flavors fresh and the texture nice. When you're ready to enjoy it again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the crumble out of the fridge and place it in an oven-safe dish. Heat it for about 10-15 minutes. This warms it up and makes the topping crispy again. You can also microwave it for about 30-45 seconds if you're in a hurry. Just be careful not to overheat it. You can freeze apple crumble for later too! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It stays good for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it in the oven. This makes for a quick and tasty dessert anytime! Yes, you can prepare the apple mixture ahead of time. Just mix the diced apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Store this mixture in the fridge until you are ready to bake. The crumble topping can also be made in advance. Keep it in an airtight container. When you are ready to bake, simply combine both parts and follow the baking steps. This will save time and let you enjoy fresh apple crumble quickly! If you need a substitute for brown sugar, you can use white sugar. To mimic the flavor of brown sugar, add a little molasses. Use one tablespoon of white sugar and half a teaspoon of molasses. Mix them well until they blend together. You can also try coconut sugar or maple sugar. Both will provide a nice taste to your apple crumble. You can make this apple crumble on the stovetop. Use a small skillet with a lid. Start by cooking the apple mixture over medium heat until the apples soften. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. While this cooks, prepare the crumble topping. Once the apples are tender, sprinkle the topping over them. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for about ten minutes. This method gives you a warm and tasty dessert without needing an oven! This blog post covered how to make a delicious apple crumble. We looked at the key ingredients, including fresh options and smart substitutions. I shared simple steps for preparing the apple mixture and making the crumble topping, along with baking tips. We discussed variations and how to customize the recipe for dietary needs. Lastly, I explained storage tips to keep your dessert fresh. Enjoying this treat is simple and fun. You can make it your own!

Single-Serve Apple Crumble

A delicious and easy apple crumble recipe perfect for one serving.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons rolled oats
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cold butter or coconut oil, cubed
  • a pinch salt
  • 1 scoop vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it is ready for your crumble.
  • In a small mixing bowl, add the diced apple along with the fresh lemon juice, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Toss the ingredients thoroughly until the apple pieces are well coated with the mixture.
  • Pour the apple mixture into a small oven-safe ramekin or baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
  • In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, cubed butter (or coconut oil), and a pinch of salt. Use your fingers or a fork to work the ingredients together until they form a crumbly texture resembling coarse sand.
  • Evenly distribute the crumble topping over the apples in the ramekin, ensuring it covers the fruit completely.
  • Place the ramekin in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the apple filling to become tender and the crumble topping to turn a beautiful golden brown.
  • Once baked, remove the ramekin from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes, making it easier to enjoy without burning your mouth.
  • For an indulgent finish, add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream right before serving to complement the warm crumble!

Notes

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Keyword apple, crumble, dessert