Lu-Ann Simon October 10, 2025

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Mini Apple Crumble

Name: Mini Apple Crumble
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (165g) apple; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp lemon juice; ¼ tsp cinnamon powder; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 2 ½ tbsp brown sugar; 2 tbsp (40g) unsalted butter (cold and diced); ½ tsp cinnamon powder; 2 tbsp walnuts (chopped); 2 tbsp rolled oats; 2 scoops vanilla ice cream; Caramel sauce

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There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a warm dessert baked to golden perfection, filling your kitchen with the sweet aroma of baked apples and cinnamon. As you take your first bite of Mini Apple Crumble, the rich, buttery crumble contrasts beautifully with the tender, spiced apples beneath, creating a delightful and satisfying experience. This charming treat is perfect for a cozy family gathering or an intimate dinner with friends, sure to warm hearts and evoke fond memories of home.

Reasons to Love Mini Apple Crumble

One bite of Mini Apple Crumble is enough to win over anyone, thanks to its delightful balance of flavors and textures. It’s a classic dessert that feels equally special for a celebration or a comforting weeknight treat. Here are some reasons why this Mini Apple Crumble will become a favorite:

Quick and simple to prepare
Uses fresh, wholesome ingredients
Easily customizable for individual tastes
Perfectly portioned for two
A delicious way to enjoy seasonal apples

Gather These Ingredients

Before diving into the baking process, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients gathered. This recipe can be adapted based on what you have on hand, and there are plenty of delicious swaps. For example, feel free to experiment with different nuts or add more spices for added flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 (165g) apple
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
¼ tsp cinnamon powder
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 ½ tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp (40g) unsalted butter (cold and diced)
½ tsp cinnamon powder
2 tbsp walnuts (chopped)
2 tbsp rolled oats
2 scoops vanilla ice cream
Caramel sauce

Step by Step Guide to Making Mini Apple Crumble

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures that your Mini Apple Crumble bakes evenly, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Peel and cut the apple into 1.5 cm (1”) cubes. This size is perfect for creating tender bites that cook evenly in the oven.
For the apple filling, in a small bowl, combine the diced apples with brown sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon powder. Toss well until the apples are evenly coated.
Divide the apple filling into two ramekins. Bang the ramekins gently or use a fork to flatten the apples slightly. This will help avoid big, empty spaces that cause the crisp top to sink during baking.
For the crumble topping, in another shallow bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon powder. Using your fingers, crumble the butter into the flour mixture without creating a smooth paste. The result should be crumbly, resembling wet sand.
When everything is combined, add the walnuts and rolled oats to the flour mixture. Crumble again to incorporate them into the topping, ensuring a perfect texture.
Divide this crumble into the two ramekins, placing it over the apple filling. If needed, use your fingers to achieve a textured topping that will crisp beautifully in the oven.
Bake in the middle rack for 20-25 minutes, or until you see the apple juices oozing through the sides, and the crumble top has achieved a lovely golden color.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step is essential, allowing the flavors to settle.
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and drizzle with caramel sauce for that extra touch of indulgence. Enjoy warm!

Prep ~ 15 minutes, Cook ~ 25 minutes, Total ~ 40 minutes, Servings ~ 2, Kcal ~ 350 (estimate)

Plan Ahead

If you’re hosting a gathering or simply wish to save time, you can prepare some components ahead of time. Chop the apple and mix it with the spices earlier in the day, storing it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. The crumble topping can also be made in advance and kept in an airtight container. When ready to serve, just layer the filling and topping in ramekins and bake. Easy peasy!

How to Store Leftovers

Leftover Mini Apple Crumble can be your little treat for the next few days. Store any uneaten portions in the refrigerator in an airtight container for about 2-3 days. If you prefer to keep it for longer, freeze it for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, gently reheat it in the oven at a low temperature. Just be sure to cover it with foil to avoid burning the topping. For maximum freshness, enjoy your Mini Apple Crumble within a week.

Perfect Pairings

Wondering what to serve with your Mini Apple Crumble? Here are some delightful ideas to complement this sweet dessert:

A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a luscious contrast to the warm crumble
Fresh whipped cream enhances its comforting qualities
A drizzle of caramel sauce intensifies the sweet experience
A pinch of sea salt over the top brings out the flavors beautifully
Coffee or tea can provide a lovely warm beverage to sip alongside

Make It Your Own

Feel free to let your creativity shine with these fun variations and customizations for Mini Apple Crumble:

Swap out the apples for pears or peaches for a different fruity twist
Add spices like nutmeg or ginger to elevate the flavor profile
Use different nuts such as pecans or almonds for added crunch
Incorporate a splash of vanilla extract into the apple filling for depth
For a gluten-free option, substitute regular flour with almond or oat flour

Cook’s Notes and Secrets

To ensure your Mini Apple Crumble is perfect every time, consider these expert tips:

Always preheat your oven; this is key for even baking
Remember to measure your flour carefully for the best texture
Let the crumble cool slightly before serving to help the flavors meld
Aim for a golden brown topping, indicating a perfectly baked crumble
Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the apples; they should be tender, around 95°C (203°F)

Your Questions, Answered

Can I make Mini Apple Crumble ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the apple filling and crumble topping in advance, and assemble them just before baking.
What type of apples are best for this recipe? Tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work wonderfully, as they hold their shape and have a balanced flavor.
Can I substitute the walnut? Absolutely! You can use pecans, almonds, or even omit nuts altogether for those with allergies.
Is it possible to make a larger batch? You can easily multiply the ingredients and bake in a larger baking dish instead of ramekins, adjusting the cooking time as necessary.
Can I use frozen apples? While fresh apples yield the best results, you can use frozen apples if thawed and drained to prevent excess moisture in the crumble.

Final Thoughts

Your experience with Mini Apple Crumble is sure to be a treasured one, echoing the simple joys of homemade desserts that evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia. Whether it’s for a cozy night in or a moment of appreciation on a breezy autumn evening, this delightful dish is a go-to for family and friends alike. Take a moment to gather the ingredients, embrace the comforting act of baking, and enjoy the satisfying flavors that make this dessert a must-try. Now, roll up your sleeves and treat yourself soon—you won’t regret it!

Mini Apple Crumble

Author: lu-ann
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A warm and comforting dessert featuring tender, spiced apples beneath a rich, buttery crumble.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Peel and cut the apple into 1.5 cm (1”) cubes.
In a small bowl, combine the diced apples with brown sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon powder.
Divide the apple filling into two ramekins.
In another shallow bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon powder, and crumble together.
Add walnuts and rolled oats to the crumble mixture and combine.
Divide the crumble topping into the ramekins, placing it over the apple filling.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden and apple juices are oozing.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.