Mini Cinnamon Apple Crumble

Mini Cinnamon Apple Crumble is the kind of dessert that instantly wraps you in comfort. Perfectly portioned and baked in its own ramekin, this single-serve treat captures all the warmth of a classic apple crumble—without needing to make a whole pan. With sweet, cinnamon-kissed apples and a buttery oat topping that bakes to golden perfection, it’s a cozy indulgence you can enjoy anytime.

What makes this recipe irresistible is its simplicity. You can go from craving to spoonful in under 30 minutes. It’s also wonderfully versatile—swap in pears or berries, add chopped nuts, or finish with a dollop of whipped cream.

Apple crumbles first appeared in Britain during World War II as an easier, less resource-heavy alternative to pies. Since then, they’ve become a beloved comfort dessert across the world. This single-serve version keeps that nostalgic charm while adding modern convenience and pure homemade warmth.

Recipe Yield: 1 serving

INGREDIENTS

1 small apple, peeled, cored, and diced (about ¾ cup)
1 tsp granulated sugar
½ tsp brown sugar
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
⅛ tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp all-purpose flour

For the crumble topping:
1½ tbsp rolled oats
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
Pinch of salt

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat and prepare:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a small oven-safe ramekin or cup with butter or oil.

2. Mix the filling:
In a small bowl, toss diced apple with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, lemon juice, and flour. Mix until apples are evenly coated. Transfer the mixture into the prepared ramekin.

3. Make the crumble:
In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and use your fingers to pinch and rub until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.

4. Assemble and bake:
Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the apples. Place the ramekin on a baking sheet to catch drips and bake for 22–25 minutes, until the topping is golden and the apple filling is bubbly.

5. Cool and enjoy:
Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm as is, or top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

• Use firm apples: Choose Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best balance of tart and sweet flavor.
• Keep butter cold: Cold butter ensures the crumble topping turns perfectly crisp and golden.
• Customize the flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg, drizzle of caramel, or a handful of chopped pecans for a unique twist.