The Ultimate Single-Serve Apple Crumble (Dessert for One!)

Have you ever been hit with a powerful craving for a warm, cozy, homemade dessert, but didn’t want to bake an entire pie or a huge batch of cookies? This recipe for the ultimate Single-Serve Apple Crumble is the perfect solution. It’s a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying dessert for one, ready in under 30 minutes.

This guide will walk you through creating a perfect, personal-sized apple crumble, complete with a gooey, cinnamon-spiced apple filling and a crunchy, buttery oat topping. We’ll show you how to cook the filling on the stovetop for perfect texture and mix up a quick crumble that bakes to golden-brown perfection. This is the ultimate comfort food, perfectly portioned just for you.

What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity and its focus on a single, perfect serving. There’s no waste, no complicated steps, and no need for a special occasion. This is your go-to recipe for a cozy night in, a quick treat, or anytime you want to make a delicious Single-Serve Apple Crumble.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

The Anatomy of a Perfect Crumble

A great Single-Serve Apple Crumble is all about the delightful contrast between two key components:

1. The Saucy Fruit Filling: By pre-cooking the apples on the stovetop with sugar and cinnamon, we ensure they become perfectly tender and release their juices. We then thicken these juices with a simple cornstarch slurry. This creates a luscious, gooey, and perfectly spiced filling that isn’t watery or runny.
2. The Crunchy Oat Topping: Our crumble topping uses melted butter, which creates a different texture than a traditional crumble made with cold butter. Instead of a flaky, pastry-like topping, the melted butter creates wonderful, crunchy clusters and a crisp, golden-brown top. The addition of rolled oats provides a fantastic, chewy texture.

Choosing the Best Apples for Baking

The type of apple you choose will have a big impact on the final texture and flavor of your Single-Serve Apple Crumble. Here are some great options:

• For Firm, Tart Apples: Granny Smith is the classic choice. It holds its shape well when cooked and its tartness is a perfect balance to the sweet crumble topping.
• For Firm, Sweet Apples: Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Braeburn are all excellent choices. They will hold their shape and provide a sweeter filling.
• For Softer, “Saucy” Apples: If you prefer a filling that breaks down into more of a chunky applesauce texture, a McIntosh apple is a great option.

The Key Ingredients for Your Apple Crumble for One

This recipe for a Single-Serve Apple Crumble uses simple, comforting pantry staples.

• Apples: Two small apples or one large apple is the perfect amount for a generous single serving.
• For the Filling: Brown sugar provides a warm, molasses-like sweetness, while cinnamon adds that classic spice. A simple cornstarch slurry (corn flour in some regions) is the key to a thick, gooey sauce.
• For the Crumble: A simple mix of plain flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon creates the perfect chewy and crunchy topping. Melted unsalted butter brings it all together.

Step-by-Step Guide to Your Single-Serve Apple Crumble

This easy recipe comes together in just a few simple stages. Get ready for the ultimate cozy treat!

Part 1: Make the Apple Filling

1. Prepare your Oven: First, pre-heat your oven to 190°C / 375°F.
2. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a small pot, add your peeled and chopped apples, 2 tablespoons of water, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar.
3. Cook the Apples: Place the pot on medium heat and stir everything together. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples have softened to your desired tenderness.
4. Thicken the Filling: In a tiny bowl, mix the 1 teaspoon of corn flour (cornstarch) with 1 teaspoon of water to create a smooth slurry. Pour this into the pot with the apples and stir it in. Continue to heat while stirring until the apple mixture thickens into a beautiful, glossy sauce. This will only take about 30 seconds. Remove the pot from the heat and set it aside.

Part 2: Make the Crumble and Bake

1. Make the Crumble Topping: In a small bowl, add the 4 tablespoons of plain flour, 2 tablespoons of oats, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix these dry ingredients together.
2. Add the Butter: Pour the 25g (about 2 tablespoons) of melted butter into the bowl and mix with a fork until you get a clumpy, crumbly mixture. Don’t overmix!
3. Assemble Your Crumble: In a ramekin or any other small, oven-safe dish, spoon in the apple filling. Then, generously sprinkle the crumble topping all over the top.
4. Bake to Perfection: Place your Single-Serve Apple Crumble on a small baking sheet (to catch any potential drips) and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the crumble topping has turned a beautiful golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
5. Cool and Serve: Let your crumble cool down for a few minutes, as it will be very hot. Then, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm custard and enjoy your perfect, homemade Single-Serve Apple Crumble.

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No Oven? No Problem! Microwave & Air Fryer Methods

Don’t have an oven or don’t want to heat up the whole kitchen for one dessert? Try these alternative methods!

• Microwave Method: Assemble the crumble in a microwave-safe mug or ramekin. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the apple filling is hot and bubbly. The topping won’t get brown and crispy, but it will be a delicious, warm, cookie-dough-like texture.
• Air Fryer Method: Assemble the crumble in an air-fryer-safe dish. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.

Storage Information

This Single-Serve Apple Crumble is designed to be made and eaten fresh. If you do have leftovers, you can cover the ramekin and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.

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Conclusion: The Perfect Cozy Treat, Just for You

There is a special kind of joy in making a warm, delicious, and comforting dessert just for yourself. This Single-Serve Apple Crumble is the perfect recipe for those moments. It’s easy, quick, uses simple ingredients, and delivers on all the cozy, classic flavors you love. So go ahead, treat yourself to the simple pleasure of a perfect dessert for one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)