Fruit Desserts for One
Apple Crumble for One
One warm apple crumble with tender cinnamon apples and a buttery golden topping — a cozy single-serving dessert made just for one.
Servings
1 serving
Prep
10 min
Cook
25–30 min
Total
35–40 min
Difficulty
Easy
Calories
≈ 420 kcal
Protein
≈ 3 g
Fat
≈ 18 g
Carbs
≈ 63 g
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.
Ingredients
What you'll need.
- Apple, peeled and diced120 g
- Granulated sugar10 g
- Fresh lemon juice1 tsp
- Ground cinnamon¼ tsp
- Fine saltPinch
- All-purpose flour, for topping30 g
- Light brown sugar, for topping15 g
- Unsalted butter, cold, for topping20 g
How to Make It
One apple crumble, step by step.
- 01
Prepare the oven and ramekin
Heat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a small oven-safe ramekin or baking dish suitable for one serving.
- 02
Mix the apple filling
Add the diced apple, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to a small bowl. Stir until evenly coated.
- 03
Fill the ramekin
Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared ramekin and spread it into an even layer.
- 04
Make the crumble topping
In a small bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar. Add the cold butter and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture forms soft buttery crumbs.
- 05
Top the apples
Scatter the crumble mixture evenly over the apple filling without pressing it down.
- 06
Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the topping is golden and the apples underneath are tender and bubbling around the edges.
- 07
Cool slightly before serving
Let the crumble rest for about 5–10 minutes before eating so the filling can settle slightly.
SVI SWEET Tip
Keep the topping crumbly, not packed.
A crumble topping bakes best when it stays loose and uneven. If you press it down firmly, it can lose that delicate crisp texture on top.
Substitutions
Make it work with what you have.
Apple variety
A firm sweet-tart apple such as Gala, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady works especially well in this dessert.
Butter
Cold butter gives the topping the best crumbly texture. If needed, a neutral oil can be used, but the topping will be less crisp and sandy.
Extra flavor
A tiny pinch of nutmeg or a little vanilla can be added for a slightly warmer dessert flavor.
Crumble style
Unlike apple crisp, this crumble topping is made without oats, giving it a softer, more buttery texture.
Storage
Best warm, but still good later.
Room temperature
If needed, the cooled crumble can sit at room temperature for several hours on the day it is baked.
Refrigerator
Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days.
Reheating
Warm in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds or reheat briefly in the oven to refresh the topping.
FAQ
A few helpful answers.
What is the difference between apple crumble and apple crisp?
Apple crumble usually has a buttery flour-based topping without oats, while apple crisp often includes oats for a crunchier finish.
How do I know when the crumble is done?
The topping should be golden and the apples underneath should feel tender when pierced with a spoon or knife.
Can I make it without lemon juice?
Yes, but lemon juice helps brighten the apple flavor and balance the sweetness.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Double all ingredients and divide the mixture between two small ramekins for the most even baking.
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