Apple Crumble (Single Serving)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy this recipe because it feels comforting, simple, and perfectly portioned for one person. The apples become soft and sweet while the crumble topping turns golden and crisp. I also like that it uses basic pantry ingredients and can be prepared in under an hour. The warm crumble with cold vanilla ice cream creates an amazing contrast in every bite.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Apple Filling

• 1 Jazz apple
• 1 tbsp raw sugar
• 1/2 tsp lemon juice
• 1/8 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp butter, melted

Crumble Topping

• 3 tbsp flour
• 2 tbsp raw sugar
• 1/8 tsp cinnamon
• 1.5 tbsp butter, melted

For Serving

• 1 large scoop vanilla ice cream

Directions

1. I preheat the toaster oven to 350°F.
2. To prepare the filling, I chop the apple into small cubes and place them into a ramekin or small baking dish. I add melted butter, raw sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice, then mix everything until the apples are evenly coated.
3. For the crumble topping, I mix flour, raw sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. I pour in the melted butter and gently combine everything with my hands until small clumps form. The texture should resemble damp sand.
4. I sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple mixture. I do not worry about covering every piece of apple since this is meant to be a lightly topped crumble.
5. I bake the crumble for 30–35 minutes in the toaster oven until the top becomes golden brown and the edges start bubbling. When using a regular oven, I usually bake it for about 35–40 minutes.
6. I let the crumble cool slightly before serving it with a large scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 1 serving
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

I sometimes use Honeycrisp apples instead of Jazz apples for a sweeter flavor. When I want extra crunch, I add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping. I also enjoy adding oats for a more rustic texture. For a fun twist, I occasionally serve it with saffron kulfi instead of vanilla ice cream.

storage/reheating

I store leftover apple crumble in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container. To reheat, I place it in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 5–8 minutes until warm again. I avoid microwaving for too long because the crumble topping can lose its crisp texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

I like using Jazz or Honeycrisp apples, but Granny Smith or Fuji apples also work very well.

Can I make this crumble ahead of time?

I can prepare the filling and crumble topping ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator before baking.

Why is my crumble topping not crispy?

I find that using enough butter and baking until golden brown helps create a crisp topping.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

I use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour when making a gluten-free version.

Can I freeze apple crumble?

I can freeze the baked crumble for up to one month and reheat it in the oven before serving.

Conclusion

I love how this single-serving apple crumble delivers warm, cozy flavors without requiring a lot of effort. The buttery topping, tender apples, and cold ice cream create the perfect dessert whenever I want something simple and comforting.