Single Serve Apple Crumble

Name: Single Serve Apple Crumble
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 large apple (peeled and diced); 1 tsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp flour; 1 tbsp sugar; 1/2 tsp vanilla; Pinch of cinnamon powder; 2 tbsp browned butter/melted butter; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 3 tbsp flour; 2 tbsp rolled oats old fashioned; 2 tbsp walnuts roughly chopped; Pinch of salt & cinnamon powder; 1 tbsp granulated sugar/Demerara sugar

This dessert recipe is so simple and is perfect for a single portion. It is packed with tart apples that are juicy and filled with cinnamon, topped with a crispy and crunchy crumble that is buttery golden and delicious with a little vanilla ice cream.

So it is very hot outside, there is no denying it. But I am already thinking autumn vibes because I restarted watching Gilmore girls and it only seemed fitting to make a cozy baking situation for one while I watch my tv series. Having said this, I must admit – you will continue to see more summer inspired recipes because the heat got me feeling all the feelings 🥵 Can I just say how much I love a good crumble. Firstly the ratio of crumble to fruit is important but secondly we need the fruit to be juicy and saucy to soak up in that crunchy crumble. And thirdly we need a topping or garnish. So let us get to it.

What are single serve recipes?

Single serve recipes are those which serve one portion. When baking this is not easy to achieve as most baked goods feed at least 6 people, things like cakes, cookies and breads aren’t commonly made for single serve options. However this recipe is a single serve, you can feed 2 but I wouldn’t share.

What is a crumble? What is fruit crumble made of? What is the secret to a good crumble?

Crumble is a baked dessert that is most often than not served warm or hot. It is a layer of fruit at the bottom with a crunchy crumbly mixture on top which is commonly made with flour, butter, sugar. Popularly served with custard, cream or ice cream. Fruit crumble is made with either one type of fruit or a combination of fruits which can be seasoned with sugar and spices. This is topped with a crumble topping and baked until golden, crisp and bubbling. A good crumble must have a good ratio of fruit to crumble, the fruit must be bubbling and juicy, the crumble must be crunchy and golden.

What is the difference between a crisp and crumble?

A crisp normally has oats in their topping mixture which creates a crispier texture on the top of the fruit once baked. A crumble mainly consists of butter, flour and sugar. However recipes use the ingredients interchangeably today. Some crisps and crumbles also include cinnamon and other spices, assorted nuts and even granulated sugar to really amp up the crunch factor. I have made this recipe with granola as well which adds a delicious flavor but texture too.

What ingredients do you need to make this apple crumble?

For the fruit part we need green apple or any apple you have, lemon juice, flour, vanilla, cinnamon, salt. As for the crumble we need butter, brown sugar, flour, old fashioned rolled oats, walnuts, cinnamon, salt and Demerara sugar for the top. Serve it with vanilla ice cream or caramel ice cream.

What equipment is needed to make this apple crumble?

To make this apple crumble we need an oven proof dish – I’ve used a 5 inch ramekin but you could use any dish you have that is approximately he same size. We need a peeler to peel the apple, a knife and chopping board to cut the apples and walnuts. I have used a mixing bowl to melt the butter in a microwave and the same bowl to mix the crumble mixture with the help of a rubber spatula. The crumble is baked in the oven.

How to make this apple crumble?

Preheat the oven to 180 deg C. In a 5 inch ramekin add the diced apples, flour, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon powder and stir together, set aside. In a mixing bowl add the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, oats, salt and cinnamon. Stir until combined. Add the walnuts and using your fingers press the mixture together to create clumps. Transfer the chunks of crumble to the ramekin filled with the strawberry mixture. Sprinkle over the Demerara sugar and bake for 15 minutes or until the top is golden and the juices are bubbling from the edges. You can serve it with powdered sugar on top, cold cream, custard or vanilla ice cream. But it is enjoyed best while hot or warm.

Serving apple crumble:

The best way to serve any crumble is warm or hot. I would recommend serving this apple crumble with vanilla ice cream. Alternatively you can serve it with a pouring of cold cream, a dollop of whipped cream would also be delicious. To be classic you could serve it up with a custard (my homemade one pot custard recipe is perfect) or a dusting of powdered sugar as well. With the portion being so small chances are you won’t have any leftovers – on the odd chance you do, it can be stored in the fridge (wrap the top with cling wrap).

Looking for more single serve recipes?

Now that we have covered how to make this single serve apple crumble recipe, you can have a look at the recipe video on my socials but let’s get to it. Don’t forget to follow along for more fun recipe inspiration. If you try this recipe out, don’t forget to share it with me on pinterest & instagram so I can see how it turned out. I’d love nothing more than to chat with you on your cooking/baking.