Easy Apple Crumble – Small Batch Dessert for Two
This easy apple crumble is made with warm cinnamon apples and a simple golden crumble topping. It only makes two servings, so it is perfect when you want a cozy homemade dessert without baking an entire large dish.
Apple crumble is one of those desserts I love because it really does not need much. A couple of apples, a few basic pantry ingredients, and a little cinnamon are enough to turn into something warm and comforting.
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I especially like making this version when I want something sweet after dinner but do not want a huge dessert sitting around for the next few days. Serve it warm on its own or add a little Greek yogurt for something cold and creamy on top.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Apple Crumble
- Made for two: Perfect for a small dessert without lots of leftovers.
- Simple ingredients: You only need two apples and a few pantry basics.
- Quick to prepare: It only takes 5 minutes before going into the oven.
- Warm and cozy: Apples and cinnamon are such a tasty fall combination.
- Easy to customize: Use regular butter, low-fat butter, margarine, or nut butter for the crumble butter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a short ingredient list for this small batch apple crumble. The exact measurements are as always in the recipe card below.
- Apples: I use two small apples for two servings. Any kind of apple works, so just use what you have on hand.
- Whole wheat flour: I use whole wheat flour as the base for the crumble topping bc. it contains more fiber than white flour. If you don’t have any, you can use regular flour or oat flour instead. Oat flour tastes great in this recipe too.
- Butter or nut butter: You can use regular butter, low-fat butter, margarine, or nut butter.
- Maple syrup: Adds a little sweetness and helps bring the crumble mixture together.
- Brown sugar: Just a small amount gives the topping a little extra caramelized flavor.
- Cinnamon: One of my favorite spices to combine with warm apples.
- Salt: A small pinch balances the sweetness.
If you like this kind of simple fruit dessert, you can also try my easy peach crumble, my plum crumble for two, or my easy crumble recipe with oats.
Easy Apple Crumble
Ingredients
- 2 small apples
- 1 tbsp butter (margarine, low-fat butter, or nut butter)
- 1/2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp whole wheat flour
- 1/2 tsp brown sugar
- 1 pinch cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
Method
- Wash the apples, remove the cores, and cut them into small pieces.
- Add the apple pieces to a small oven-safe baking dish and spread them into an even layer.
- Add the whole wheat flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt to a small bowl.
- Add the butter or nut butter and maple syrup and mix until small crumbles form.
- If the crumble mixture is too soft or wet, mix in a little extra flour.
- Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the apples.
- Bake at 320°F (160°C) for about 15 minutes, until the apples are soft and the crumble topping is lightly golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with Greek yogurt if desired.
- Optional: 2 tbsp low-fat Greek yogurt, for serving
Notes
Calories: 125 kcal
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Protein: 2 g
Fat: 3 g Nutrition per serving with Greek yogurt:
Calories: 135 kcal
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Protein: 3 g
Fat: 3 g Nutrition is an estimate and will vary depending on apple size and whether you use butter, low-fat butter, margarine, or nut butter.
How to Make Easy Apple Crumble
This easy apple crumble only needs a few simple steps. Prepare the apples, mix the crumble topping, sprinkle it over the fruit, and bake.
1. Prepare the Apples
Wash the apples, remove the cores, and cut them into small pieces.
Spread the apple pieces evenly across the bottom of a small baking dish. Cutting them relatively small helps them soften during the short baking time. If you prefer softer apples, pour about two teaspoons of water over them before adding the crumble topping.
2. Make the Crumble Topping
Add the whole wheat flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt to a small bowl.
Then add the butter and maple syrup and mix until small crumbs start to form.
If your mixture looks too wet or sticky, simply add a little more flour until you get a crumbly texture.
3. Add the Crumble
Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the apples. You do not need to press it down.
4. Bake
Bake at 320°F (160°C) for about 15 minutes, until the apples are soft and the crumble topping is lightly golden.
If your apple pieces are larger or very firm, they may need a few extra minutes.
What Are the Best Apples for Apple Crumble?
You can make this crumble with many different apple varieties, but slightly firm apples are especially useful because they keep more texture while baking.
If you like a more tart dessert, use a firmer tart apple. Sweeter apples will naturally make the finished crumble sweeter without needing much added sugar.
How Do You Keep Apples From Getting Mushy?
The easiest way is to start with apples that are still fairly firm and avoid cutting them too small.
Because this is a small batch recipe with a relatively short baking time, the apples should soften without completely breaking down.
Do You Need to Peel Apples for Apple Crumble?
No. I usually leave the peel on for this recipe.
It saves time and gives the apple pieces a little more structure. If you prefer a completely soft texture, you can peel them first.
Why Is My Crumble Topping Too Wet?
This can happen depending on the butter or nut butter you use.
If your crumble mixture looks more like a sticky dough than small crumbs, simply add a little more flour until the texture becomes crumbly.
Can I Add Oats to Apple Crumble?
Yes. Oats are a great way to add more texture to a crumble topping.
This particular recipe is made without oats, but if you prefer an oat-based topping, try my easy crumble recipe with oats.
Apple Crumble for One
This recipe makes two servings, but you can easily turn it into an apple crumble for one.
Simply halve all of the ingredients and use a small ramekin or another small oven-safe dish. Keep an eye on the baking time because a smaller portion may be ready slightly sooner.
How to Serve Apple Crumble
I like this crumble best while it is still slightly warm.
You can eat it on its own or add a spoonful of low-fat Greek yogurt. The cold yogurt works really well with the warm cinnamon apples and gives the dessert a creamy contrast.
How to Store Apple Crumble
Let leftovers cool completely, then store them covered in the refrigerator.
The crumble topping will soften slightly as it sits on the fruit, so I prefer reheating it before serving.
Can I make It in an Air Fryer?
Absolutely. I made mine in the air fryer. It is such an easy way to bake a small batch without using the oven. The temperature stays the same.
More Easy Fruit Desserts
- Easy Peach Crumble – juicy peaches with a simple cinnamon crumble topping.
- Easy Plum Crumble – a small batch plum dessert made for two.
- Easy Crumble Recipe with Oats – a crunchy oat and almond crumble topping.
- Apple Greek Yogurt Breakfast Bowl – apples, cinnamon, Greek yogurt, and crunchy granola.
- Air Fryer Apple Pocket – another easy warm apple recipe.
Final Thoughts
This easy apple crumble is one of those simple desserts that works whenever you have a couple of apples at home and want something warm and sweet.
I especially like that it only makes two servings and uses ingredients I usually already have in the kitchen. Serve it slightly warm on its own or add a little Greek yogurt on top.
