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Indulge in the ultimate comfort dessert with this single serve Apple Crisp. Made with just one apple, this recipe is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth and it bakes in just 30 minutes. It’s the epitome of simplicity and flavor, all in one bowl.
In search of charming single serving and small batch recipes that require just one apple? Explore our delightful mini Apple Cake, cozy Apple Cobbler, sweetly caramelized Fried Apples, and rustic Apple Galette. Each recipe is crafted for smaller servings, showcasing the versatile and delicious taste of apples.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with just one apple and a handful of pantry staples, this easy apple crisp recipe is the epitome of simplicity.
- Portion-Perfect: Tailored to serve one, it’s the ideal solution for a solo dessert craving without any waste.
- Versatile: Whether you’re a fan of tart Granny Smiths or sweet Honeycrisps, this recipe accommodates your apple preference.
- Comfort in a Bowl: The warm, spiced apples combined with a crumbly, buttery topping make for a comforting end to any meal.
- No Special Equipment: No need for mixers or special bakeware; a simple bowl and baking dish are all you need.
Ingredients
- Apple: Opt for one medium to large apple of your favorite variety. The choice of apple can influence the flavor profile of your apple crisp. Got extra apples? Use them to make a small batch of Morning Glory Muffins.
- Sugars: Granulated sugar is used to mix with the apple, aiding in the formation of a natural apple sauce as it bakes. Brown sugar in the topping offers a caramel-like richness. If you’re out of brown sugar, granulated sugar can be a substitute, or you can make your own brown sugar with our brown sugar recipe.
- All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the apple filling and preventing it from becoming too watery. It’s also a key component in the crisp topping.
- Ground cinnamon and vanilla: These ingredients infuse the apple crisp with delightful flavors, elevating the dish to the next level.
- Rolled Oats: These contribute to the texture of the crisp topping. Quick oats are an alternative but will result in a softer texture. Use extra oats to make Baked Oatmeal or a small batch of Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies.
- Butter: Use softened butter for the topping. The ideal consistency is cool to the touch but soft enough to leave an indentation when pressed.
This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why I used them. For the full recipe please scroll down to the recipe box at the bottom of the post.
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
Recipe Variations
If you love this individual apple crisp recipe, you’ll be thrilled to know it’s incredibly versatile. Here are some variations to try:
- Pear Crisp: Substitute the apple with a ripe pear for a different but equally delicious fruit crisp.
- Mixed Berry Crisp: Use a combination of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a berrylicious twist.
- Tropical Twist: Replace the apple with an equal amount of chopped pineapple and mango for a tropical-flavored crisp.
- Spiced-Up Version: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the apple mixture for a more complex flavor profile.
- Vegan Apple Crisp: Use coconut oil instead of butter and a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup to make a vegan-friendly version.
How To Make An Apple Crisp For One
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make an individual apple crisp. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Make the filling: Mix together the chopped apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and vanilla in a small bowl.
- Transfer the apples to a 10-ounce ramekin.
- Make the crisp topping: In a small bowl, stir together flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut the softened butter into small pieces and add them to the bowl. Blend in the butter using a fork or your fingers and mix until well combined.
- Scatter the topping evenly over the apples. Place the ramekin on a small rimmed baking sheet.
- Bake in a 350°F (177°C) preheated oven for 30-35 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
This apple crisp is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some ways to elevate your dessert experience.
- A la Mode: Elevate your apple crisp by serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the hot, spiced apple and the cold, creamy ice cream is heavenly.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream can add a light, airy contrast to the dense, flavorful apple crisp.
- Caramel Drizzle: For an extra layer of sweetness and complexity, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top.
- Nut Topping: Add a crunchy element by sprinkling some chopped pecans or walnuts over your apple crisp.
- Yogurt Parfait: For a breakfast twist, layer your apple crisp with Greek yogurt in a glass. It’s a delicious way to start your day!
Expert Tips
- Choose a Ripe Apple: Opt for a ripe apple of your favorite variety to ensure maximum flavor and sweetness in your apple crisp.
- Gluten-Free Options: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with either finely ground almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prevent Spills with a Baking Sheet: Place your baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet before putting it in the oven. This helps catch any spills and makes for easier cleanup.
- Versatility with Fruits: This apple crisp recipe is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to swap out the apples for other stone fruits like apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums, or cherries.
- Avoid Over-Browning: If you notice the topping getting too brown while the apples aren’t fully cooked yet, loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and continue baking.
These tips are designed to help you achieve apple crisp perfection, so keep them in mind as you prepare this delicious dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 10-ounce ramekin is perfect for this single serve apple crisp.
If you would like additional information on the baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.
To see examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.
To make an oat-free topping, combine 2 tablespoons of flour, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of softened butter. Optionally, add 1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon for extra flavor. Sprinkle this mixture over your chopped apples before baking.
Choose an apple variety that retains its shape during baking to avoid a mushy texture. Honeycrisp, Gala, and Pink Lady apples are my top picks for this recipe.
Peeling the apple is optional. While I usually opt for peeled apples, leaving the skin on works just as well for this apple crisp recipe.
Absolutely! To make a larger batch, simply double the ingredients. You can use either a 4×6-inch or a 5×5-inch baking dish, or divide the mixture between two 10-ounce ramekins.
Best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated.
Additional Single Serve and Small Batch Apple Recipes
Discover a variety of other single serving and small batch apple recipes that are perfect for when you’re craving something apple-infused but don’t want any leftovers.
RELATED: Cooking For One – Simple Tips For Solo Cooking
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this single serving apple crisp or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Easy Apple Crisp For One
Equipment
Ingredients
For the filling
- 1 medium apple , peeled, cored and diced
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the topping
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons old fashioned oats
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons salted butter , softened
Instructions
Make the filling
- Heat oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Mix together the chopped apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and vanilla in a small bowl.
- Transfer the apples to a 10-ounce ramekin.
Make the topping
- In a small bowl, stir together flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut the softened butter into small pieces and add them to the bowl. Blend in the butter using a fork or your fingers and mix until well combined.
- Scatter the topping evenly over the apples. Place the ramekin on a small rimmed baking sheet.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until apples are soft and the topping is golden.
Notes
-
- Choose a Ripe Apple: Opt for a ripe apple of your favorite variety to ensure maximum flavor and sweetness in your apple crisp.
-
- Gluten-Free Options: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with either finely ground almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
-
- Prevent Spills with a Baking Sheet: Place your baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet before putting it in the oven. This helps catch any spills and makes for easier cleanup.
-
- Versatility with Fruits: This individual apple crisp recipe is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to swap out the apples for other stone fruits like apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums, or cherries.
-
- Avoid Over-Browning: If you notice the topping getting too brown while the apples aren’t fully cooked yet, loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and continue baking.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I love this recipe but I have to watch my sugar now. Can maple syrup or honey be substituted for the brown sugar? How much would I use?
Yes, you can use maple syrup or honey in place of the brown sugar in the crisp topping. Start by using 1 tablespoon and if you’d like the topping to be sweeter or if the topping needs more moisture to hold it together, add a bit more.
How much coconut oil can be used in lieu of butter?
To substitute coconut oil for butter, you can generally use a 1:1 ratio. This means if the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of butter, you can replace it with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. However, since the original recipe uses softened, but not melted butter, you might want to slightly adjust the coconut oil amount. Softened butter is a bit lighter in texture compared to its solid form, so you may find that using a bit less coconut oil works better, perhaps around 1 and 3/4 tablespoons. This should give you a similar consistency in the topping without altering the texture too much. As with any substitution, a little experimentation may be needed to get the perfect result.
I made 2 apple crisps, one for me and one for hubby, and they were so tasty. I made no changes to the recipe ingredients, but to keep calories down, I made 1 batch of the topping, and spread it over the 2 ramekins, and it was enough to cover the 2 apples/ramekins in a nice, thin, tasty layer.
I only have 8 oz. ramekins, but they worked just as well with this recipe, with nothing spilling over the top.
I am so glad that I found this wonderful site! We are empty nesters now, so I no longer need to make desserts in large quantities. I’m also ‘watching my waistline’, so the idea of no leftovers is a major PLUS!
my go-to recipe! love it so much
Even before reading the notes I had decided this was the only recipe to use for a very large plum that my daughter got for me. It was great even though it could have used a bit more sugar as the plum was very tart.
Wonderful recipe. Super simple. I topped it with cinnamon whipped cream. Just enough for one. Delicious.
I love apple crisp and I love oats but I don’t love them in an apple crisp topping. It’s a texture thing. What else can you do for a topping?
Consider adding a streusel topping as in our coffee cake recipe – https://onedishkitchen.com/pumpkin-coffee-cake-with-streusel-topping/
Made this today and it is delicious, so happy to find this site!
I’m so happy you found us and that you love the apple crisp!
I made this for my husband and he loved it! I used a Rave apple. Because of the size of the apple, I felt it could have been two servings.
I’m so happy to know your husband enjoyed the dessert, thank you!
OMG this was so good. I used a honey crisp apple and because I wanted two servings I added a peach and doubled the recipe. I did cut back on the sugar by 1 tablespoon. One serving would have served two. It will be on my rotation list for dessert.