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Enjoy the ultimate comfort dessert with this single serve Apple Crisp. Made with just one apple, it’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth in just 30 minutes. Simple and flavorful, this dessert is everything you need in one bowl.

one small apple crisp in a white ramekin on a silver tray.

Looking for more recipes made with just one apple? Explore our delightful mini Apple Cake, cozy Apple Cobbler, sweetly caramelized Fried Apples, and rustic Apple Galette.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: This easy apple crisp is made with just one apple and a handful of pantry staples, keeping things simple and delicious.
  • Portion-Perfect: Designed to serve one, it’s the perfect solution for a single serving dessert craving without any waste.
  • Versatile: Whether you prefer tart Granny Smiths or sweet Honeycrisps, this recipe works with any apple variety.
  • Comfort in a Bowl: Warm, spiced apples topped with a crumbly, buttery topping make this a comforting end to any meal.
  • No Special Equipment: You don’t need mixers or special bakeware; just a simple bowl and baking dish will do.

Ingredients

apple crisp ingredients on a kitchen counter.
  • Apple: Choose one medium 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.

If you have any ingredients leftover from this single serve apple crisp 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.
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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.

  1. Make the filling: Mix together the chopped apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and vanilla in a small bowl.
chopped apples in a mixing bowl with cinnamon and sugar.
  1. Transfer the apples to a 10-ounce ramekin.
cinnamon sugar apples in a small white ramekin.
  1. 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.
fruit crisp topping in a mixing bowl.
  1. Scatter the topping evenly over the apples. Place the ramekin on a small rimmed baking sheet.
an unbaked apple crisp on a baking sheet.
  1. Bake in a 350°F (177°C) preheated oven for 30-35 minutes.
an apple crisp on a silver tray next to 5 apples and a bowl of whipped cream.

Serving Suggestions

This apple crisp is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some ways to elevate your dessert.

  • 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

What size ramekin should I use?

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.

How can I make an apple crisp without oats?

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.

Which apple varieties are best in an apple crisp?

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.

Do I need to peel the apple?

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.

Can I double 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.

Can an apple crisp be made ahead?

Best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated.

a spoon in an individual apple crisp with apples hanging off of the spoon.

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!


Your Cooking For One Source
Because you’re worth it

Easy Apple Crisp For One

4.88 from 65 votes
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Enjoy a single serve Apple Crisp – a quick and easy dessert with warm, spiced fruit and a crumbly topping, made using just one apple and pantry staples.

Ingredients 
 

For the filling

  • 1 medium apple , peeled, cored and diced
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
  • teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping

  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons old fashioned oats
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter , softened
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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

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 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

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 573kcal, Carbohydrates: 92g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 24g, Saturated Fat: 15g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 60mg, Sodium: 190mg, Potassium: 325mg, Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 54g, Vitamin A: 798IU, Vitamin C: 8mg, Calcium: 51mg, Iron: 2mg

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.

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I’m Joanie and I’m incredibly happy you’re here! Our aim is to inspire individuals with access to single serving recipes, education, and a supportive community that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul.

4.88 from 65 votes (25 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




68 Comments

  1. Oldgeezer says:

    Tried the Apple Crisp last night but my apple choice turned out to be to big. Left no room in the ramekin for the topping. A quick transfer to the 5″ dish solved the problem. Delicious.

  2. Ann says:

    I really enjoyed how easy and tasty this recipe was. A nice way to use up a tart apple!

  3. Twila says:

    It turned out perfect.

  4. Michelle says:

    Very tasty! Will make again.