There’s something timeless about apple crumble. The aroma of cinnamon and baked apples drifting through the kitchen instantly creates comfort. Now imagine that same classic dessert, but served in perfectly portioned ramekins — warm, bubbling, and topped with a crisp golden crumble. That’s exactly what Individual Apple Crumble Cups deliver.
These mini desserts combine soft, spiced apple filling with a buttery oat topping that turns beautifully crisp in the oven. They are simple enough for beginners yet elegant enough for dinner parties. Because they are baked in individual portions, they feel special, thoughtful, and beautifully presented without requiring complicated pastry techniques.
This recipe uses only ingredients. There are no alcohol-based extracts or non-permissible components. Every ingredient is clean, wholesome, and suitable for everyone to enjoy.
Let’s walk through everything in detail — from ingredient selection to baking science — so you can create flawless Individual Apple Crumble Cups every time.
Why You’ll Love Individual Apple Crumble Cups
Individual desserts always feel more refined. Instead of scooping from a large baking dish, each guest receives their own warm crumble with perfectly balanced topping and filling.
Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Even baking in individual ramekins
- Better topping-to-filling ratio
- Easier serving for gatherings
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Beginner-friendly technique
- Customizable flavors
These cups are ideal for fall baking, but honestly, they’re delicious all year.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
4 medium apples (about 600 g), peeled and diced into small cubes
2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
60 g brown sugar
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp pure vanilla extract (alcohol-free)
1 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
For the Crumble Topping
100 g all-purpose flour
60 g rolled oats
80 g brown sugar
0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
0.25 tsp salt
90 g cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
Optional for Serving
Vanilla ice cream
Fresh whipped cream
Caramel sauce
Choosing the Best Apples
Tart vs Sweet Apples
The type of apple you choose dramatically affects the flavor and texture. Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape well and balance the sweetness of the crumble. Sweeter apples such as Fuji or Gala create a softer, more caramelized filling.
For the best depth of flavor, combine one tart variety with one sweet variety.
Texture Matters
Avoid apples that become mushy when baked. The goal is tender chunks that still hold shape.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Apples
Peel and core the apples, then dice them into evenly sized cubes. Uniform cutting ensures even cooking.
Immediately toss the diced apples with lemon juice. This prevents browning and adds brightness.
In a large bowl, combine the apples with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly so every piece is coated.
The cornstarch will thicken the natural apple juices during baking, preventing a watery filling.
Make the Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Add the cold cubed butter. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the dry ingredients. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs with small pea-sized butter pieces visible.
Do not overmix. Those small butter pockets create flakiness and crisp texture in the oven.
If the mixture looks sandy or fully blended, it has been overworked.
Assemble the Individual Cups
Preheat your oven to 180°C.
Lightly grease 6 ramekins with butter.
Spoon the apple filling evenly into each ramekin, filling about three-quarters full.
Generously sprinkle crumble topping over each cup. Do not press it down too firmly — a loose topping creates better texture.
Place the ramekins on a baking tray for stability.
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
You’ll know they are ready when:
- The topping turns golden brown
- The filling bubbles gently at the edges
- The crumble feels crisp on top
If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the final minutes.
Rest Before Serving
Remove from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes.
This allows the filling to set slightly and prevents burns when serving.
Serve warm for the best experience.
The Science Behind a Perfect Crumble
Butter is the key to texture. Cold butter melts slowly, creating steam pockets that make the topping crisp.
Sugar caramelizes during baking, enhancing both color and flavor.
Cornstarch thickens fruit juices by absorbing moisture and forming a gel when heated.
Understanding these small details helps you troubleshoot and perfect your crumble every time.
Serving Suggestions
Individual Apple Crumble Cups are incredibly versatile.
Serve them:
- With vanilla ice cream melting over the warm topping
- With lightly sweetened whipped cream
- With a drizzle of caramel sauce
- Alongside hot tea or coffee
- As part of a dessert table
For gatherings, place them on a wooden serving board with cinnamon sticks and fresh apple slices for presentation.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigeration: Store covered for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 160°C for 8–10 minutes to restore crispness.
Freezing: Assemble but do not bake. Freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10–15 extra minutes.
Variations
Nutty Crumble
Add 2 tbsp chopped almonds or walnuts for extra crunch.
Healthier Version
Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour and reduce sugar slightly.
Gluten-Free Option
Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
Air Fryer Version
Bake in air fryer-safe ramekins at 170°C for about 15–18 minutes. Monitor closely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using overly soft apples
Overmixing the crumble
Skipping cornstarch
Using melted butter in the topping
Overfilling the ramekins
Each of these affects texture and final presentation.
Equipment Needed
6 ceramic ramekins (200 ml)
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Kitchen scale
Peeler
Knife and cutting board
Pastry cutter or fork
Baking tray
Oven
Conclusion
Individual Apple Crumble Cups prove that simple ingredients can create something truly special. With tender cinnamon-spiced apples tucked beneath a golden, buttery crumble topping, this dessert delivers comfort, warmth, and elegance all at once. The individual portions make serving effortless, whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a festive holiday table, or simply treating your family to something homemade.
What makes these Individual Apple Crumble Cups stand out is their balance — soft fruit filling, crisp topping, and just the right level of sweetness. They are beginner-friendly, adaptable, and reliable. Once you understand the simple technique behind the crumble and fruit thickening process, you’ll feel confident making them again and again.
Individual Apple Crumble Cups
These Individual Apple Crumble Cups are warm, buttery, and perfectly spiced mini desserts made with tender cinnamon apples and a golden oat crumble topping. Baked in individual portions, they are ideal for parties, family gatherings, or cozy evenings. This easy apple crumble recipe delivers bakery-style flavor with simple pantry ingredients and no haram components.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
For the Crumble Topping
Optional for Serving
Instructions
Prepare the Apples
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples with lemon juice immediately to prevent browning. Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until the apples are evenly coated. The cornstarch will help thicken the juices during baking.
Make the Crumble Topping
- In another bowl, mix the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Do not overwork it — small butter pieces create a crisp texture when baked.
Assemble the Cups
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Grease 6 ramekins or oven-safe cups lightly with butter.
- Divide the apple mixture evenly among the ramekins, filling each about ¾ full. Spoon the crumble topping generously over each cup, gently pressing it down slightly without compacting it too tightly.
Bake
- Place the ramekins on a baking tray for easy handling. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until:
- The topping is golden brown
- The apple filling is bubbling around the edges
- The crumble feels crisp to the touch
Rest and Serve
- Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes. This helps the filling set slightly.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Note
Apple Choice
Granny Smith apples give a balanced sweet-tart flavor. You can mix sweet and tart apples for better depth.
Make-Ahead Option
You can assemble the cups and refrigerate them (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezer-Friendly
Freeze unbaked assembled cups for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10–15 extra minutes.
Texture Tip
If you prefer a crunchier topping, add 2 tbsp chopped almonds or walnuts (optional).
Healthier Variation
Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour and reduce sugar slightly for a lighter version.
Storage
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 160°C for 8–10 minutes to restore crispness.
