Healthy Single Serve Apple Crumble

This Healthy Single Serve Apple Crumble is perfect when you’re craving something warm, sweet, and comforting, but want something quick, easy, and made with simple ingredients. This mini dessert is made with one apple and a buttery oat topping, making it the perfect individual dessert when you don’t want to bake a whole batch.

Sometimes, I just want a little something sweet that warms me from the inside out, without making a big mess in the kitchen. That’s exactly what this healthy single serve apple crumble is: cozy, comforting, and just the right size when you’re craving a homemade treat.

It’s got all the comforting flavors of a classic apple crumble, with soft, cinnamon-spiced apples and a golden, crumbly topping. The best part? You don’t need to make an entire dish to enjoy it. Just chop, mix, bake, and you’ve got a delicious dessert for one!

This recipe is also known as a single serve apple crisp because the oat topping gives it a crisp texture, although it is technically a crumble-crisp hybrid. It’s perfect for a solo dessert after dinner, a sweet afternoon treat, or whenever you’re craving something warm and comforting.

Why you’ll love this single serve apple crumble:

• It’s easy to make.
• It’s made in one bowl – less mess, less fuss.
• It’s the perfect way to use up one lonely apple.
• It’s made with simple ingredients that are actually good for you!
• It’s great for when you want a simple dessert, all to yourself.
• It can be made gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan.
• It’s refined sugar-free.
• It’s comforting and delicious!
• It’s good for your soul and your body!

What makes this Apple Crumble healthy?

Apple crumble can be a healthy dessert when it is made with simple ingredients and a sensible amount of added sugar. This single serve apple crumble combines fresh apple, rolled oats, and a homemade crumble topping for a comforting dessert that’s easy to portion.

Here are a few things I love about this recipe:

• Apples: Apples provide fiber and natural sweetness, making them a delicious base for this warm dessert.
• Rolled oats: Oats add texture to the topping and provide fiber, along with a slightly nutty flavor.
• Portion control: This individual dessert is made with one apple, so you can enjoy a freshly baked crumble without making a whole dish.
• Simple ingredients: You don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated alternatives to make a delicious homemade dessert.
• Added sugar: The recipe uses a small amount of coconut sugar to sweeten the filling and topping. You can also reduce the amount if you prefer a less sweet dessert.

Although this recipe uses simple ingredients, it isn’t automatically low calorie. The butter, flour, oats, and coconut sugar all contribute to the overall calorie content, so it’s best enjoyed as a satisfying dessert rather than assuming that homemade means healthier in every respect.

Ingredients Needed

These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this Single Serve Apple Crumble. You can find the exact measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.

• Apple: One apple forms the base of the crumble, adding natural sweetness and a soft, juicy filling once baked. I recommend chopping it into small pieces so it softens more quickly.
• Coconut sugar: Coconut sugar adds sweetness and a subtle caramel-like flavor to the apple filling and crumble topping.
• Ground cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and complements the flavor of the apple. You can leave it out completely if you prefer, although the finished crumble will have less of that familiar warm, spiced taste.
• All-purpose flour: Flour gives the topping structure and helps create those delicious buttery crumbs.
• Rolled oats: Rolled oats add texture and give the topping its crisp-like quality. Quick oats may also work, although the finished texture can be slightly different.
• Butter: Butter brings the topping together and helps it develop a golden, crumbly texture as it bakes.

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Apple: Pears, peaches, or berries can be used instead, although the sweetness and cooking time may vary.
• Coconut sugar: Regular granulated sugar can be used instead. You can also reduce the amount if you prefer a less sweet crumble.
• Ground cinnamon: Simply omit it if you don’t enjoy cinnamon. No other adjustments are needed.
• All-purpose flour: A suitable gluten-free flour blend can be used for a gluten-free version. Oat flour may also work, although it can produce a different topping texture.
• Rolled oats: Quick oats can be substituted, but the topping may have a slightly different texture. For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats.
• Butter: Use vegan butter for a dairy-free or vegan version. Coconut oil may also work, although it will change the flavor and texture slightly.

Equipment Needed

You’ll only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this mini dessert:

• Digital food scale: For accurately measuring your ingredients, especially important when making a small batch.
• Small mixing bowl: For preparing the apple filling and crumble topping.
• Spoon: For mixing the ingredients and transferring the topping.
• Knife: For peeling and chopping the apple.
• Cutting board: For safely preparing the apple.
• Oven-safe ramekin or small baking dish: A small dish is ideal for baking an individual portion of apple crumble.

How to make a Single Serve Apple Crumble

Here is a detailed summary of how to make this recipe. I’ve also included some photos, and you can find the recipe video in the recipe card. At the bottom of this page is a summarized version that can be printed.

Step 1: Prepare the apple.

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a small oven-safe ramekin or baking dish. Peel your apple and chop it into small cubes.

Step 2: Prepare the apple filling.

In a small bowl, toss the chopped apple with ½ tablespoon of coconut sugar and ½ tablespoon of ground cinnamon until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to your prepared ramekin and spread it out evenly.

Step 3: Make the crumble topping.

In the same bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, and remaining ½ tablespoon of coconut sugar. Add the melted butter and rub it into the dry ingredients with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If the mixture seems too dry, add a teaspoon of water.

Step 4: Assemble the crumble.

Sprinkle the topping over the apples and press it down lightly.

Step 5: Bake.

Place the ramekin on a baking tray and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the topping is golden and the apples are bubbling.

Step 6: Serve.

Allow the crumble to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm with yogurt, cream, or ice cream if desired.

Apple Crumble vs Apple Crisp vs Apple Cobbler

The main difference between apple crumble, apple crisp, and apple cobbler is the topping.

• Apple crumble: Has a crumbly flour-and-butter topping. Oats aren’t essential.
• Apple crisp: Typically includes oats in the buttery topping, which crisp up as they bake.
• Apple cobbler: Has a biscuit-like or cake-like topping rather than loose crumbs.

This recipe is a crumble-crisp hybrid because it combines a crumbly topping with rolled oats.

How to Make This in the Microwave

For a quicker mini apple dessert, you can try making this recipe in the microwave.

1. Peel and finely chop the apple, then place it in a microwave-safe ramekin with the coconut sugar and cinnamon.
2. Microwave for approximately 2 to 3 minutes, until the apple begins to soften.
3. Mix the flour, rolled oats, remaining coconut sugar, and melted butter to make the topping.
4. Sprinkle the topping over the apple and microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through and the apple is tender.

Cooking times will vary depending on your microwave and the size of the apple pieces. The topping will be softer than the golden, crisp version you get from the oven.

Is This a Low Calorie Apple Crumble?

At 448 calories per serving, this single serve apple crumble is a portion-controlled dessert, but it isn’t necessarily low calorie compared with other desserts.

The calories come from the apple, flour, rolled oats, butter, and coconut sugar. A standard apple crumble can vary considerably in calories depending on the recipe and serving size, so compare similar portions for a fair comparison.

If you’re following a Weight Watchers plan, calculate the points using your specific ingredients and current plan rather than relying on a generic estimate.

Making It Lower in Sugar

• Reduce the coconut sugar: The recipe uses 1 tablespoon in total. Try using 2 teaspoons instead if you prefer a less sweet crumble.
• Leave it out entirely: You can omit the added sweetener, but the filling and topping will taste less sweet and the topping may be less caramelized.
• What about maple syrup? The current recipe uses coconut sugar, so I wouldn’t substitute maple syrup without testing the change.

Remember, no added sugar doesn’t mean sugar-free. Apples contain naturally occurring sugars, even when you leave out the sweetener.

Tips and Notes

• Chop the apple into small pieces: This helps the apple soften evenly during baking. Larger pieces may need a little longer in the oven.
• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the coconut sugar slightly. Keep in mind that the topping may be less caramelized.
• Get the crumble texture right: Mix the melted butter into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form. Avoid adding too much extra liquid, as this can make the topping dense rather than crumbly.
• Choose the right ramekin: A small, oven-safe ramekin or baking dish works best for an individual portion. A deeper dish may require a little extra baking time.
• Making it without cinnamon: Simply leave out the cinnamon if you don’t enjoy it. The apple will still provide the main flavor, although you’ll lose some of that familiar warm, spiced taste.
• Choose your toppings: Greek yogurt, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream all work well. Just remember that any additions will change the overall nutritional values.

How to store this healthy single serve apple crumble

This apple crumble is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, when the topping has its best texture.

If you have leftovers, allow the crumble to cool before transferring it to an airtight container and storing it in the refrigerator. Reheat it before serving.

For the best results, reheat the crumble in the oven at 175°C (350°F) until warmed through. This will help restore some of the crispness to the topping, although it may not be quite as crisp as when freshly baked.

If you’re short on time, you can also reheat it in the microwave. It’s convenient and warms the apple filling quickly, but the topping will become softer rather than crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different fruit?

Absolutely! While apples are the star here, feel free to swap them for pears, peaches, or even a mix of berries for a fruity twist. The beauty of this crumble is its versatility!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe as written contains all-purpose flour and is not gluten-free. To make it gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and replace the all-purpose flour with a suitable gluten-free flour blend.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Replace the regular butter with plant-based butter or another suitable vegan alternative. Check the ingredients of any toppings you add, too, as dairy-based yogurt, cream, and ice cream are not vegan.

Can I double the recipe?

If you’re craving more, feel free to double the recipe. You can divide the mixture between two ramekins or use a larger baking dish. The baking time may change, so keep an eye on the crumble and check that the apples are tender before serving.

How do I store this?

Allow any leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container and refrigerating them. Reheat in the oven for a crispier topping or use the microwave for a quicker option, keeping in mind that the topping will be softer.

More Single Serve Desserts for You

If you love making individual desserts, here are a few more recipes to try:

• Healthy Single-Serve Banana Bread (made in the microwave!)
• Easy & Healthy Single-Serve Birthday Cake
• Easy Protein Pop-Tart (Single-Serve)
• Single-Serve Cinnamon Roll

Hey! If you make this recipe, I would love it if you could leave me some feedback and a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ in the comment section at the bottom of the page! Also let me know on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and see your photos!

Let me know in the comments below if you make this single serve apple crumble!