The Best Easy Apple Crisp for Two (Small Batch)

This small-batch apple crisp delivers tender, caramelized apples buried under a mountain of buttery, spiced oat crumble—perfectly portioned for two. It’s the ultimate cozy dessert that comes together in minutes, giving you all the comfort of a homemade pie without the hassle of a crust or leftovers.

---

Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 35 mins | Total: 45 mins | Serves: 2 | Difficulty: Easy

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✅ Texture Perfection: By using apple chunks instead of thin slices, the fruit keeps a pleasant bite that contrasts beautifully with the crispy, buttery topping.
• ✅ Zero Waste: Designed specifically for two 6-ounce ramekins, this recipe satisfies your sweet tooth without leaving you with a tray of leftovers.
• ✅ Pantry Staples: You likely have every single ingredient in your kitchen right now—no special grocery run required.

Ingredient Notes

• 1 large Apple: Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are best. They hold their shape during baking and offer a tart balance to the sweet topping.
• 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted): You’ll need this for the topping to create those irresistible golden clumps.
• 1/3 cup All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your crumble.
• 3.5 Tbsp Brown Sugar: Packed tight. This creates the deep, molasses-like sweetness in the crumble and helps the apples caramelize.
• 1/3 tsp Cinnamon: Essential for that classic fall flavor profile.
• Pinch of Nutmeg: A secret weapon that adds warmth and depth to the fruit filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Peel, core, and chop your large apple into 1-inch chunks. Don’t slice them thin! Chunks ensure the apple doesn’t turn into applesauce while baking. Toss the chunks in a small bowl with 1 teaspoon of melted butter, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg until glossy and coated.

Step 2: Assemble the Crumble

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining brown sugar, cinnamon, and a tiny pinch of salt. Pour in the remaining melted butter.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a fork to gently toss the butter into the flour mixture. Stop mixing as soon as large, moist crumbs form. If you overmix, it will turn into a heavy paste instead of a light, crispy topping.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Divide the seasoned apple chunks between two 6-ounce ramekins. Pile the crumble topping generously over the fruit—it might look like too much, but it bakes down perfectly. Place the ramekins on a baking sheet (to catch any bubbling drips) and bake for 32–36 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown and the fruit juices are bubbling vigorously around the edges.

Common Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

• Mistake 1: Using soft apples. Red Delicious or Gala apples can turn mushy in the oven. Fix: Stick to firm baking varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady.
• Mistake 2: Overmixing the topping. This leads to a dense, cookie-like cap rather than a crumble. Fix: Mix gently with a fork just until the flour is moistened.

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Freezer: Baked and cooled crisps can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: For the best texture, reheat in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warm. The microwave works in a pinch but will soften the topping.

Serving Suggestions

• Top with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream.
• Drizzle with warm salted caramel sauce for extra decadence.

💡 For more recipes, follow me on Facebook and Pinterest.

FAQ

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. If you want to make four servings, simply double all the ingredients and use four ramekins. The bake time remains the same.

Do I have to peel the apples?

While peeling is recommended for the smoothest texture, you can leave the skins on if you prefer a more rustic dessert. Just be sure to wash them thoroughly.

Can I use oats in the topping?

Yes! For an “oat crisp” texture, substitute 1 tablespoon of the flour with old-fashioned rolled oats.

Conclusion

This easy apple crisp for two is the answer to your dessert cravings. It’s quick, comforting, and portioned perfectly so you can enjoy a homemade treat any night of the week.