This single-serve apple crumble uses 6 simple ingredients and the microwave. Pick a good baking apple, add a pinch of cinnamon, and top with a quick to make oat crumble. In minutes, you’ll have tender, cinnamon-sauced fruit and a crisp, golden top. Serve warm and enjoy.
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Many of my readers have asked for smaller recipes that don’t serve a crowd. This mini apple crumble serves just one, that’s you. You don’t even have to turn your oven on; just add the ingredients to a large mug or a ramekin and microwave. This is a great option for a quick after-dinner treat, late-night cravings, portion control, or using up a single apple.
This isn’t the only mug dessert recipe. Try this rich Chocolate Mug Cake for when you are craving something chocolaty.
- Type of recipe: Dessert
- Cooking method: Microwave
- Skill level: Easy
- Time: 1 minute to soften apples + 2 minutes after topping (about 2 to 2 1/2 minutes total; varies by wattage)
- Yield: 1 serving
- Equipment: 12–16-oz microwave-safe mug or ramekin; fork; small bowl
- Key ingredients: Apple, old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon
- Flavors & textures: Sweet, tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a crisp oat crumble
- Serving ideas: Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel
Table of contents
Apple Crumble Ingredients
You need the most basic ingredients for this recipe: flour, brown sugar, butter and cinnamon, plus:
- Old Fashioned Oats – For the best flavor and texture, I prefer to use old fashioned oats, skip the quick oats.
- Apple — use your favorite firm baking apple; I just love Granny Smiths for their tart flavor. But Fuji, Gala, and Jonagold work well. You can always check out this post for the Best Apples For Baking.
Equipment Needed
- You will need a 12-16-ounce microwave-safe ramekin or a mug for the crumble. To check capacity, fill it with water and pour it into a liquid measuring cup.
How To Make A Single Serve Apple Crumble
Step 1. Prep the fruit: Core the apple and cut it into small cubes. Peel it if you like a softer bite.
Step 2. Start the filling: Add the apple cubes and a pat of butter to a microwave-safe mug or ramekin. Microwave 30 seconds, stir, then microwave 30 seconds more. Sprinkle in cinnamon and stir again. The apples will sink as they soften.
Step 3. Make the crumble: In a small bowl, combine oats, cinnamon, flour and sugar. Add the softened butter and work it in with a fork until the mixture looks sandy and clumpy.
Step 4. Finish: Spoon the crumble over the warm apples, microwave on high for two minutes, just until the topping sets and the apples are tender. Serve warm.
Note – The mug will be hot when you remove it from the microwave, so make sure to use a towel or hot pads.
This will come out of the microwave piping hot, so wait a few minutes before you dig in. I love to top this with some caramel, and if I have vanilla ice cream, I’ll add a scoop, just because I can.
Storage Note – This apple crumble is really best when you eat it right away, when it’s warm. But, if needed, cover the crumble and refrigerate it, then reheat it the next day.
Variations
We all like to mix things up a bit, and you can add more to this recipe.
- Nuts: will add a great crunch—try chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds.
- More fruit: raisins and dried cranberries are a great option.
- Spices: along with the cinnamon, try nutmeg, cloves, ginger or cardamom.
- Saucy filling option: add a tiny pinch of cornstarch and ½ teaspoon lemon juice to the apples before cooking.
Looking For More Apple Desserts?
Add apples to both sweet and savory recipes.
- Love cozy fall flavors? Pair this crumble with Sweet Potatoes with Apples and Cranberries for a dinner and dessert.
- For breakfast tomorrow, make Apple Cream Scones while you’re in the apple mode.
- If you want a lighter start to the day, try Stovetop Oatmeal with Apples and Cranberries.
- Craving a bigger bake next time? Go classic with Apple Pie.
- If you like rustic desserts, bake this Apple Cinnamon Skillet Cake. It’s easy to make.
FAQ’s
Yes, replace the oats with finely chopped nuts and add extra flour. For gluten-free, use certified GF oats and a 1:1 GF flour.
Soften the apples for 1 minute first. After you add the crumble, cook for 2 minutes.
Yes. Assemble in a 12–16 oz ramekin and bake at 350°F on a sheet pan for 18–22 minutes, until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling and the apples are tender. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Toaster oven: same temp, usually 16–20 minutes.
Air fryer option: 325°F for 10–14 minutes in a heat-safe ramekin until golden and bubbling.
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Recipe
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Single Serve Apple Crumble
Equipment
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 5 ounce (141 ¾ g) apple this will be a small apple
- ½ tablespoon (7 g) butter softened
- ¼ teaspoon (¼ teaspoon) cinnamon
Topping Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons (12 g) Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
- 1 tablespoon (12 g) dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons (15 g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ tablespoons (21 g) butter softened
- ¼ teaspoon (¼ teaspoon) cinnamon
Instructions
- Core the apple, slice and cut into cubes. You can peel the apples if you prefer.5 ounce apple
- Add the cubed apples and butter to a 12-16 ounce microwave-safe ramekin or mug and cook on high for 30 seconds: remove the mug and stir. Place the mug back into the microwave and cook for 30 seconds. Remove the mug, sprinkle with a little cinnamon and stir again.½ tablespoon butter, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Note: You can fill the mug with the apples and as they cook the apples will sink into the mug.
Topping
- Make the topping by combining the oatmeal, remaining cinnamon, flour and sugar in a small bowl. Stir this mixture.2 tablespoons Old Fashioned Rolled Oats, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- Add the softened butter to the oatmeal mixture and stir with a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly1½ tablespoons butter
- Put the topping mixture on top of the apples. Return the mug to the microwave and cook for 2 minutes, on high.
- Let the apple cumble cool for about 5 minutes and serve warm.
Notes
- Butterscotch/caramel sauce
- Whipped cream
- Ice cream
- Chopped nuts – pecans, walnuts, almonds
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Nutrition
Thank you for stopping by the One Hot Oven blog. Please leave a comment to say hello or tell me what you are baking; I always love hearing from fellow bakers. Do you have any questions or want to chat about the recipe? Please visit my About page for information, and I’ll be happy to help!
Hello there, I’m Jere’
From learning to cook on a farm in Indiana to culinary school in California, my passion for food is never-ending. Turning on my oven to bake something for friends and family is my happy place, and I am glad to be here at One Hot Oven® sharing sweet and savory family-friendly recipes for your cooking and baking inspiration.
