Single-Serving Apple Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

I absolutely love this Single-Serving Apple Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe because it delivers all the cozy, comforting vibes of a classic dessert without the fuss of making a big batch. It’s just you, a small dish, and the warm scent of baked apples and cinnamon filling your kitchen. Whenever I’m craving something sweet but not overwhelmed by leftovers, this recipe hits the jackpot.

What makes this recipe special is its simplicity and perfect portion size—I can whip it up in under 5 minutes and have a warm crumble ready in about half an hour. Plus, topping it with creamy vanilla ice cream (or your favorite frozen treat) takes it from everyday dessert to a little celebration. You’ll find that it’s a brilliant way to treat yourself without any guilt or waste.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to create that irresistibly crisp topping and tender, flavorful apple base. Choosing a firm and sweet apple variety like Jazz or Honeycrisp really makes all the difference here, giving your crumble that fresh, just-baked apple punch.

• Jazz or Honeycrisp apple: Crisp and sweet apples hold their shape and create that perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
• Raw sugar: Adds depth with slight molasses notes, but you can substitute with brown sugar if you prefer a softer caramel flavor.
• Lemon juice: Keeps the apples from browning and adds a bright, fresh tang that balances sweetness.
• Cinnamon: Classic spice that warms up the apple filling and the crumble topping.
• Butter: Use unsalted for control, and melting it before mixing helps bind the crumble topping just right.
• Flour: The base for the topping, giving it the crumbly texture we all love.
• Vanilla ice cream: The crowning glory—cold, creamy, and melts perfectly over the hot crumble.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this single-serving apple crumble depending on my mood or what I have on hand. Feel free to get creative—you can easily swap spices, fruit, or even add a little crunch with nuts. Making it your own is half the fun!

• Add Pecans or Walnuts: I sprinkle some chopped nuts into the topping sometimes to give extra texture and a toasty flavor that pairs so well with the apples.
• Change the Spice: Swapping cinnamon for nutmeg or cardamom can turn this into a whole new experience—try it for a cozy winter twist.
• Fruit Combo: You can toss in a few berries or diced pears alongside the apple to add a burst of freshness and variety.
• Vegan Version: Use a plant-based butter and your favorite dairy-free vanilla ice cream for a cruelty-free dessert that’s still delicious.

How to Make Single-Serving Apple Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apple Filling

Start by chopping one Jazz or Honeycrisp apple into small cubes—think bite-sized so they cook evenly. Toss them right in your ramekin or small baking dish. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of melted butter, add 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of raw sugar, sprinkle 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon, and squeeze in ½ teaspoon lemon juice. Mix these ingredients thoroughly so every apple cube gets coated in that lovely blend of butter and spice. This mix is what makes the filling sing!

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons raw sugar, and 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon. Then, pour in 1 and a half tablespoons melted butter. Use your fingers to gently mix until small clumps form—you want it to look like damp sand that holds together but still crumbles easily. This texture is key: if it’s too dry, the crumble won’t crisp up well; too wet, and it might get soggy.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake Your Crumble

Spoon the crumble mixture evenly over the apple filling, but don’t worry if some apples peek through—the topping is meant to be light here. Pop the ramekin into a toaster oven preheated to 350°F. Bake for about 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and you see the apple juices bubbling at the edges. If you’re using a regular oven, you might need 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overbrown.

Step 4: Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream

Once out of the oven, let your apple crumble cool for a few minutes—this helps the juices thicken slightly. Then, top with a generous scoop of rich vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, crumbly apple and the cold ice cream is heavenly. Sometimes I swap vanilla ice cream for rose saffron kulfi to give it an exotic twist—it’s always a hit.

How to Serve Single-Serving Apple Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a big scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream to complement the warm crumble, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts adds a lovely finishing touch. A fresh mint leaf can add a pop of color if you’re serving guests and want to impress without extra effort.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a spiced chai latte for cozy evenings. If I’m serving this after dinner, I love offering a small glass of dessert wine or a calming herbal tea alongside it.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve the crumble in mini cast-iron skillets or rustic ramekins set on a wooden board with some extra cinnamon sticks or star anise for decoration. Drizzling caramel or a honey drizzle on top of the ice cream gives it a decadent touch that guests always appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (rare in my house!), cover the crumble tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The topping might lose some crispness, but reheating in the oven helps restore its texture nicely.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this crumble a couple of times before baking for a quick treat later. Just wrap your ramekin with plastic wrap and then foil, freeze for up to 1 month, and bake directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or regular oven at 325°F for about 10-15 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked warmth and crisp topping. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crumble crunchy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I love how this Single-Serving Apple Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe feels like a warm hug from the inside out—a small, simple dessert that makes any day feel special. Whether you’re indulging after a long day or surprising yourself with a little treat, it’s a winning recipe that’s easy to master and wins over everyone. Give it a try—I promise you’ll want to make it again and again.

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