Mini Apple Crumbles with Cinnamon
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Enjoy the warmth of fall with these delightful Mini Apple Crumbles with Cinnamon. Bursting with sweet, tender apples and a buttery, crumbly topping, these individual desserts are perfect for holiday gatherings and cozy evenings. The cinnamon adds just the right hint of spice, making them a comforting treat the whole family will love. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream for an irresistible finish!
The Perfect Fall Dessert
As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, nothing encapsulates the essence of fall like a warm dessert. Mini Apple Crumbles with Cinnamon provide not only a comforting taste but also an inviting aroma that fills your home. These delightful treats offer a balance of sweet and savory flavors, ensuring that every bite resonates with the essence of autumn. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these mini crumbles add a touch of warmth to any occasion.
The individual portions make them perfect for gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy their own servings without needing to slice or scoop from a larger dish. This also allows for a beautiful presentation, where each ramekin can be garnished to your liking. Just imagine the delight on your family’s faces as they dig into their personal dessert, complete with a golden topping and steaming apple filling.
Why Cinnamon Matters
Cinnamon is more than just a spice; it is an essential ingredient that elevates your mini apple crumbles to a whole new level. Infusing the apples with the warmth of cinnamon not only enhances their natural sweetness but also complements the tartness of the fruit. This classic flavor combination is synonymous with fall desserts, making your crumbles feel nostalgic and comforting.
Beyond its delightful taste, cinnamon offers numerous health benefits. It’s packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a wholesome addition to your desserts. By choosing to include cinnamon in your recipes, you're not only enhancing flavor but also making a nutritious choice for you and your loved ones.
Serving Suggestions
These Mini Apple Crumbles are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them further with a few simple serving suggestions. Serving these crumbles warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream adds a creamy element that beautifully contrasts the crunchy topping and tender apples. Drizzling a bit of caramel sauce over the top can also add a touch of indulgence, perfect for special occasions.
For a more refined presentation, consider serving them in individual dessert glasses layered with more cinnamon-infused toppings or garnished with fresh apple slices. This can create an elegant display that is sure to impress your guests. No matter how you choose to serve your mini crumbles, they’re bound to be a hit!
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- 4 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Crumble Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Prepare the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, combine the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Mix well to ensure the apples are coated evenly.
Mix the Crumble Topping
In another bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add the cold butter and mix with a fork or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble the Crumbles
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Distribute the apple filling evenly among six ramekins and top generously with the crumble mixture.
Bake
Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the toppings are golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
Serve
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers (though we doubt that will happen!), you can store your Mini Apple Crumbles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven or microwave until warmed through. However, for the best texture, reheating in the oven is recommended to retain the crispiness of the crumble topping.
If you want to prepare them ahead of time, you can assemble the crumbles and then cover them tightly before refrigerating. Baking them fresh when you're ready to serve is ideal for keeping that freshly-baked aroma and texture that everyone loves.
Variations to Try
Don’t hesitate to get creative with your Mini Apple Crumbles! Consider mixing in other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or pears for a unique twist that adds different flavors and textures. You can also experiment with the spice blend by adding ginger, allspice, or even a splash of vanilla extract for an aromatic touch.
For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend. This allows everyone to enjoy these delightful desserts while accommodating dietary needs.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make the apple crumbles in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and topping separately and assemble them just before baking.
→ What apples are best for baking?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work well as they hold their shape and provide a nice sweetness.
Mini Apple Crumbles with Cinnamon
Enjoy the warmth of fall with these delightful Mini Apple Crumbles with Cinnamon. Bursting with sweet, tender apples and a buttery, crumbly topping, these individual desserts are perfect for holiday gatherings and cozy evenings. The cinnamon adds just the right hint of spice, making them a comforting treat the whole family will love. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream for an irresistible finish!
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 6.0
What You'll Need
For the Apple Filling
- 4 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Crumble Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Mix well to ensure the apples are coated evenly.
In another bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add the cold butter and mix with a fork or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Distribute the apple filling evenly among six ramekins and top generously with the crumble mixture.
Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the toppings are golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Total Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 2g