Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
I've always loved apple crisp, but most recipes make enough to feed a small army! Living alone, or just wanting a sweet treat for my partner and me, it always felt wasteful to bake a huge pan. So, I tinkered and tweaked until I landed on this perfect 'Apple Crisp for Two' recipe. Its simple, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious. Sometimes, after a difficult day, all I need is the warm, comforting aroma of apples baking with cinnamon. It's like a hug in a bowl, you know? I remember one fall evening, after a particularly grueling week at work, I made this crisp. The first bite, still warm from the oven, instantly melted away the stress. I shared it with a friend, and we talked for hours. That's the magic of simple food—it brings people together and nourishes the soul.
This recipe isn't just about cutting down the ingredients; it’s about maximizing flavor in a small package. The apples are gently spiced to enhance their natural sweetness, and the oat topping provides a lovely textural contrast. It's the kind of dessert you can whip up in under an hour, making it ideal for those spontaneous cravings or last-minute date nights. Seriously, I once forgot it was my anniversary and made this in like 30 minutes, it was amazing!
Required Equipments
Small Bowls
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Pastry Blender or Fork
Two 6-ounce Ramekins
Oven
Apple Crisp for Two: Frequently Asked Questions
Apple Crisp for Two
This apple crisp recipe is scaled down perfectly for two, offering a warm, comforting dessert without the leftovers. It features tender, spiced apples topped with a buttery, oaty crumble—a delightful treat for a cozy night in.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:1 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the crisp bakes evenly.
Peel, core, and dice 2 small to medium apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith). Aim for pieces that are about 1/2 inch in size. Don’t sweat if they're not perfect; it's a rustic dessert!
In a small bowl, combine the diced apples with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix well to coat the apples evenly with the spices and sugar. I sometimes add a tiny splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavor and prevent browning.
Butter two small oven-safe ramekins (about 6-ounce capacity each). This prevents sticking and adds a subtle richness to the edges of the crisp.
Divide the apple mixture evenly between the prepared ramekins, spreading it out to create an even layer.
In a separate small bowl, prepare the crumble topping. Combine 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of rolled oats (not instant!), 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. If you're feeling fancy, add a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness.
Cut in 2 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter (cut into small pieces) using a pastry blender or your fingers. Work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The colder the butter, the better the crumble!
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple mixture in each ramekin, covering the apples completely. Don't be afraid to pack it down slightly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. The juices should be bubbling around the edges, and the topping should be nicely browned. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the ramekins loosely with foil.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Be careful; those ramekins will be hot!
Serve warm, either as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce never hurts either! Enjoy your perfectly portioned apple crisp for two!
📝 Notes
Use your favorite type of apple. Granny Smith provides a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness.
For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the crumble topping. Simply melt the butter in a saucepan until it turns golden brown and fragrant.
Add a handful of chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to the crumble topping for extra crunch.
Don't overbake the crisp, or the topping will become too dry. The apples should be tender but not mushy.
A simple dessert can be a profound act of self-care. Taking the time to create something delicious for yourself—it's a small luxury that makes a big difference.