Mini Apple Crisp in Ramekins – For Two
This apple crisp in ramekins is just the right size for two. Two apples are tossed with cinnamon and maple syrup, then topped with graham cracker crumbs, oats, and walnuts for a crisp topping. The apples stay slightly tart, which keeps the maple from making the dessert too sweet.
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Most apple crisp recipes are made for a crowd, but when you’re cooking for two, a 9×13 pan can leave you eating apple crisp for days. This version makes two individual ramekins, bakes in about 30 minutes, and gives you just enough for dessert without a week of leftovers. It’s especially good for using up those last couple of apples after a trip to the orchard or for a simple Sunday night dessert.
Recipe Highlights
- Sized for two. Two apples, two 6-ounce ramekins, no pan of leftovers.
- Simple Topping. Graham cracker crumbs and oats and walnuts are all you need.
- Sweetened with maple syrup instead of a cup of sugar.
- Make it ahead. Assemble it before dinner and bake it while you clean up.
Ingredient Notes
- Apples: Granny Smith holds its shape and stays tart. Honeycrisp is sweeter and softer. I usually use Granny Smith and Fuji, whatever’s in the fruit bowl. Peeling is optional; the skins soften as it bakes.
- Maple syrup: Honey works the same way. If you want a more classic topping, add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the oat mixture instead of honey or syrup.
- Graham cracker crumbs: Crush them in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin if you don’t want to use your food processor. Ginger snaps or vanilla wafers work too. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free grahams and oats.
- Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give the most crunch. Quick oats work, but the topping comes out softer.
- Walnuts: Pecans or sliced almonds are an easy swap. For nut-free, use pepitas or sunflower seeds, or just leave them out.
- Butter: Coconut oil works for a dairy-free version.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg: If have apple pie spice, you can use that instead.
- No ramekins? A small oven-safe baking dish or a 6-inch cast iron skillet holds this whole batch.
How to Make Individual Homemade Apple Crisp in Ramekins
- Prepare the ramekins. Heat the oven to 350°F. Brush two 6-ounce ramekins with a little melted butter so the fruit doesn’t stick.
- Make the filling. Chop the apples into bite-sized pieces and toss them with the cinnamon and half the maple syrup, then divide them between the ramekins.
- Mix the topping. Stir together the graham cracker crumbs, oats, walnuts, melted butter, and the rest of the maple syrup.
- Top and bake. Spoon the topping over the apples and press it down lightly. Set the ramekins on a baking sheet, to catch the drips and make them easier to get in and out of the oven. Bake about 30 minutes, until the topping is golden and a knife slides easily into the apples.
- Let them rest. Give them 5 minutes before serving. The filling thickens as it cools, and the ramekins stay hot for a while.
Make it Your Way
Apple crisp is flexible, so you can change up the fruit, topping, or finishing touch to suit what you like or have on hand.
- Fruit: Mix apples with pears, or add a handful of blueberries or raspberries. In November, a few fresh cranberries with an extra drizzle of maple syrup work well.
- Topping: Use gingersnaps instead of graham crackers for more spice. Stir shredded coconut into the oats, or switch the walnuts for pecans.
- Sweetener and spice: Try honey instead of maple syrup, a pinch of cardamom with the cinnamon, or a little orange zest in the apples.
- Finish: Vanilla ice cream is the classic. Whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel, or a thin slice of sharp cheddar on the warm crisp are all good too.
We are not big dessert eaters so this is perfect to make without worrying about having leftover dessert for a few days. I like that I can make exactly what we plan to eat with nothing leftover. Sometimes I make extra topping and freeze it for an even quicker mini apple crisp.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these apple crisp individual portions warm right from a mini ramekin or small baking dish. Top with vanilla ice cream, fresh whipped cream or even a slice of cheddar cheese for an easy fall dessert.
This apple crisp recipe makes a perfect dessert for two and pairs wonderfully with brownies or cookies as part of a small dessert spread.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare this mini apple crisp a day before you bake it. Simply cover the ramekins and store them in the fridge. When you are ready to bake, let the ramekins sit out for about 30 minutes, then bake them in the oven as usual. Alternatively, you can warm the mini apple crisp in the air fryer for a quicker crispy finish.
Storing Leftovers
Store any extra portions of apple crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can enjoy this fall dessert cold, at room temperature, or warmed up in the oven, microwave, or air fryer.
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Mini Apple Crisp in Ramekins for Two
Equipment
- Ramekins
- 2 Ramekins (6 oz)
Ingredients
- 2 apples cored and diced (peeling is optional)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup divided
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ground
- 2 tablespoons walnuts chopped
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons butter melted, plus a little for ramekins
- 1/2 cup oats Old Fashioned Rolled
- 1 pinch nutmeg Optional
- squeeze lemon juice Optional
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix 2 apples (diced), 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
- Divide the apple mixture evenly between two 6-ounce ramekins.
- In a separate bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, oats, walnuts, melted butter flour and nutmeg. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of maple syrup.
- Spoon the topping over the apples and gently press down. Set the filled ramekins on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 minutes until the topping is golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and can vary based on cooking methods and ingredients used
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These are so fun and cute, and delicious as well! Such a perfect way to use up apples after apple picking.
These are a wonderful fall dessert! I love that they are mini – great for entertaining! Nothing better than delicious warm apple crisp!
Perfect little treats! I love that they’re mini and you can have just enough of the delicious apple crisp or make plenty for a gathering!
Such a great idea. LOVE the topping LOL; I want to eat it like granola! 😉
I love this! There’s only two of us so I don’t usually want to make a whole baking pan’s worth of dessert so this is perfect!