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Cozy Small-Batch Apple Crisp for Two

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A perfectly portioned apple crisp for two with a crunchy oat topping and tender, cinnamon-spiced apples. Made with simple ingredients and ready in about 45 minutes, it’s the ideal cozy dessert for a quiet night in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium apples (about 300g), peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/4-inch pieces (recommend a mix of sweet and tart, like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith)
  • 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50g) packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (20g) rolled oats (old-fashioned)
  • 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish (5×7-inch) or two 8-ounce ramekins with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Place them in a medium microwave-safe bowl.
  3. Add the granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of the cinnamon, the lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to the apples. Toss to coat evenly.
  4. Microwave the apple mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the apples are pliable and starting to release their juices. (If you don’t have a microwave, skip this step and bake for an extra 5-10 minutes.)
  5. In a separate small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, rolled oats, remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir with a fork.
  6. Pour the melted butter and vanilla extract over the dry ingredients. Stir with a fork until the mixture is evenly moistened and forms clumps (like wet sand with some larger pieces). Do not overmix.
  7. Transfer the microwaved apples and their juices to the prepared baking dish. Spread them in an even layer. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples without pressing down.
  8. Place the dish on a baking sheet to catch drips. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple juices are bubbling thickly around the edges.
  9. Let the crisp cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.

Notes

Don’t skip the microwave step—it ensures the apples are tender by the time the topping is golden. Use a mix of apple varieties for best texture. Let the crisp rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the filling to thicken. For a gluten-free version, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats. For a vegan version, use plant-based butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple crisp, small batch, for two, easy dessert, fall dessert, apple dessert, crisp topping, comfort food