Classic Apple Crisp Cups with apples and crunchy topping

Classic Apple Crisp Cups

BySam
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Introduction

I still remember the first time I tasted apple crisp, a cozy dessert that wraps you in warmth, much like a knitted blanket on a chilly fall evening. It was my grandmother’s secret recipe, and the aroma of cinnamon and baked apples filled her home, making anyone feel instantly welcome. As I grew older, I wanted to capture that same sense of home in a more personal, portable way. That’s when I created these Classic Apple Crisp Cups. They hold all the nostalgia and flavor of traditional apple crisp but in a delightful single-serving format perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet treat during a quiet night in.

What makes this recipe special to me is how it combines simplicity and comfort while drawing from cherished family memories. Each cup embodies the joy of fall and the warmth of family gatherings.

What Makes This Recipe Special

These Classic Apple Crisp Cups are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a healthier alternative to many desserts. By infusing fresh, juicy apples with warm spices, you’re indulging in a dish that feels indulgently sweet without a heavy dose of guilt. The personal serving size makes them family-approved, easy to serve, and ideal for portion control. Whether you’re cozying up on the couch with a book or entertaining friends, these cups will surely become a beloved staple in your recipe repertoire.

Classic Apple Crisp Cups

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Apple Filling:

  • 4 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)

For the Crisp Topping:

  • 1 cup rolled oats (opt for old-fashioned for better texture)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (can use coconut oil for a dairy-free option)

Optional Garnishes:

  • Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (for serving)
  • Extra cinnamon for dusting

Selecting the freshest apples enhances the flavor. Choose apples that are firm and crisp for the best results.

How to Make Classic Apple Crisp Cups

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners for easy serving.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the peeled and diced apples, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Toss well to coat the apples and set aside for about 10 minutes.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Fill each muffin cup with the apple mixture, about two-thirds full. Top generously with the crisp topping, pressing it down slightly to hold it in place.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. Look for the apple juices to be bubbling around the edges as a sign they’re ready!
  6. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Recipe Variations

  • Use a variety of apples: Mixing different apple types can add depth in flavor and sweetness.
  • Add nuts: For an added crunch, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the crisp topping.
  • Spice it up: Feel free to adjust the spices; a pinch of ginger or allspice can bring a festive flair.
  • Make it ahead: You can prepare the apple filling and topping separately beforehand, refrigerating them until ready to bake.
  • Storage and reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave in short intervals.

Best Ways to Serve

These delightful Apple Crisp Cups shine on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes them to the next level! They’re perfect for generous dollops of both, making any dessert table festive. Serve warm for the ultimate comfort dessert after all, there’s nothing quite like the combination of warm apples and cool cream. Each cup is roughly 150-200 calories, making them a guilt-free indulgence!

Common Questions

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
  • Yes, prepare the filling and topping separately, and store them in the fridge. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve!
  • Can I freeze the leftovers?
  • Absolutely! Just cover them tightly and freeze. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
  • What can I use instead of butter?
  • Coconut oil or a plant-based butter work wonderfully, making this recipe dairy-free.
  • How do I prevent the dish from becoming watery?
  • Make sure to let the apples sit with the cornstarch mixture to help draw out excess moisture before baking.
  • Can I make this vegetarian or dairy-free?
  • Yes! Using coconut oil in place of butter will keep this recipe vegetarian and dairy-free.

Conclusion

These Classic Apple Crisp Cups are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of warmth, nostalgia, and family. Each bite transports you back to simpler times and makes you appreciate the little moments even if it’s just enjoying life’s sweet treats. I hope you gather your loved ones, share these cups, and create your own memories around this cherished dessert. Try the recipe, and let me know how you enjoyed it. Happy baking!

“These Apple Crisp Cups are the perfect answer to my sweet cravings! Each bite is incredibly comforting and reminds me of family gatherings. I love the cozy feeling they bring!” – A satisfied home baker.

Classic Apple Crisp Cups

Delightful single-serving cups of warm baked apples topped with a crispy oat topping, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 cups
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Fall
Calories: 175
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Apple Filling
  • 4 medium medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice to prevent browning
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch for thickening
For the Crisp Topping
  • 1 cup rolled oats opt for old-fashioned for better texture
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour can substitute with gluten-free flour
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted can use coconut oil for a dairy-free option
Optional Garnishes
  • Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
  • Extra cinnamon for dusting

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners for easy serving.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the peeled and diced apples, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Toss well to coat the apples and set aside for about 10 minutes.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assembly
  1. Fill each muffin cup with the apple mixture, about two-thirds full.
  2. Top generously with the crisp topping, pressing it down slightly to hold it in place.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. Look for the apple juices to be bubbling around the edges as a sign they're ready!
  2. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Use a variety of apples for depth of flavor. Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave in short intervals.
Sam
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