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Cozy Small-Batch Apple Crisp for Two: Easy Dessert

small-batch apple crisp for two - featured image

A perfectly portioned apple crisp for two with a golden, crispy oat topping and tender, spiced apples. Quick to make with simple ingredients, this cozy dessert is ideal for a quiet night in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium apples (about 450g or 1 pound), such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (25g)
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (8g)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15ml)
  • 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (45g)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (60g)
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar (70g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter (57g or 4 tablespoons), cut into small cubes
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (30g), optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a baking sheet on the middle rack to preheat.
  2. Prepare the apples: peel if desired, core, and slice into 1/4-inch thick slices (about 3 cups total).
  3. Make the filling: In a medium bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and lemon juice. Let sit while making the topping.
  4. Make the crisp topping: In a small bowl, combine oats, 1/2 cup flour, brown sugar, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Add cold butter cubes and nuts (if using). Cut in butter using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces.
  5. Assemble the crisps: Divide apple mixture evenly between two 10-ounce ramekins or spread in a small baking dish. Sprinkle topping evenly over apples, pressing down gently.
  6. Bake: Place ramekins or dish on the preheated baking sheet. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until filling is bubbly and topping is golden brown. If topping browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
  7. Cool slightly and serve: Let cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream.

Notes

For best results, use cold butter and old-fashioned oats. Let the crisp rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to thicken. If using a larger dish instead of ramekins, add 5-10 minutes to baking time. To make ahead, assemble without baking and refrigerate up to 24 hours; add 5 minutes to baking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple crisp, small batch, dessert for two, easy apple crisp, fall dessert, apple recipe