Apple Cinnamon Crumble Cups

So, imagine this: you want dessert that feels homey, smells like fall, and somehow makes you look like a pro—all without building a full-scale apple pie from scratch. Enter Apple Cinnamon Crumble Cups. Tiny, cozy, and basically perfection in a cup. Bonus: no awkward slicing, no fighting over the last piece. Everyone wins.

These little cups are perfect for dessert tables, brunches, or just sneaky self-indulgence while pretending you’re “just having one.”

Why This Recipe Is Awesome

First off, portion control that doesn’t suck. You get all the apple-cinnamon goodness without committing to a huge pie slice that you later regret.

Second, they smell amazing. Like someone just baked fall into your kitchen. Seriously, neighbors might show up.

Third, they’re cute AF. Single-serving desserts are guaranteed conversation starters. People love tiny things—it’s science.

And finally, easy to make. Minimal fuss, no pie skills required, and you still get that homemade “wow” factor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the apple filling:

• Apples (3 cups, peeled and diced) – Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, because flavor matters
• Brown sugar (¼ cup) – Sweet, not overwhelming
• Granulated sugar (2 tbsp) – Just a touch
• Ground cinnamon (1 tsp) – Smells like heaven
• Lemon juice (1 tsp) – Brightens the flavors
• Cornstarch (1 tsp) – Helps thicken the filling

For the crumble topping:

• All-purpose flour (¾ cup) – The base
• Brown sugar (½ cup) – Because sugar is life
• Oats (½ cup) – Optional, adds texture
• Butter (6 tbsp, cold and cubed) – Cut in like a pastry chef (or just pinch and rub)
• Ground cinnamon (½ tsp) – Cinnamon is never optional

Extras:

• Muffin tin or small ramekins
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional, but highly recommended)

Pro tip: Toss the apples in lemon juice immediately after chopping to avoid sad brown slices.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven.
   350°F (175°C). Preheating is basically free and saves future panic.
2. Make the apple filling.
   In a bowl, toss diced apples with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
3. Prepare the crumble topping.
   In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon. Add cold butter cubes and mix with fingers or a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Resist eating it raw… or don’t.
4. Assemble the cups.
   Grease muffin tin or ramekins. Spoon apple mixture into each cup, filling about ¾ full. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously on top. Don’t be shy—this is the best part.
5. Bake.
   25–30 minutes, until the topping is golden and apples are tender. Your kitchen will smell like autumn. You’re welcome.
6. Cool slightly.
   Let them sit for 5–10 minutes so the filling sets.
7. Optional extras.
   Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Because, why not?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling the cups. Crumble topping + overflowing apples = messy meltdown.
• Skipping the lemon juice. Browning apples = sad cups.
• Underbaking. Crunchy topping but raw apples = tragedy.
• Using warm butter for crumble. Cold butter = perfect crispiness.
• Ignoring oats. Optional, yes, but it gives that rustic, bakery-like vibe.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• Different apples? Gala, Fuji, or even a mix work fine. Just keep them firm.
• Gluten-free? Use gluten-free flour and oats. Same cozy effect.
• Vegan? Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Still amazing.
• Add nuts? Chopped pecans or walnuts on top = extra crunch.
• Spice it up? A pinch of nutmeg or ginger elevates the flavor.

Personal tip: sprinkle a little brown sugar + cinnamon on top right before baking for caramelized crunch. Total crowd-pleaser.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Bake, cool, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Warm slightly before serving.

Can I use frozen apples?
Sure, but drain excess liquid to avoid soggy crumble.

Do I have to use muffin tins?
Nope. Small ramekins or any oven-safe cups work fine.

Can I skip oats in the crumble?
Yes, but oats add that bakery vibe. Up to you.

Can I freeze them?
Yep! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before warming in oven.

How do I make them extra gooey?
A drizzle of caramel sauce over the top after baking = next-level dessert.

Final Thoughts

Apple Cinnamon Crumble Cups = cozy, cute, and zero-fuss dessert magic. Perfect for parties, brunches, or just impressing yourself because you deserve it.

Bake a batch, grab a spoon, and enjoy the sweet, cinnamon-y, apple-y goodness. Everyone will think you slaved over this. Little do they know, you were actually chilling with minimal effort.