Mini Apple Cinnamon Crumbles (Vegan)
Warm, cozy, and perfectly portioned.
Mini Apple Cinnamon Crumbles are little cups of tender spiced apples topped with a golden, buttery crumble. They’re soft underneath, crisp on top, and smell like fall the second they hit the oven.
Individually baked = better topping-to-apple ratio. Always.
Let’s make them.
Why You’ll Love These
First: they’re easier and faster than a full crumble.
Second: you get maximum crunchy topping in every bite.
Third: they’re perfect for serving guests — no scooping required.
Serve warm with vegan vanilla ice cream and you’ve won dessert.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 3 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 2–3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Crumble Topping
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup rolled oats
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- ⅓ cup cold vegan butter, cubed
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toss diced apples with sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
- Divide mixture evenly into greased ramekins or muffin tin cavities.
2. Make the Crumble
- Mix flour, oats, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cut in cold vegan butter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle generously over apples.
Don’t press down — loose topping = crisp texture.
3. Bake
Bake 20–25 minutes until:
- Apples are tender
- Topping is golden brown
- Filling is bubbling
Let cool slightly before serving.
Best Apples to Use
- Honeycrisp
- Granny Smith (for extra tartness)
- Pink Lady
- Fuji
Mixing sweet + tart apples gives great flavor depth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cutting apples too large.
Smaller dice cooks evenly. - Skipping cornstarch.
Filling will be watery. - Soft butter in topping.
Cold butter makes better crumble texture. - Overbaking.
Apples should be tender, not mush.
Flavor Variations
- Apple Caramel: Drizzle vegan caramel on top.
- Apple Berry: Add a handful of blueberries.
- Apple Pear: Replace half the apples with pear.
- Ginger Spice: Add ¼ tsp ground ginger.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts.
Serving Ideas
- Warm with vegan vanilla ice cream
- With coconut whipped cream
- Drizzled with almond butter
- Straight from the ramekin with a spoon
They’re best slightly warm when the topping is crisp and the apples are soft.
Storage
- Fridge: 3–4 days
- Reheat in oven for best texture
- Freezer: Up to 2 months (reheat before serving)
FAQ
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes — use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes — adjust based on apple sweetness.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes — assemble and refrigerate, then bake fresh.
Can I make them oil-free?
Use coconut oil or a nut butter alternative, but texture will change slightly.
Final Thoughts
Mini Apple Cinnamon Crumbles are warm, nostalgic, and deeply comforting. Crisp topping, tender cinnamon apples, and that perfect homemade feel — just in a smaller, cuter format.
Now grab a spoon and don’t forget the ice cream. 🍎
