Cozy Caramel Apple Crumble for Two (Small-Batch Fall Dessert)

Some nights just need a warm, cozy dessert, but not a huge pan that lives in your fridge all week. This Caramel Apple Crumble for Two is the answer: soft cinnamon apples, a buttery oat crumble, and a glossy drizzle of caramel on top. All baked in two little dishes, you can eat straight from with a spoon. 🍎✨

This recipe is perfect for busy moms who want something sweet and special without spending hours in the kitchen. It uses simple pantry ingredients, one bowl for the topping, and just a few minutes of hands-on time before the oven does the rest.

Whether it’s a quiet weeknight, a lazy Sunday, or a cozy at-home date night in November or December, this Caramel Apple Crumble for Two brings all the fall vibes without the fuss. 🍂

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Crumble for Two

• Perfectly sized for two 🥄 – No leftovers to worry about, just two warm, comforting portions.

• Cozy fall flavors 🍎 – Think cinnamon, caramel, and tender apples under a golden oat crumble.

• Simple ingredients 🧺 – Mostly pantry staples you probably already have at home.

• Easy but impressive ✨ – Feels like a special dessert, but it’s totally weeknight-friendly.

• Flexible and forgiving 🙌 – Use your favorite apples, swap nuts, or add ice cream on top.

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Crumble for Two

For the Caramel Apple Filling

• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thin (Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Granny Smith work well) 🍎

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 2 tbsp light brown sugar, packed

• 2–3 tbsp caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, to brighten the apples)

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

• Pinch of salt

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Crumble Topping

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

• 3 tbsp light brown sugar, packed

• 3 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

• 2 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for crunch)

• Pinch of salt

• Pinch of cinnamon

Optional Toppings & Serving

• Extra caramel sauce for drizzling

• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream 🍦

• A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top

Overhead view of apples, caramel, oats, butter, and spices arranged on a wooden board for caramel apple crumble.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Caramel Apple Crumble for Two

1. Prep your dishes and oven

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F.

2. Lightly butter or spray two small oven-safe ramekins (about 8–10 cm / 3–4 inch wide) and place them on a small baking tray for easy transfer.

2. Make the caramel apple filling

1. In a medium bowl, add the sliced apples, melted butter, brown sugar, caramel sauce, lemon juice (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla.

2. Toss gently until all the apple slices are well coated and glossy.

3. Divide the apple mixture evenly between the two prepared ramekins, making sure each has plenty of sauce.

3. Mix the crumble topping

1. In a separate small bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, chopped nuts (if using), salt, and cinnamon.

2. Add the cold butter cubes. Using your fingertips or a fork, rub the butter into the dry ingredients until you get a mixture that looks like chunky, sandy crumbs with some larger pieces.

3. Try not to overmix; a bit of texture is what makes the crumble topping so good.

4. Assemble and bake

1. Spoon the crumble mixture evenly over the apples in each ramekin, covering the fruit but leaving it a little rustic (no need to press it down too firmly).

2. Place the ramekins (on their tray) into the preheated oven.

3. Bake for 22–28 minutes, or until:

   • The topping is golden brown,

   • The apple filling is bubbling around the edges, and

   • The apples are tender when pierced with a fork.

5. Cool slightly and serve

1. Remove the tray from the oven and let the crumbles sit for 5–10 minutes, this lets the caramel thicken a little and saves your tongue from lava-level heat.

2. Just before serving, drizzle a little extra caramel sauce on top and add ice cream or whipped cream if you like.

3. Serve warm, straight in the ramekins, with a spoon. Cozy dessert for two, ready. 🤎

Tips & Variations

• Choose your apples wisely – A mix of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp or Gala) apples gives fantastic flavor and texture.

• Gluten-free option – Swap the all-purpose flour in the crumble for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.

• Nut-free version – Leave out the nuts entirely or replace them with extra oats or a few sunflower seeds for crunch.

• Extra caramel – For a richer dessert, drizzle caramel over the apples and again over the baked crumble.

• Make ahead – Assemble the crumbles (unbaked), cover tightly, and keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake straight from cold, adding a few extra minutes.

Serving Suggestions

This Caramel Apple Crumble for Two is lovely on its own, but you can make it feel even more special with a few simple touches:

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream.

• Enjoy alongside a chai latte, pumpkin spice latte, or simple black tea for peak fall vibes. ☕

• Turn it into a relaxed date-night dessert: share the ramekins on the coffee table with a cozy blanket and a favorite show.

• Make it part of a small dessert board with a few extra apple slices, nuts, and caramel sauce for dipping.

Two small ramekins of caramel apple crumble topped with ice cream and caramel drizzle on a wooden table.

FAQ: Caramel Apple Crumble for Two

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and bake the crumble in a small baking dish instead of individual ramekins. You may need to add 5–10 extra minutes of baking time until the center is bubbly and the topping is golden.

What kind of caramel should I use?

Any thick, pourable caramel sauce works well, store-bought or homemade. If you only have soft caramel candies, melt a few with a splash of cream over low heat until smooth and use that.

Can I make Caramel Apple Crumble for Two without oats?

Absolutely. If you prefer a more traditional streusel, replace the oats with extra flour (for a total of 1/2 cup flour) and keep everything else the same.

How do I store leftovers?

If you somehow have leftovers, let the crumble cool completely, cover the ramekins, and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 160°C / 325°F for 10–15 minutes, or in the microwave in short bursts until warm.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving a cozy fall dessert but don’t want to commit to a full baking pan, this Caramel Apple Crumble for Two is your new go-to recipe. It’s simple, comforting, and uses everyday ingredients, the kind of dessert you can throw together after the kids are in bed or when you just want something sweet and warm to share.

If you make this crumble, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Leave a comment, save this recipe to Pinterest for later, or snap a photo and tag your version so we can drool together. 🍎✨umble brings comfort in the easiest, warmest way. Save it, share it, make it again; it’s one of those recipes that becomes a tiny ritual in your home.