A warm mini apple crumble with golden oat topping, cinnamon-spiced apples, vanilla bean ice cream, and caramel drizzle, elegantly plated on a fine-dining dish.

Warm, comforting, and elegantly plated, these Mini Apple Crumbles with Cinnamon bring together the nostalgic flavors of spiced apples with the sophistication of a fine-dining dessert. Each individually portioned crumble features tender, caramelized apples, gently spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, nestled beneath a golden, buttery crumble topping.

Served in delicate ramekins or minimalist fine-dining plates, these crumbles are finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of salted caramel, and a quenelle of vanilla bean ice cream, melting slightly into the warm dessert. A touch of micro mint adds a final flourish, making this dish as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Let’s walk through the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to create this sophisticated plated dessert.


Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Spiced Apple Filling:

  • 3 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled and diced
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Crumble Topping:

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup rolled oats
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Garnish:

  • Powdered sugar (light dusting)
  • Salted caramel drizzle
  • Vanilla bean ice cream (quenelle-style scoop)
  • Micro mint leaves (optional, for contrast)

Step 1: Prepare the Spiced Apple Filling

A warm, caramelized apple base forms the heart of this dessert.

Ingredients Used in This Step:

Apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, lemon juice, butter

Method:

  1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, stirring to coat.
  3. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and slightly caramelized.
  4. Stir in vanilla extract and lemon juice, mixing well. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the perfect balance of flavors.


Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

A buttery, crisp crumble adds the perfect textural contrast to the soft apples.

Ingredients Used in This Step:

Flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, butter

Method:

  1. In a bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
  2. Add cold cubed butter and use your fingers to rub it into the mixture until it forms coarse crumbs.
  3. Chill the crumble mixture in the fridge for 10 minutes to keep the butter firm.

💡 Pro Tip: Chilling the crumble before baking ensures a crispy, golden texture.


Step 3: Assemble & Bake the Mini Crumbles

Baking brings everything together with a warm, golden finish.

Ingredients Used in This Step:

Apple filling, crumble topping

Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spoon the spiced apple mixture evenly into individual ramekins.
  3. Generously top each ramekin with the chilled crumble mixture.
  4. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
  5. Let cool for 5 minutes before plating.

💡 Pro Tip: For a modern touch, bake the crumble separately and assemble just before serving.


Step 4: Plating & Final Garnishes

Transforming a classic crumble into a fine-dining dessert is all about plating precision.

Ingredients Used in This Step:

Salted caramel drizzle, vanilla bean ice cream, powdered sugar, micro mint

Method:

  1. Carefully transfer the baked crumble to a fine-dining plate or serve in a minimalist ramekin.
  2. Dust lightly with powdered sugar, creating a delicate snow-like effect.
  3. Drizzle warm salted caramel in a controlled, artistic motion across the plate.
  4. Add a quenelle of vanilla bean ice cream, allowing it to melt slightly into the crumble.
  5. Finish with a tiny micro mint leaf, adding a fresh, refined touch.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a hot spoon to shape the perfect quenelle of ice cream for a professional look.


Why You’ll Love This Dessert

✨ Warm & Comforting – The spiced apples and buttery crumble create the perfect cozy indulgence.

✨ Beautifully Plated – With artful caramel drizzles, ice cream quenelles, and delicate garnishes, this is fine-dining at its best.

✨ Perfect for Any Occasion – Ideal for holiday dinners, elegant brunches, or a sophisticated plated dessert menu.


Pairing Suggestions

Enhance the flavors of these Mini Apple Crumbles with Cinnamon with:

🍷 Spiced Apple Cider or Dessert Wine – Complements the warm cinnamon and caramel notes.

☕ Dark Roast Coffee or Chai Latte – Balances the richness of the crumble with a spiced contrast.

🍨 Salted Caramel Gelato – Elevates the sweet and salty balance.

For a non-alcoholic option, pair with a warm cinnamon-infused tea or honey-sweetened chamomile latte.


Share Your Creation

We’d love to see your Mini Apple Crumbles with Cinnamon! Share your plated masterpiece on Pinterest or Instagram using #BeyondEveryBite, and you could be featured in our next article.


Final Thoughts

These Mini Apple Crumbles with Cinnamon blend classic comfort with fine-dining elegance, making them the perfect dessert for a luxurious yet cozy experience. Whether served as part of an elevated tasting menu or a beautifully plated autumn treat, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

✨ Plate with intention, embrace the warmth of spiced apples, and savor every bite. ✨

Bon appétit! 🍏✨