Soft Baked Apple Crisp for Gentle Dessert Portions
A gentle, small-portion apple crisp with tender baked apples and a light, crumbly topping.
Cooking small portions like this soft apple crisp helps reduce waste and keeps your kitchen routine simple. You only need a few ingredients and minimal prep time, making it easy to fit into your day.
This recipe uses common ingredients you can find in any supermarket, and the gentle baking method yields a dessert that is tender and easy to chew. It’s a convenient way to enjoy fresh fruit with a softly textured topping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 large apple (such as Gala or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced thin
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon soft butter or margarine
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional)
- A pinch of salt
You can serve this soft apple crisp as is or with a small scoop of vanilla yogurt or whipped cream for extra creaminess.
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, toss the apple slices with brown sugar and cinnamon, making sure they are evenly coated.
- Spread the apple slices evenly in a small baking dish or oven-safe ramekin.
- In another bowl, mix the rolled oats, flour, soft butter, maple syrup (if using), and salt until the mixture is crumbly and combined.
- Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake for about 25 minutes, until the apples are soft and the topping is lightly golden, then remove and let cool slightly before serving.
Tips and Easy Variations
Softening tips
- Peel apples thoroughly and slice thin for the softest texture.
- Bake until the fruit is very tender to make chewing easier.
- Choose naturally soft varieties like Fuji or Bartlett pears for extra tenderness.
Lighter swaps
- Reduce brown sugar or omit it to let apple sweetness shine.
- Use less butter or swap for a dairy-free spread or coconut oil.
- Replace sugar with a little maple syrup for natural sweetness.
Flavor variations
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger for warmth.
- Swap apples for peeled pears or soft peaches for a different texture.
- Stir in a few raisins or a drop of vanilla for extra depth.
Gentle baking reminder
- Peel and thin-slice fruit for the easiest texture.
- Watch the bake time so fruit becomes tender but not mushy.
- Adjust sweetness to suit dietary or digestive needs.
Storage and Leftovers
Fridge
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently before serving.
Freezer
Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze; thaw in the refrigerator before warming.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a microwave or oven until warm and soft, checking to avoid overheating.
Conclusion
This soft baked apple crisp is a lovely dessert to enjoy when you want something gentle and straightforward. Its small portion size and tender texture make it a perfect treat that’s manageable and satisfying.
Try making it soon for a soft-textured dessert that’s full of comfort with little fuss. You can also explore other gentle desserts like creamy rice pudding or soft-baked fruit variations for similar small-portion treats.
FAQ
Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?▶
Yes, but thaw them fully and drain any excess liquid before baking to keep the topping from getting soggy.
What can I substitute for butter if I want a dairy-free version?▶
You can use a soft dairy-free spread or coconut oil as a substitute to keep the topping crumbly and dairy-free.