Name: Apple Crisp Cups
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 large McIntosh apples, peeled, cored, and chopped; 1/4 cup water; 2 tablespoons white sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, or to taste; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups rolled oats; 1 1/2 cups brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional); 1 1/2 cups butter

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Apple Crisp Cups are a bite-sized twist on the classic apple crisp dessert. Made with a buttery oat crust, warm spiced apple filling, and a crumbly topping, these mini treats are perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime you’re craving a comforting fall dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mini versions of a classic dessert, perfect for portion control.
Great for parties, potlucks, or holiday dessert tables.
Warm cinnamon-spiced apple filling in every bite.
Easy to make ahead and reheat before serving.
A fun and delicious way to enjoy apple crisp without bowls or spoons.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 large McIntosh apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, or to taste
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups rolled oats
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
1 1/2 cups butter

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease four 12-cup mini muffin tins.
In a saucepan, combine apples, water, white sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Simmer over medium-low heat until apples are partially cooked, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cut in butter with a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Place a heaping tablespoon of crust mixture into each muffin cup, pressing firmly to cover the bottom and sides. Patch any holes so the crust reaches the top of the cup. Reserve remaining crumb mixture.
Spoon about 2 teaspoons of apple filling into each crust. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of reserved crumb mixture over the filling.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown.
Cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

Yield: 48 mini cups
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Use a mix of apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala for depth of flavor.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for crunch.
Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
Swap nutmeg with pumpkin pie spice for a holiday twist.
Make larger cups using regular muffin tins and increase baking time by 5–7 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes before serving.
Freeze baked cups for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples also work well.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother filling, but you can leave skins on for added texture.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, bake them in advance and store in the fridge. Reheat in the oven before serving.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, but the texture may be slightly less hearty.

How do I prevent the crust from falling apart?

Press the mixture firmly into the muffin cups and patch any holes before adding filling.

Can I make a gluten-free version?

Yes, substitute gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free oats.

Can I make a smaller batch?

Yes, simply halve the recipe to yield about 24 cups.

Can I serve these warm with ice cream?

Absolutely! They’re delicious warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How do I keep them from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to grease the muffin tins well or use mini paper liners.

Can I add raisins or cranberries?

Yes, stir in dried fruit with the apple filling for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Apple Crisp Cups are a fun, bite-sized way to enjoy a beloved fall dessert. With buttery oat crusts, warm cinnamon apples, and a crunchy topping, they’re the perfect treat for sharing. Easy to make, portable, and customizable, these little cups will quickly become a favorite for holidays, gatherings, and cozy nights in.

Molly