Apple Crumble Mug Cake
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm dessert straight from the oven, especially when it comes to delicious mug cakes. This Apple Crumble Mug Cake is a delectable twist on a classic dessert, combining tender baked apples with a buttery crumble topping that’s perfectly sweet and spiced. It’s a treat that can be made in no time, making it a fantastic option for those spontaneous dessert cravings.
This recipe offers the nostalgic flavors of apple crumble in a quick and easy format, perfect for individuals or couples looking to enjoy a cozy dessert without the hassle of preparing an entire pie. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, this mug cake can be whipped up in moments and baked right in the oven, creating the perfect sweet ending to any meal or a delightful afternoon treat. The warm aroma of cinnamon and baked apples fills your kitchen while it bakes, making it hard to resist this indulgent snack.
Why make this recipe
Making an Apple Crumble Mug Cake is an excellent choice for anyone craving a homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s the ideal balance of simplicity and flavor, allowing you to enjoy a treat on demand with minimal effort. Imagine coming home, feeling tired from the day’s labor, and then in just a matter of minutes, being able to enjoy a warm, comforting dessert that envelops you in a cozy embrace. The vibrant sweetness of the apples combined with the crumbly topping creates a satisfying texture and flavor contrast that is hard to beat. Plus, mug cakes are portion-controlled, allowing you to indulge without overdoing it.
Not only is this recipe quick and easy, but it also allows for customization based on your preferences. Whether you enjoy your desserts with a dash of extra cinnamon, a sprinkle of nutmeg, or even adding a scoop of ice cream on top, this recipe is versatile enough to cater to your taste buds. Using a microwave-safe mug or ramekin means you can easily keep everything contained, making for easy clean-up afterward. Thus, it suits those spontaneous moments when only a warm, sweet treat will do.
How to make Apple Crumble Mug Cake
To start with this delightful dessert, it’s all about the apples. Begin by taking a large apple, preferably a sweet variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp, ensuring it’s fresh and flavorful for the best results. After peeling and coring, you will cube the apple, making it bite-sized to cook evenly and absorb the spices you add. A quick mix of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon will enhance the flavor of the apples, creating that signature aroma associated with apple desserts. Toss the apple cubes in this mixture, allowing the sugar to create a lovely caramelization during baking.
The crumble topping is created using simple pantry staples. Combining plain flour, sugar, and cold cubed butter together will yield a crumbly mixture that will sit perfectly atop the apples, browning deliciously in the oven. The chilled butter is crucial here; it helps create that traditional crumbly texture, akin to a pie crust. Assembling the ingredients is straightforward; layer the spiced apple mixture evenly between ramekins, then generously sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples before baking.
The baking process involves preheating your oven and allowing these ingredients to meld beautifully. Baking at 180°C (or 350°F) for about 25 minutes will leave you with a delightful dessert featuring tender apples beneath a golden-brown topping that can’t be ignored. Once the aroma begins to waft throughout your kitchens, like a warm hug, you’ll know your mug cake is ready.
Ingredients
- 15g (1 tbsp) granulated sugar (for filling)
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (for filling)
- 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and cubed (for filling)
- 40g (4¾ tbsp) plain (all-purpose) flour (for topping)
- 40g (3 tbsp) granulated sugar (for topping)
- 40g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter, cold and cubed (for topping)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/Gas mark 4.
- In a small bowl or mug, mix the sugar and cinnamon until combined. Add the cubed apple and toss to coat.
- In another small bowl or mug, mix the flour, sugar, and cold butter until combined and crumbly (use fingertips if you like).
- Divide the apple mixture between 2 ramekins, then evenly crumble the topping over each.
- Bake for 25 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the apples are soft.
Time Breakdown
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 2
How to serve Apple Crumble Mug Cake
Serving your Apple Crumble Mug Cake is an enjoyable part of the process. After it comes out of the oven, allow it to cool for just a few minutes to avoid burning yourself. This warm treat can be served directly in the ramekin, or you can transfer portions onto a plate, showcasing the inviting layers within. Drizzling a bit of warm caramel sauce over the top can make it even more decadent, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting onto the hot crumble creates a contrast that’s truly marvelous. Don’t forget to add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar to elevate its appearance before serving.
For an extra special touch, you might consider serving it with a dollop of whipped cream, which complements the apple and cinnamon flavors beautifully. Be sure to provide spoons nearby, as this dessert is best enjoyed while warm, ensuring every bite is melty and comforting.
How to store Apple Crumble Mug Cake
If you find yourself with leftover Apple Crumble Mug Cake, you can store it for later enjoyment. Allow the ramekins to cool completely before covering them with plastic wrap or transferring the contents into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. While the crumble topping may lose a bit of its initial crispiness, the flavor will still remain delightful, especially when you briefly reheat it in the microwave or oven to restore some warmth.
It’s important to note that freezing this cake might not yield the best results, particularly with the texture of the apples and crumble. However, if you really need to freeze it, consider wrapping the ramekin tightly and storing it in the freezer for up to a month. Reheating will be necessary after thawing to ensure it’s heated through evenly.
Tips to make Apple Crumble Mug Cake
To enhance your experience with the Apple Crumble Mug Cake, consider a few helpful tips. Selecting the right apple is crucial; varieties that are crisp and juicy work best, ensuring a deliciously moist filling after baking. If you love a bit of a bite to your dessert, adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the crumble can provide a nice crunch along with the softness of the baked apples.
Using oat flour instead of plain flour in your crumble topping can create a unique taste and a slightly healthier option. Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices too. A little nutmeg or allspice added to the apple filling will deepen the flavor profile. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of sugar in your filling or topping to better suit your preferences. Remember that everyone’s taste buds are different, so adapting the recipe to match your flavor profile can yield the best results.
Variation
No major variations, but you can adjust seasonings to taste.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Protein: 2 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fat: 13 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of fruit?
A: Yes! Pears or berries can be a delicious alternative to apples in this recipe.
Q: Can this recipe be made in the microwave?
A: While this specific version is for the oven, a microwave version can be adapted by reducing the baking time significantly.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely, using gluten-free flour can allow you to enjoy this dessert without gluten. Just ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Apple Crumble Mug Cake
Ingredients
For the filling
- 15 g 15g (1 tbsp) granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 large 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and cubed Preferably Fuji or Honeycrisp
For the topping
- 40 g 40g (4¾ tbsp) plain (all-purpose) flour
- 40 g 40g (3 tbsp) granulated sugar
- 40 g 40g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon until combined. Add the cubed apple and toss to coat.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and cold butter until combined and crumbly.
- Divide the apple mixture between 2 ramekins, then evenly crumble the topping over each.
Baking
- Bake for 25 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the apples are soft.