Healthier, Lighter, Cuter: Mini Apple Crumble Cups

When the weather outside is frightful... bake! Forget snow men, snow fights or sledging, or at least pop these cute little crumbles in the oven so you have something to warm you up when you're done.

The best thing about crumble is that everyone adds their own twist; I love adding a pinch of ginger in with the apples to make it even more warming. I don't like mine too sweet, either, but if you do, just add a little more sugar or honey to taste.

Everyone knows that the topping is the best bit, and even though this recipe is healthier than your average crumble topping, it's every bit as good. I've used 100% whole grains: oats and spelt flour, although any flour will work fine. The usual butter is replaced by olive oil, which blends in brilliantly; you won't taste it at all, and the topping comes out crunchy, sweet and delicious. I could eat a whole bowl! 

Mini Apple Crumbles

For the apple filling:

280g bramley apples, peeled, cored and chopped into small pieces

150ml water

¼ tsp ground cinnamon

a pinch of ground ginger

½ tsp honey (add 1tsp brown sugar or more honey if you like it sweeter)

For the topping:

60g oats

2 heaped tsp/10g flour (I used spelt)

2 tsp olive oil

1 tsp cinnamon

15g brown sugar (again, use 25g if you like it sweeter)

Preheat the oven to 190ºC/375ºF/Gas Mark 5. Combine the ingredients for the apple filling in a small non-stick pan and cook over a low heat until the apple has softened into an apple-sauce consistency, leaving some chunks of apple if desired. Leave to cool.

Combine oats, flour, cinnamon and brown sugar in a bowl and stir well to combine. Drizzle in the oil, and mix it into the dry ingredients until well combined.

Divide filling mixture between ramekins or small cups, then add the oat mixture on top. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is crunchy and golden and the filling is bubbling and piping hot. Serve immediately with custard, whipped cream or ice cream and a steaming cup of hot chocolate or tea!

How do you like your apple crumble, and what are your favourite winter desserts? Leave a comment and let me know!