Healthy Apple Crisp Cups (Simple & Cozy)

By Karyl Leavings. Updated December 2025. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from 127 votes.

These Healthy Apple Crisp Cups are the coziest little fall treats-mini, golden, warmly spiced, and perfectly portioned. Tender cinnamon apples bubble beneath a crisp oat topping for a dessert that feels indulgent but stays wonderfully light. Ideal for weeknight sweets, holiday platters, or make-ahead snacks.

Healthy Apple Crisp Cups (Simple & Cozy)

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• Author: Karyl Laeving
• Total Time: 30
• Yield: 8 cups 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Mini healthy apple crisp cups made with tender cinnamon apples and a golden oat topping for a cozy, lighter fall dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

3–4 medium apples (about 450 g), diced

1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice

2 tsp ground cinnamon, divided

Pinch ground nutmeg

2–4 tbsp (30–60 ml) maple syrup, divided

1 tsp (3 g) cornstarch

1 cup (90 g) old-fashioned rolled oats

1/4 cup (30 g) oat flour or whole wheat flour

3 tbsp (45 g) melted coconut oil or unsalted butter

Pinch fine sea salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin or line with parchment liners.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, 1–2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and cornstarch. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.

3. Divide the apple mixture evenly among 8–10 muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full and pressing down lightly.

4. In a separate bowl, stir together the rolled oats, flour, remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon, pinch of salt, remaining 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup, and melted coconut oil or butter until a crumbly mixture forms.

5. Spoon the oat crumble evenly over the apple filling in each muffin cup, gently pressing so it adheres.

6. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown, the apples are tender, and the juices are bubbling around the edges.

7. Allow the apple crisp cups to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes so they firm up, then carefully lift them out with a spoon or offset spatula.

8. Serve warm on their own or with a spoonful of Greek yogurt, and store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

Use sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji for the best balance of flavor and texture.

For gluten-free apple crisp cups, use certified gluten-free oats and oat flour instead of whole wheat flour.

For a lower-sugar version, use the smaller amount of maple syrup and rely on naturally sweet apples.

Add 2–3 tablespoons (15–25 g) chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble for extra crunch and healthy fats.

Reheat leftover cups in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–8 minutes to refresh their crisp, golden topping.

• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 20
• Category: Healthy Desserts
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 145
• Sugar: 11
• Sodium: 30
• Fat: 5
• Saturated Fat: 3
• Unsaturated Fat: 2
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 24
• Fiber: 3
• Protein: 2
• Cholesterol: 0

About This Recipe

What It Is

Healthy Apple Crisp Cups are single-serve apple crisps baked right inside a muffin tin. Each cup has a juicy, cinnamon-spiked apple filling and a crunchy oat crumble that turns beautifully golden in the oven. They’re lighter than traditional crisps thanks to reduced sugar and wholesome ingredients.

Why It Works

The apples are diced small so they soften quickly, keeping bake time short and texture perfect. The oat topping uses just enough fat to crisp while staying wholesome, and a touch of cornstarch in the filling creates that luscious, thickened syrup everyone loves in a classic crisp.

When to Make It

Fall weekends, brunch spreads, Thanksgiving dessert boards, or anytime you have apples slowly softening on your counter.

Why You’ll Love It

• Perfectly portioned, kid-friendly, and naturally sweetened
• Cozy fall flavors with cinnamon warmth in every bite
• Quick bake time-no long bubbling needed
• Easy ingredients you already have
• Great meal-prep dessert (freezer-friendly!)

Key Ingredients & Notes

🍎 Apples (450 g / 3–4 medium)

Choose firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji. Softer apples can turn mushy. Healthline highlights apples as a fiber-rich, nutrient-dense fruit-perfect for lightened desserts.

🍋 Lemon Juice (1 tbsp / 15 ml)

Prevents browning and brightens the flavor.

🍁 Maple Syrup (3–4 tbsp / 45–60 ml)

A natural sweetener that caramelizes beautifully. Honey works too, though it thickens faster, so mix well.

🌾 Rolled Oats (1 cup / 90 g)

Old-fashioned oats create a hearty, crisp topping. Avoid instant oats—they get powdery. King Arthur Baking notes that rolled oats maintain structure best in baked toppings.

🌾 Oat Flour or Whole Wheat Flour (¼ cup / 30 g)

Helps bind the topping. For gluten-free, use certified GF oat flour.

🥥 Coconut Oil or Butter (3 tbsp / 45 g)

Provides richness and crisp texture. Melted dairy-free butter works perfectly.

🌽 Cornstarch (1 tsp / 3 g)

Thickens the apple juices so the filling isn’t watery.

🧂 Cinnamon + Nutmeg + Salt

Warmth, comfort, and balance. Feel free to adjust the spices to match your favorite fall profile.

Flavor & Recipes notes:
These cups pair beautifully with high-protein desserts like Healthy Greek Yogurt Brownies or Banana Oat Pancake Bites, especially for balanced snack plates.

How to Make Healthy Apple Crisp Cups

Equipment

• Standard 12-cup muffin tin
• Mixing bowls
• Spoon or silicone spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Oven

Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your muffin tin or line with parchment cups.

2. Make the Apple Filling

In a bowl, combine:

• 3–4 diced apples (450 g)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch nutmeg
• 1–2 tbsp maple syrup (15–30 ml)
• 1 tsp cornstarch (3 g)

Stir until every cube glistens. The cornstarch will help the apple juices thicken into a glossy syrup while baking.

3. Spoon the Filling into Muffin Cups

Fill each cup about ¾ full. Press down lightly to remove air pockets.

4. Mix the Crisp Topping

In a separate bowl, combine:

• 1 cup rolled oats (90 g)
• ¼ cup oat or whole wheat flour (30 g)
• 1–2 tbsp maple syrup (15–30 ml)
• 3 tbsp melted coconut oil or butter (45 g)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch salt

Use a fork to create small, moist crumbles.

5. Add the Topping

Divide topping evenly across all cups. A generous mound is perfect—it compresses as it bakes.

6. Bake

Bake 18–22 minutes, or until:

• edges are golden
• apples are bubbling
• tops are crisp

Visual cue: the topping should feel slightly firm when gently pressed.

7. Cool Before Removing

Let cups cool 10–15 minutes so they firm up. Then lift out gently with a spoon.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Dice apples evenly-uniform size ensures uniform tenderness.
2. Don’t skip the cornstarch; without it, the filling may leak.
3. Add chopped nuts to the topping for extra crunch.
4. Use parchment liners if your muffin pan sticks easily.
5. Choose naturally sweet apples to minimize added sugar.
6. Let them rest; they firm up dramatically as they cool.
7. Serve warm with a spoon of Greek yogurt for a protein boost (try pairing with Greek Yogurt Protein Cups for breakfast boards).

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free

Use certified gluten-free oats and oat flour.

Lower Sugar

Skip sweetener in the filling and rely solely on maple syrup in the topping.

Crumblier Topping

Add 1 tbsp (6 g) almond flour for sandy crispness.

More Fall Flavor

Add apple pie spice or a pinch of cloves.

Berry Blend Cups

Swap half the apples for blueberries or raspberries.

Vegan-Friendly

Use coconut oil or vegan butter—no other swaps needed.

Extra Protein

Serve with high-protein yogurt or crumble into High Protein Chocolate Yogurt Ice Cream for a healthy sundae.

Serving & Storage

Serving Ideas

• Warm with vanilla Greek yogurt
• With a dollop of whipped coconut cream
• Crumbled over oatmeal or chia pudding
• As part of a dessert platter next to Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies

Refrigeration

Store in an airtight container for 4–5 days.

Freezing

Freeze on a tray first, then store in bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight.

Reheating

Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–8 minutes to re-crisp.

Shelf Life

At room temp: 1 day
Refrigerated: 4–5 days
Frozen: 3 months

FAQs

Conclusion

If these Healthy Apple Crisp Cups warmed your kitchen and your heart, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating, share your thoughts in the comments, or upload your delicious photos.

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