Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like how this recipe transforms the familiar apple crumble into elegant, bite-sized treats. The phyllo dough cups make them fun and mess-free, while the crumble adds a satisfying crunch. They’re also incredibly easy to prepare—you can have them baked and ready in under an hour. I love serving them warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

For the Apple Filling
3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For the Crumble Topping
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), optional

For Assembly
12 mini phyllo dough cups (store-bought or homemade)
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready while I prepare the filling and topping.

2. Prepare the apple filling: In a bowl, I mix the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. I toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated and glistening. I let it sit for a few minutes so the flavors meld together.

3. Make the crumble topping: In another bowl, I combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nuts (if using). Then I pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly and fragrant.

4. Assemble the cups: I arrange the mini phyllo dough cups on a baking sheet. Each cup gets spooned about 3/4 full with the apple mixture, then topped generously with a tablespoon of crumble topping.

5. Bake: I bake the cups for 20–25 minutes, or until the crumble turns golden brown and the apple filling bubbles up slightly. The smell that fills the kitchen is absolutely irresistible.

6. Cool and serve: I let the cups cool for a few minutes before serving. When I want to make them extra special, I add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 cups
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Caramel twist: I drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving for a richer flavor.

• Nut-free option: I skip the nuts or use sunflower seeds for a bit of crunch.

• Berry blend: I mix in a handful of blueberries or cranberries with the apples for a fruity variation.

• Spiced version: I add a pinch of cloves or cardamom for a more aromatic crumble.

• Gluten-free: I use gluten-free oats and flour for a gluten-free dessert everyone can enjoy.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When I’m ready to enjoy them again, I reheat the cups in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes to bring back their crispness. If I’ve made a big batch, I freeze the unbaked filled cups, then bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

FAQs

1. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble the cups and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. What apples work best for this recipe?

I like using Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for natural sweetness. A mix of both gives the perfect balance.

3. Can I use puff pastry instead of phyllo dough?

Yes, puff pastry works beautifully but gives a more buttery, flaky texture compared to the light crispness of phyllo.

4. How do I keep the phyllo cups crispy?

I bake the cups until golden and avoid overfilling them with wet ingredients. Letting the apple mixture sit too long before baking can make them soggy.

5. Can I serve these cold?

Definitely. I love them chilled on a warm day—they taste like a refreshing apple crumble tart.

6. Can I use canned apple pie filling?

Yes, it’s a convenient shortcut, though I prefer making the filling from scratch for fresher flavor and texture.

7. How do I make my own phyllo cups?

I cut sheets of phyllo into squares, layer 3–4 together with melted butter, and press them into a muffin tin to bake until crisp.

8. What’s the best way to reheat them?

I reheat them in the oven rather than the microwave to maintain the crisp crumble and phyllo texture.

9. Can I add caramel or sauce before baking?

It’s better to drizzle sauces after baking to avoid making the crumble soggy.

10. What can I serve these with besides ice cream?

Whipped cream, crème fraîche, or even a drizzle of maple syrup complements them beautifully.

Conclusion

These baked apple crumble cups are everything I love about classic apple desserts—warm, comforting, and just the right amount of sweet. I love how easy they are to prepare and how impressive they look when served. The crisp phyllo shells, gooey spiced apple filling, and crunchy oat topping make each bite a delicious contrast of textures. Whether for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, they always bring smiles to the table.