Single Serving Apple Crisp (High Protein)
Healthy fall dessert for one! This delicious single serving apple crisp has a boost of protein and fiber to keep you full.
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They key to health and happiness is single serve dessert. As a dietitian, I’m officially calling it!
Single serving desserts allow you to enjoy the exact delicious indulgence you crave. They’re pre-portioned, so you won’t have to store leftovers (and definitely won’t have to share). And this particular dessert has a boost of protein and fiber to actually keep you full too.
Enjoy this single serving apple crisp for a healthy-ish dessert or snack! It’s filled with nutritious ingredients but tastes just as good as the real deal.
Why this single serving apple crisp works
- Sweet and delicious
- 17 grams of protein
- 8 grams of fiber
- Minimal prep
- No sharing (unless you want to)
What makes this apple crisp for one healthy?
Protein: Many women struggle to get enough protein to support their metabolism and muscles. This healthy-ish dessert has 17 grams for a solid protein boost.
Fiber: Women should aim for 25 grams of fiber per day, men 38 grams. And that can feel hard to do! This single serve apple crisp has 8 grams of dietary fiber for better health and digestion.
Portioned: This dessert is perfectly designed to be the perfect portion for one! That means you can enjoy exactly what you’re craving in an amount you’ll feel good about.
Phytonutrients: Skin-on apple, nourishing oats, and chia seeds are highly nutrient-dense plant foods to give your body phytonutrients and antioxidants.
Ingredients in single serving apple crisp
This recipe has two main components: the apple filling, and the crumb topping.
Apple filling ingredients
Skin-on apple: Keep the skin on your apple for a tasty texture and extra fiber. You can use any variety of apple that works for apple pie here — honeycrisp, pink lady, braeburn, cortland, golden delicious, or granny smith. I used pink lady apples!
Packed brown sugar: You can substitute for granulated sugar, honey, or maple syrup. I prefer the flavor of dark brown sugar, myself!
Chia seeds: Fruit can release liquid when cooking, and most single serving apple crisp recipes use a bit of flour to absorb it. Here, we’re using the incredible absorbing powers of chia seeds instead! This adds a great boost of nutrient-density and fiber.
Cinnamon: Just a pinch for extra flavor.
Crumbly topping ingredients
Old fashioned oats: Also known as large flake oats or rolled oats. You could also use quick or instant oats here, but the texture would be a little different.
Vanilla protein powder: This is where our protein boost comes from! I use the Leanfit vanilla whey protein powder, but use what you like. I recommend using flavored and sweetened protein powder instead of unsweetened, if you can tolerate it. If you don’t want to use protein powder, substitute for loosely packed white or whole wheat flour.
Brown sugar: You can substitute brown sugar for any sugar you like.
Melted butter: Butter has the best flavor, but you can substitute for melted coconut oil, or any oil you wish. I recommend using unsalted butter since salt is added to the topping separately.
Cinnamon and salt: For flavor! Don’t skip the salt — it helps balance the sweet flavors.
Dietary restrictions
Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats and protein powder. We don’t use any flour in this recipe, so you don’t have to worry about gluten there!
Dairy-free: Swap butter for melted coconut oil. Use a plant-based protein powder.
Higher protein: Top with a big scoop of Greek yogurt.
How to make single serving apple crisp recipe
Position oven rack to the middle and pre-heat to 350 F.
In a small bowl, mix filling ingredients together until apples are evenly coated. Pour into your baking dish.
In another small bowl, mix topping ingredients together until a loose crumb forms.
Pour crumb over apple mixture and gently press down if needed.
Add baking dish to a cooking tray to avoid spills. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until apples are soft and topping is golden. Cooking time may vary depending on the shape of your ramekin — start with less time and add more as needed.
Cool for 5 minutes before serving.
How to serve
Rest your single serving apple crisp for 5 minutes before serving.
Top with a big scoop of plain or vanilla Greek yogurt for an extra 5-10 grams of protein.
For a more indulgent dessert, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and salted caramel sauce.
How to store leftover apple crisp for one
Cover your apple crisp with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to three days.
Re-heat in the microwave for 60-90 seconds, or in the oven or air fryer until warmed through. Do not re-heat if you have added dairy like Greek yogurt or ice cream on top.
Products I used
Frequently asked questions
I prefer honeycrisp or pink lady, but any apple that works in apple pie will work in this apple crisp for one! Braeburn, cortland, golden delicious, or granny smith are delicious.
If preferred, you can use white all-purpose or whole wheat flour instead of protein powder. Please note this will significantly reduce the protein content.
I use the Staub White 5.5″ x 4″ Ceramic Rectangular Baking Dish for my single serving apple crisp. Any 12-14 ounce baking dish will work. I recommend using a more shallow baking dish versus a tall ramekin for the best result.
Did you try this recipe?
Leave your rating and review below! And don’t forget to post a picture to Instagram, and tag me @real.life.nutritionist.
Single Serving Apple Crisp (High Protein)
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 medium apple with skin, cored and diced small
- 1 Tbsp packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp chia seeds
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon
Topping
- 3 Tbsp old fashioned oats
- 2 Tbsp vanilla protein powder, I used Leanfit vanilla whey
- 1 Tbsp melted unsalted butter
- 1 Tbsp packed brown sugar
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon
- pinch salt
Equipment
- 1 12-14 oz baking dish
Instructions
- Position oven rack to the middle and pre-heat to 350 F.
- In a small bowl, mix filling ingredients together until apples are evenly coated. Pour into your baking dish.
- In another small bowl, mix topping ingredients together until a loose crumb forms.
- Pour crumb over apple mixture and gently press down if needed.
- Add your baking dish to a cooking tray to avoid spills. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until apples are soft and topping is golden. Cooking time may vary depending on the shape of your ramekin — start with less time and add more as needed.
- Cool for 5 minutes before serving.
