Microwave Apple Crisp in a Mug: Your Go-To Quick & Easy Dessert for One
Indulge in the comforting warmth of an apple crisp, made effortlessly in a mug, right in your microwave. This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients like fresh apple, oats, butter, and sugar, delivering a perfect single-serving dessert in mere minutes. Serve it warm, perhaps crowned with a luxurious scoop of vanilla ice cream, for an instant, satisfying treat anytime a sweet craving strikes.
There’s a special place in my heart for apple crisp. It’s truly one of those timeless desserts that brings immense comfort and joy. In fact, my classic Apple Crisp Recipe holds a cherished spot among the favorites on my blog. I stumbled upon that particular recipe in our local newspaper during my high school years, and honestly, it remains the best I’ve ever encountered. However, as much as I adore a generous 9×13-inch pan of this delightful dessert, there are times when a full batch is simply more than I need, or more accurately, more than I *should* have readily available! While I could undoubtedly make a significant dent in a large pan, enjoying it in a more controlled portion feels like a much smarter choice for a casual weeknight treat.
This is precisely where the brilliance of an apple crisp in a mug comes into play. It’s the ultimate solution for those sudden cravings or when you simply desire a quick, homemade sweet without the commitment of traditional baking. In a matter of minutes, you can be savoring a warm, bubbly apple crisp, complete with a delightful crunchy topping, served right in the same mug it was cooked in. Imagine the convenience – no extra dishes, no waiting for a large oven-baked dessert, just instant gratification. And yes, no judgment either, unlike trying to eat from a 9×13 pan directly!
This post is sponsored in conjunction with #AppleWeek. I received complimentary product from sponsor companies to aid in the creation of the #AppleWeek recipes. All opinions are mine alone.
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This delightful microwave apple crisp in a mug is my second contribution to our special #AppleWeek event. It was quite a challenge to decide which apple recipe to share first with you all! Earlier this week, on Monday, I presented my delicious Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to this incredibly convenient and satisfying microwaved mug apple crisp. It truly is the perfect treat for a little mid-week pick-me-up or a simple, cozy evening at home, don’t you agree? Its ease of preparation makes it an ideal choice when you want something sweet without any fuss.
While designed as a delightful dessert for one, this apple crisp in a mug can also transform into a fun, intimate treat for two. Just grab a couple of spoons and share a moment of sweet indulgence. Or, if you prefer, simply double the batch and prepare two individual mug crisps – one for each of you! It’s all about flexible indulgence.
Speaking of making multiples, these individual mug crisps are also fantastic for parties or gatherings. You can easily prepare the ingredients ahead of time, then simply pop them into the microwave when you’re ready to serve dessert. This method allows you to spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen. Imagine holding a warm mug of apple crisp in one hand and a comforting cup of coffee in the other – now that’s what I call winning!
I’ve ventured into the wonderful world of mug recipes before, and each time it’s been a delightful experience. A while back, I crafted these charming Hot Chocolate Cupcakes in Mason Jar Mugs, which made for perfect teacher’s gifts. More recently, my Coconut Mug Cakes became a true favorite. Besides a good cup of coffee and my Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate, that coconut mug cake was arguably the most exciting thing to emerge from a mug in ages! These single-serving treats are not just convenient; they offer a personalized dessert experience that’s hard to beat.
What You’ll Need to Make Microwave Apple Crisp in a Mug:
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the readily available ingredients. You likely have most of these in your pantry already!
- Medium-sized apple: The star of our show! Any baking apple will do, but read on for tips on selecting the best.
- All-purpose flour: Used for both the apple filling (to thicken) and the crisp topping.
- Granulated sugar: To sweeten both the apples and the crunchy topping.
- Ground cinnamon: Essential for that classic warm, spiced apple flavor.
- Cold butter: Crucial for creating a crumbly, rich crisp topping.
- Rolled oats: These are what give the “crisp” its delightful texture. Old-fashioned rolled oats work best.
First things first, you’ll want to select a medium-sized apple for this recipe. A good rule of thumb is an apple that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, providing just the right amount for a single serving. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility; you can use any variety of apple that you personally enjoy. For baking, I often lean towards apples that have a slightly tart profile, as their flavor holds up beautifully against the sweetness of the crisp. For my classic apple pies, for instance, Granny Smith apples are usually my go-to choice due to their firm texture and pleasant tartness. Other excellent choices for this mug crisp include Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn. Each will lend its own subtle nuance to the final flavor.
Selecting and Storing Apples for Optimal Freshness:
To ensure your apple crisp is as delicious as possible, starting with high-quality apples is key. When you’re selecting apples at the grocery store or farmer’s market, look for fruit that is firm to the touch and boasts a vibrant, unblemished color. Gently press the fruit to confirm it isn’t soft or easily dented, as these can be signs of spoilage. Once you bring them home, store your apples in the refrigerator to prolong their freshness. However, a crucial tip: avoid placing apples too close to other produce items. Apples are known to emit ethylene gas, which can accelerate the ripening (and spoilage) of other fruits and vegetables, and they can also absorb odors from strong-smelling produce. You definitely don’t want your crisp apples smelling like onions! Before using, always remember to wash your apples thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or bacteria.
Pro Tip: Preventing Apples from Turning Brown Quickly
One common frustration when preparing apples is how quickly they can turn brown once cut. This natural oxidation process is caused by polyphenol oxidase enzymes reacting with oxygen. Some apple varieties brown much faster than others. To slow down this enzymatic browning, a simple trick is to toss your cut apple pieces in a solution containing citric acid. Lemon juice is the most popular choice – a quick squeeze over your diced apples will do wonders. You could also use a splash of pineapple juice or even a bit of lemon-lime soda. This small step helps preserve the fresh appearance of your apples until they’re ready to be cooked into your delightful crisp.
To begin, grab a mug that’s roughly 12 ounces in size – a standard coffee mug usually works perfectly. Lightly coat the inside of your mug with non-stick cooking spray; this simple step will prevent the apple crisp from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Next, peel your chosen apple, core it, and dice it into small, uniform pieces. Smaller pieces will cook more quickly and evenly in the microwave.
In a separate bowl, combine your diced apples with a touch of cinnamon, a sprinkle of sugar, and a spoonful of flour. Toss everything together until the apple pieces are evenly coated. This ensures every bite is flavorful and helps create a slightly thickened, luscious apple filling. Once mixed, carefully transfer these seasoned apples into your prepared mug, spreading them out as evenly as possible.
Now for the star of the “crisp” – the irresistible oatmeal crumb topping! In a clean bowl, combine your rolled oats, a bit more sugar, flour, another dash of cinnamon, and cold butter, cut into small chunks. Use a fork or your fingertips to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This technique creates pockets of butter that will melt and crisp up beautifully in the microwave. Once your topping is ready, gently spoon it over the apples in the mug, creating a generous layer. Don’t worry if it looks really full; the apples will cook down, and the topping will settle as it bakes.
Place your mug into the microwave and cook for approximately 2 to 3 minutes, depending on your microwave’s wattage. It’s always a good idea to check it around the 1 minute 30 second mark, as microwave cooking times can vary significantly. You’ll know it’s done when the apple filling is bubbling up around the edges and the topping appears cooked through. When removing it, be incredibly careful – the mug and its contents will be extremely hot! Use oven mitts or a towel to protect your hands.
Once out of the microwave, resist the urge to dive in immediately. Let it sit for a minute or two; this brief resting period allows the filling to set slightly and cool just enough to be enjoyed. Then, give it a gentle stir with a fork. You’ll find the apples are perfectly tender, infused with warm spices, and the oatmeal topping retains a delightful crunch. The contrast in textures and temperatures is simply divine.
And it only gets better! Elevate this already fantastic dessert by topping it with a generous scoop of cold vanilla ice cream. The warmth of the apple crisp will gently melt the ice cream, creating a creamy, dreamy sauce that mingles with the spiced apples and crunchy topping. Mmmm, it’s pure bliss in every spoonful.
Ready for a bite? This quick and easy microwave apple crisp in a mug is an absolute game-changer for solo dessert moments or whenever you need a fast, comforting sweet treat. Don’t forget, we have fantastic prize packages from our #AppleWeek Sponsors up for grabs!
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Baking with apples holds a special place in my culinary calendar. While I adore fall baking in general, apples, in particular, always capture my enthusiasm. I understand the widespread frenzy around pumpkin spice – and please don’t misunderstand, I enjoy a good pumpkin treat as much as the next person! However, I often feel that the incredible apple season gets unfairly overshadowed and shortened because of it. For me, September truly signifies the heart of Apple Season, a time when these versatile fruits are at their absolute peak, perfect for everything from crisps to pies, and of course, our convenient mug dessert.
Looking for more autumnal inspiration? You can find all sorts of delicious apple recipes, alongside other incredible fall baking ideas, all gathered conveniently in one spot!
Who’s hungry for a warm, comforting treat? Let’s get to the recipe and microwave some Apple Crisp in a Mug for one! Enjoy! 
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Print Recipe
Apple Crisp in a Mug
Ingredients
- 1 medium apple peeled, cored and diced
- cinnamon for sprinkling (about 1/4 tsp total)
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 + 2 teaspoons granulated sugar divided
- 5 Tablespoons rolled oats (old-fashioned)
- 3 Tablespoons cold unsalted butter cut into small chunks
- Vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
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Lightly spray the inside of a 12-ounce microwave-safe mug with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
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In a small bowl, combine the peeled, cored, and diced apple pieces with 1 tablespoon of flour, 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar, and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon (about 1/8 teaspoon). Toss well until the apple pieces are evenly coated. Transfer the apple mixture into the prepared mug.
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In the same bowl (no need to wash it), add the rolled oats, the remaining 1 tablespoon of flour, 1 1/2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, another sprinkle of cinnamon (about 1/8 teaspoon), and the cold butter, cut into small chunks. Use a fork or your fingertips to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This creates the delightful crisp topping. Evenly distribute this topping over the apples in the mug.
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Place the mug in the microwave. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on high power. Microwaves vary, so it’s a good idea to check after 1 minute 30 seconds. The crisp is done when the apple filling is bubbly around the edges and the topping looks cooked through and slightly golden.
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CAREFULLY remove the mug from the microwave using oven mitts or a towel, as it will be extremely hot. Let it sit for a minute or two to cool slightly and allow the filling to set. Then, give it a gentle stir with a fork to combine the tender apples with the crunchy topping.
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Serve warm, optionally topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream that will melt into the crisp, adding an extra layer of decadence. Enjoy your quick, homemade dessert!
Notes
Nutrition
Explore More #AppleWeek Recipes!
Dive into a treasure trove of apple-inspired creations from my fellow food bloggers for #AppleWeek. There’s something for every palate:
- Apple Celeriac Salad by Caroline’s Cooking
- Apple Coffee Cake Muffins by Blogghetti
- Apple Cream Puffs by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
- Apple Crisp in a Mug by An Affair from the Heart
- Apple Muffins by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Apple Oatmeal Cookies by A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Apple Oatmeal Cutout Cookies by The Monday Box
- Applesauce Cake Tassies by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Chocolate Covered Apple Slices by Books n’ Cooks
- Apple Gouda Crostini by Snacks and Sips
- Country Fried Apples by Tip Garden
- Creamy Caramel Apple Icebox Cake by Cooking With Carlee
- Crispy Hot Cider Tea-Brined Chicken Thighs by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
- Crunchy Dried Cherry Applesauce Cake Bars by Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice
- Fuji Apple Salad with Chicken by Palatable Pastime
- Hot Apple Cider Tea Bread by Our Good Life
- Moroccan Apple and Sweet Potato Beef Stew by Savory Moments
- Spiced Applesauce Cookies by Who Needs A Cape?
- Vegan Apple Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Braid by The Baking Fairy
For this delightful recipe, I chose to use high-quality ingredients including Flahavan’s Irish Rolled Oats, known for their wholesome texture and flavor, and Bob’s Red Mill Fine Crystal Cane Sugar, which provides a lovely sweetness without being overpowering.
Thank you to our generous #AppleWeek Sponsors: Envy Apples, Bob’s Red Mill, Republic of Tea, Flahavan’s Irish Oats, Nairn’s, Taylor & Colledge, Zyliss, Chocoley, and Torani for providing the fantastic prizes free of charge. These wonderful companies also provided the bloggers with samples and product to use for creating these #AppleWeek recipes. All opinions and culinary creations are, as always, entirely my own. The #AppleWeek giveaway is open to U.S. residents, age 18 & up. All entries for the winner will be diligently checked and verified. By entering, you grant the right to use your name and likeness for promotional purposes. The number of entries received directly determines the odds of winning. A total of nine (9) winners will be selected. Please note that the prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors; the #AppleWeek Bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of these prizes. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members residing in their household are not eligible to enter or win the giveaway. No purchase is necessary to enter. This promotion is void where prohibited by law. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or any other social channel mentioned in the #AppleWeek posts or entry forms.