Ever been hit by a dessert craving at 9:37 pm? Yeah, me too. A microwavable apple crisp for one is honestly my go-to fix. Don’t laugh, but sometimes I’m so impatient, I start eating it before it even cools off. If you love anything with baked apples—like these apple hand pies, you’ll be obsessed with this low-effort, five-minute treat. It’s got all that cozy, apple-y goodness (but nobody has to know how easy it is).
Why I Love Single Serve Desserts
Look, I live alone and I genuinely don’t need a whole pan of apple crisp staring at me for four days. Making a quick apple crisp for one lets me have dessert, zero guilt, and NO leftovers to sabotage my next-morning oatmeal. Oh, and cleanup? That’s just one mug and a spoon. Not exactly what grandma would serve at Thanksgiving, but still, I’d gladly eat this any night of the week.
I’ll tell you what, last year my oven straight-up broke, spent the better part of two months using only the microwave for sweet treats. Got so good at single serve apple crisp, friends started calling me “microwave Martha.” Not sure it was a compliment, but hey, my belly was happy.
People act like microwaves are only for reheating sad pizza, but honestly, this quick and easy apple crisp is proof they’re a kitchen hero. I swear, if you make this once, you’ll keep coming back.
Tips for the Easiest Apple Crisp You Will Ever Make
So, I’ve had my share of flops (warning: don’t use a bowl that’s too small). Here’s what actually works for single serve microwave apple crisp:
- Grab a microwavable mug or ramekin—something deep or you’ll get sticky apple lava.
- Dice your apple small so it cooks through in five minutes.
- Oats, brown sugar, and a pat of butter take it to five-star-restaurant status.
- If you want a little zing, throw in a dash of cinnamon—or pumpkin spice if you’re a rebel.
I usually toss the apples with just a squirt of lemon juice and a pinch of brown sugar to keep it bright and not-too-sweet. Oh, and don’t skip the pinch of salt—the contrast is what makes each bite pop.
What Kind of Apples Should I Use?
Honestly? Don’t stress. I’ll use whatever’s sitting in my crisper drawer. Granny Smith is classic if you like tart, but Fuji or Gala gets it softer and a little sweeter. One time, I even used leftover sliced apples from a lunchbox (yep, those slightly brown ones still worked). It’s not a five-hour pie. Don’t overthink it.
Texture-wise, crisper apples will hold their shape more. Softer kinds get a bit mushy (kind of like stewed apples), but I don’t mind that at all. Sometimes those mushier apples soak up all the cinnamon-butter fast—yum.
“I never thought making real apple crisp in the microwave would taste so close to oven-baked. It totally satisfies my anonymous late-night dessert cravings!”
—Heather, self-proclaimed apple crisp fan
Should You Peel the Apple?
Okay, confession: I never peel my apples for this. Is that weird? Some people get picky about peels, but for me, it’s just more work. Plus, the skin gets soft and adds a little color and fiber (bonus points for lazy nutrition).
If you love totally tender apple crisp, just do a quick peel—no judgment. Peeling definitely gives that classic, melt-in-your-mouth feel, but honestly, if it’s late and I’m hungry, peels stay. The microwave does wonders softening them anyway. Just make sure you chop the apple small so the bite isn’t too chewy. Messy is best.
How to Make Microwave Apple Crisp
You ready? Here’s the real “recipe” (if you can call it that). Dice up one small apple. Toss with a sprinkle of brown sugar, a little cinnamon, splash of lemon juice if you have it. Scoop into your mug.
Next layer—grab your oats, another hit of brown sugar, maybe a tablespoon of flour if you want a thicker topping, and a pinch of salt. Drop in a half-tablespoon of butter, cut in pieces. Mix that with your fingers—no fancy tools required. Dump on top of apples.
Microwave for three to four minutes. It may bubble, so watch out. Wait (if you can) until it cools a bit before diving in, or be risky like me and blow on each spoonful as you inhale it. Isn’t it awesome how simple it is? That’s it. No measuring, just happiness.
Now, if you’re into extra, throw on some vanilla ice cream or even a dollop of yogurt. Heck, sometimes I add walnuts for a crunch. No rules in mug desserts!
Serving Suggestions
- Eat your apple crisp straight from the mug (I won’t tell).
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream right on top for meltdown magic.
- Sprinkle some chopped pecans if you want crunch.
- Swirl a little caramel sauce over, like you’re at a fancy dessert shop.
Common Questions
Can I use instant oats instead of old fashioned?
Yep, you can! They get a bit mushier but totally work. Just avoid steel cut, too chewy.
Do I need any special equipment?
Just a microwave-safe mug or ramekin. That’s it. Fork works for mixing, spoon for eating.
Is butter or coconut oil better for the topping?
They both work! Butter gives more flavor, coconut oil adds a subtle sweetness.
Can I make this gluten free?
Easy—just use certified gluten-free oats and skip the flour or use almond meal.
Does it keep for later?
Honestly, it’s best eaten warm, right away. But if you leave leftovers (doubtful), give it a quick 20-second zap to warm it back up.
Your New Instant Comfort Dessert
There you go, proof a microwavable apple crisp for one is possible, even if you have zero time (or patience). You don’t need to wait for fall or a big family gathering—try this any night the craving hits. If you’re rolling with the apple theme, you’ve got to check out this apple crisp cheesecake with caramel whipped topping too. And if you want even more ideas, take a peek at these super easy tips for Single Serve Apple Crisp in the Microwave or try the wildly popular 10-Minute Microwave Apple Crisp for One for an epic dessert fix. Now run, not walk, to your kitchen and treat yourself—you totally deserve it.
Microwave Apple Crisp
Ingredients
Method
- Dice the small apple and toss it with a squirt of lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar in a mug.
- In a separate bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of oats, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, a dash of cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and 1/2 tablespoon of butter. You can add 1 tablespoon of flour for a thicker topping.
- Layer the oat mixture on top of the diced apples in the mug.
- Microwave for 3-4 minutes, keeping an eye on it to prevent overflow.
- Let it cool slightly before enjoying.