Indulge in a warm, comforting apple crisp in a mug, prepared in mere minutes right in your microwave. This individual dessert uses simple, wholesome ingredients like fresh apple, oats, butter, and a touch of spice, making it the perfect treat for one. Serve it straight from the mug, crowned with a luscious scoop of vanilla ice cream, whenever a sweet craving strikes.
Embrace Instant Gratification with a Microwave Apple Crisp in a Mug
There’s an undeniable comfort in a classic apple crisp. For many, including myself, it’s a quintessential dessert that evokes warmth, nostalgia, and the crisp flavors of autumn. My go-to Apple Crisp Recipe has been a cherished favorite for years, a recipe I meticulously cut from our local newspaper during my high school days. It’s truly the best I’ve ever encountered. However, the joy of baking a large 9×13-inch pan of apple crisp often comes with a delightful, yet sometimes overwhelming, commitment. While I could certainly make a significant dent in a large batch, sometimes a more modest, personal portion is precisely what the moment calls for. And that’s where the magic of an apple crisp in a mug comes into play.
This ingenious microwave apple crisp offers all the delightful flavors and textures of its full-sized counterpart, but in a convenient, single-serving format. In just a few minutes, you can transform simple ingredients into a piping hot, fragrant dessert, ready to be enjoyed directly from the mug you cooked it in. Imagine the ease: no extensive baking, no mountains of dishes, just pure, apple-infused bliss. It’s the ultimate solution for those spontaneous sweet cravings, a quick dessert after a long day, or a cozy treat for a quiet evening at home. Forget the elaborate preparations; this mug dessert is about savoring flavor with minimal fuss, making it a true game-changer for any dessert lover.
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 apple crisp in a mug is my second contribution to our special #AppleWeek event, celebrating all things apple. Earlier this week, I shared my beloved Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies. Today, I’m thrilled to present this lightning-fast microwaveable mug apple crisp, a perfect mid-week pick-me-up or a spontaneous treat. It’s designed to be a dessert for one, offering a personal moment of indulgence. However, don’t hesitate to share if you’re feeling generous—it also makes for a fun, cozy date night dessert with two spoons. Or, if you prefer, simply double the batch and prepare two individual mugs, ensuring everyone gets their own delightful serving!
Speaking of making multiple servings, this apple crisp in a mug can also be a fantastic dessert option for parties or gatherings. You can easily prep the individual components ahead of time, then simply pop each mug into the microwave when you’re ready to serve dessert. This method allows you to cater to individual preferences and dietary needs with ease, while still offering a warm, homemade treat. Imagine being able to comfortably hold a mug of warm apple crisp in one hand and a steaming cup of coffee in the other – now that’s what I call winning at dessert!
Over the years, I’ve developed a fondness for crafting desserts in a mug, recognizing their inherent charm and convenience. Some time ago, I created delightful Hot Chocolate Cupcakes in Mason Jar Mugs, which made for adorable and much-appreciated teacher’s gifts. More recently, my Coconut Mug Cakes became a household hit. Aside from a good cup of coffee and my indulgent Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate, these mug creations have been among my absolute favorite treats to emerge from a mug in a long time. They truly highlight how a simple vessel can transform ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary, quickly and effortlessly.
What You’ll Need to Make This Microwave Apple Crisp in a Mug:
Creating this single-serving apple crisp requires only a handful of pantry staples, proving that delicious desserts don’t need a lengthy ingredient list. Here’s what you’ll need:
- **Medium-Sized Apple:** The star of our show! Any apple you enjoy for baking will work, but I’ll share some specific recommendations below.
- **All-Purpose Flour:** This acts as a thickener for the apple filling and provides structure for the crisp topping.
- **Granulated Sugar:** Sweetens both the apples and the topping, balancing the tartness of the fruit.
- **Ground Cinnamon:** The essential spice for any apple dessert, adding warmth and aroma.
- **Unsalted Butter:** Crucial for the rich, crumbly texture of the topping. Cold butter works best for this.
- **Rolled Oats:** The key to that signature “crisp” texture, offering a satisfying chewiness and nutty flavor.
When preparing this recipe, your first step is to select a medium-sized apple. As you can see from the image, it should comfortably fit in the palm of your hand, providing the perfect quantity for a single serving. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility when it comes to apple varieties. You can truly use any apple that you personally enjoy. For baking, I often lean towards apples that have a slightly tart profile, as this contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the crisp topping. For classic apple pies, for example, Granny Smith apples are my go-to choice due to their firm texture and delightfully tart flavor that holds up well during cooking. Other excellent choices include Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn, each offering a slightly different flavor and texture experience.
Selecting and Storing Apples for Optimal Flavor and Freshness:
Choosing the right apple is crucial for any apple-based dessert. When selecting apples at the grocery store or farmer’s market, look for fruit that is firm to the touch, with bright, vibrant colors. Avoid any apples that show signs of blemishes, soft spots, or bruising, as these indicate declining freshness. Gently press the fruit to ensure it doesn’t dent too easily. Once you’ve brought your perfect apples home, proper storage is key to extending their shelf life. Store your apples in the refrigerator, ideally in the crisper drawer. It’s important to keep them separate from other produce, especially strong-smelling items like onions or garlic. Apples are notorious for absorbing odors from their surroundings, and you certainly don’t want your sweet dessert tasting faintly of savory ingredients! Before using, always remember to wash your apples thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt, pesticides, or bacteria, ensuring a clean and safe eating experience.
Avert the Brown: How to Keep Sliced Apples Fresh and Bright
One common frustration when preparing apples is how quickly they turn brown once cut. This natural oxidation process is due to polyphenol oxidase enzymes reacting with oxygen in the air. Some apple varieties brown faster than others. Fortunately, there’s a simple trick to slow down this process. After dicing your apple, toss the pieces in a solution containing citric acid. Lemon juice is a classic and highly effective choice; a light squeeze over the apples and a quick toss will do the trick. You can also use diluted orange juice or even a splash of lemon-lime soda if you prefer. This acidic bath helps to inhibit the enzymatic reaction, keeping your apple pieces looking fresh and appealing until they’re ready to be baked into your delicious crisp.
To begin your microwave apple crisp journey, first select a mug that’s approximately 12 ounces in size. This capacity is ideal for a single serving and ensures there’s enough room for both the apple filling and the crisp topping. Lightly coat the inside of your chosen mug with a non-stick cooking spray; this crucial step will prevent the apple crisp from sticking to the sides and make for easy cleanup later. Once your mug is prepped, proceed to peel and dice your medium-sized apple. Uniformly diced pieces, roughly half an inch, will ensure even cooking in the microwave, so all your apple chunks become perfectly tender.
With your diced apples ready, it’s time to prepare the flavorful filling. In a small bowl, gently toss the apple pieces with a blend of cinnamon, a portion of the sugar, and a touch of flour. The cinnamon provides that signature warm spice, the sugar sweetens the apples, and the flour helps to create a slightly thickened, saucy consistency as the apples cook. Once thoroughly coated, transfer these seasoned apple pieces directly into your prepared mug, spreading them evenly across the bottom. This forms the delicious base layer of your single-serving crisp.
Now for the irresistible crumbly topping! In the same bowl (to minimize dishes), combine your rolled oats, the remaining sugar, flour, and another sprinkle of cinnamon. Next, add the cold butter, cut into small chunks. Using a fork or your fingertips, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This technique ensures a wonderfully tender and crisp topping. Carefully spoon this oat mixture over the seasoned apples in your mug, distributing it evenly. Don’t be alarmed if the mug looks quite full; the apples will cook down considerably in the microwave, and the topping will meld beautifully into a golden, crunchy layer.
Place your mug in the microwave and cook for approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Microwave wattages can vary significantly, so it’s a good idea to check on your crisp at the 1-minute 30-second mark to gauge its progress. You’ll know it’s done when the apple filling is bubbling up around the sides and the topping appears cooked and slightly golden. The aroma of warm apples and cinnamon will fill your kitchen! Once cooked, **CAREFULLY** remove the mug from the microwave. It will be incredibly hot, so use oven mitts or a kitchen towel to protect your hands.
After carefully removing your hot apple crisp from the microwave, resist the urge to dive in immediately. Allow it to sit for a minute or two; this brief resting period helps the internal temperatures to equalize and the filling to set slightly. Then, with a fork, gently give the crisp a stir. This action combines the tender, perfectly spiced apples with the wonderfully crunchy and warm oatmeal topping, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors in every bite. The apples will be soft and sweet, infused with cinnamon, while the oat topping adds a delightful textural contrast.
The ultimate way to elevate this already delicious microwave apple crisp is by adding a generous scoop of cold vanilla ice cream. As the cold, creamy ice cream meets the warm, spiced apples and crunchy topping, it begins to melt, creating a luxurious sauce that seeps into every crevice. The contrast in temperature and texture is simply divine, transforming a simple dessert into an extraordinary experience. You can also experiment with a drizzle of caramel sauce, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added indulgence. Each addition only enhances the warm, comforting flavors of this perfect single-serving treat. Mmm, pure bliss!
Wanna bite?
Before we delve into the full recipe details, I wanted to extend a special thank you to our incredible #AppleWeek Sponsors. Their generosity has made this event possible, and I encourage you to check out the fantastic prize packages they’ve provided. You can find more information and enter to win one of these nine amazing prizes by clicking here.
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Print Recipe
Microwave Apple Crisp in a Mug
Ingredients
- 1 medium apple peeled, cored and diced
- cinnamon (for both filling and topping)
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons + 2 teaspoons sugar divided for filling and topping
- 5 Tablespoons rolled oats
- 3 Tablespoons cold unsalted butter cut into small chunks
- Vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Spray a 12-ounce mug with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a small bowl, combine the peeled, cored, and diced apple with 2 teaspoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of flour, and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon. Toss to coat the apple pieces evenly. Transfer the coated apples into the prepared mug.
- In the same bowl (no need to wash!), add the rolled oats, 1 1/2 tablespoons of sugar, the remaining 1 tablespoon of flour, another sprinkle of cinnamon, and the cold butter cut into chunks. Using a fork or your fingertips, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until a crumbly mixture forms. Spoon this topping evenly over the apples in the mug.
- Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high for 2 to 3 minutes. Microwave cooking times can vary significantly, so begin checking at 1 minute 30 seconds. The crisp is done when the apple filling is bubbling around the edges and the topping appears cooked through.
- 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 flavors to meld, then gently stir with a fork.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, which will beautifully melt into the warm apple crisp. Enjoy your quick and delicious individual dessert!
Notes
Nutrition
Calories: 592kcal |
Carbohydrates: 65g |
Protein: 6g |
Fat: 37g |
Saturated Fat: 22g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 92mg |
Sodium: 278mg |
Fiber: 9g |
Sugar: 28g
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Baking with apples consistently ranks among my favorite culinary activities. While I appreciate the broader spectrum of fall baking, apples hold a special place in my heart, especially as the days grow shorter and cooler. I know the autumn season often brings a whirlwind of pumpkin spice excitement, and I’ll admit, I enjoy a good pumpkin treat as much as the next person. However, I often feel that the incredible apple season gets unfairly overshadowed by the pumpkin craze. For me, September is unequivocally Apple Season – a time to celebrate the bounty and versatility of this magnificent fruit.
If you’re looking for more ways to incorporate apples into your fall baking, be sure to explore my collection of Fall’s Must-Bake Apple Recipes. You’ll find a treasure trove of delicious ideas, all conveniently gathered in one spot to inspire your next kitchen adventure. From pies and tarts to cookies and crumbles, there’s an apple recipe for every palate and occasion, perfect for celebrating the harvest season.
Who’s hungry for a quick, comforting, and utterly delicious dessert? Let’s make some Apple Crisp in a Mug for one! It’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the fuss. Enjoy!
Discover More #AppleWeek Recipes!
This week is a celebration of all things apple, and I encourage you to explore the other fantastic recipes shared by my fellow bloggers. You’ll find an incredible variety of creative and delicious ways to enjoy this versatile fruit. Check out these other NEW #AppleWeek Recipes today:
- 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 (That’s this recipe!)
- 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 delicious recipe, I proudly used Flahavan’s Irish Rolled Oats, known for their superior quality and texture, and Bob’s Red Mill Fine Crystal Cane Sugar, which provides the perfect sweetness and delicate crystal structure to the crisp topping.
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 prizes free of charge. These companies also provided the bloggers with samples and product to use for AppleWeek recipes. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. The #AppleWeek giveaway is open to U.S. residents, age 18 & up. All entries for the winner will be checked and verified. By entering, you grant permission to use your name and likeness. The number of entries received directly determines the odds of winning. Nine (9) winners will be selected. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. The #AppleWeek Bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members in their household are not eligible to enter or win the giveaway. No purchase is necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or any other social channel mentioned in the AppleWeek posts or entry.