There’s just something magical about a warm dessert on a chilly night, especially when it comes together in minutes with ingredients you already have on hand. That’s exactly what this Microwave Apple Crisp in a Mug is all about—simple, comforting, and made for those little moments when you need a treat now, not an hour from now.
This single-serve dessert starts with tender cinnamon-spiced apples that soften beautifully in the microwave, creating their own warm, syrupy sauce. They’re topped with a buttery oat crumble that adds just the right amount of texture and sweetness. The best part? Skip the oven, skip the cleanup, and definitely skip sharing.
Whether you’re curled up on the couch with a book or winding down after a long day, this mug dessert is the perfect cozy companion. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent—it melts into the crisp and turns every bite into pure comfort.
Trust me, once you try it, this will become your go-to fall (or anytime) dessert in under 10 minutes.
Ingredients
For the apples:
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1 small apple (like Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled & diced
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1/2 tbsp butter (or coconut oil)
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1/2 tsp cinnamon
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1/2 tsp sugar (brown or white)
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Tiny pinch of salt
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Optional: a splash of lemon juice, a pinch of nutmeg
For the topping:
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2 tbsp rolled oats
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1 tbsp flour
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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1/2 tbsp butter (melted)
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Optional: chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon
Execution
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Prep the filling: In a microwave-safe mug or small bowl, mix diced apple with butter, cinnamon, sugar, and salt. Microwave for 1.5–2 minutes until soft and juicy.
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Make the topping: In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and melted butter until crumbly.
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Assemble: Sprinkle topping over the microwaved apples.
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Final zap: Microwave for another 30–45 seconds until the topping is slightly crisp.
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Cool slightly, then devour straight from the mug (or add ice cream if you’re feeling extra).
Additional tips
✔ Add a dash of vanilla extract to the apples for extra flavor.
✔ Swap in a pear or a handful of berries for variety.
✔ Use a wide mug or ramekin for better topping-to-apple ratio!
Q&A About Microwave Apple Crisp in a Mug
Q: Can I make this without oats?
A: Yes! You can substitute oats with crushed graham crackers, granola, or chopped nuts for a different texture.
Q: What kind of apple works best?
A: Sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith hold up well and give a nice flavor balance.
Q: Can I make it vegan?
A: Absolutely—just use plant-based butter or coconut oil, and make sure your sugar is vegan-friendly.
Q: Do I need to peel the apple?
A: Not necessarily. If you like a little extra texture and fiber, leave the peel on!
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: You can, but it’s better to use two mugs for even cooking. Heads up – large mugs may not heat evenly in the microwave.
Q: Is it supposed to be crispy?
A: The topping gets warm and a little toasty, but not as crisp as oven-baked. Still delicious and cozy though!
Q: How long does it take start to finish?
A: Just about 8 minutes—5 minutes to prep, 2-3 minutes in the microwave. Dessert in a flash!
Q: Can I prep it ahead of time?
A: You can prep the chopped apples and topping in advance—just keep them in separate containers and assemble when ready to microwave.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Quick & Easy: No oven, no fancy tools—just a mug, a microwave, and a few pantry staples. Dessert in under 10 minutes!
✅ Single-Serve Comfort: Perfect for when you want something sweet without making a full batch (or sharing 😌).
✅ Cozy & Delicious: Tender cinnamon apples and a buttery oat topping come together to create all the cozy vibes of a classic apple crisp—right in your mug.
✅ Customizable: Use your favorite apple, swap the oats for nuts or granola, make it vegan or gluten-free—it’s super flexible.
✅ Minimal Cleanup: One mug, one spoon, and you’re done. (Because who wants a pile of dishes after a midnight snack?)
🍏 Nutrition Facts (1 Serving)
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Calories: ~280
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Total Fat: 12g
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Saturated Fat: 7g
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Carbohydrates: 42g
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Sugars: 24g
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Fiber: 3g
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Protein: 2g
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Sodium: 80mg
🔍 Based on:
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1 small apple (about 100g)
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1 tbsp brown sugar + 1/2 tsp white sugar
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1/2 tbsp butter in filling, 1/2 tbsp in topping
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2 tbsp rolled oats
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1 tbsp all-purpose flour
Happy Cooking
Diana
