Apple Crisp in a Mug
This Apple Crisp in a Mug is a quick, cozy single-serve dessert with tender cinnamon apples and a buttery oat topping, made entirely in the microwave in about 10 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 small apple peeled and chopped (about 3/4 cup; Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala work great)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar light or dark; can use coconut sugar, for apple layer
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon for apple layer
- 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract a small splash adds great flavor
- 1 teaspoon water or apple juice helps the apples soften
- 2 tablespoons old-fashioned rolled oats not instant; they stay chewier
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or almond flour for gluten-friendly
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or white sugar if that’s what you have, for topping
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon for topping
- salt pinch; tiny pinch makes the flavors pop
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter softened; or coconut oil for dairy-free
- vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt optional topping
- whipped cream optional topping
- caramel sauce or maple syrup optional, for drizzling
- extra ground cinnamon optional, to sprinkle on top
Instructions
- Choose a microwave-safe mug that holds at least 12 ounces. Avoid thin, delicate cups, as the dessert and mug will get very hot.
- Add the chopped apple, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon water or apple juice directly into the mug. Stir well so every piece of apple is coated, then press the apples gently down into an even layer.1 small apple, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon water or apple juice
- Microwave the apples on high for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, until they start to soften and smell fragrant. The apples should look slightly glossy and tender at the edges. Adjust time based on your microwave strength.1 small apple, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon water or apple juice
- In a small bowl, stir together the rolled oats, flour, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Add the softened butter and use a fork or your fingers to mash and mix until the mixture looks like damp, clumpy sand with some larger chunks.2 tablespoons old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, salt, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the warm apples in the mug. Do not pack it down too firmly; a light, loose layer allows steam to move through and helps the topping crisp slightly in the microwave.1 small apple, 2 tablespoons old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, salt, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Return the mug to the microwave and cook on high for 60 to 90 seconds, until the topping looks set and slightly dry on top and you see the apple juices bubbling up around the edges. If needed, add 10 to 15 seconds. Handle carefully, as the mug will be very hot.
- Let the apple crisp rest on the counter for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and to cool enough to eat. Top with vanilla ice cream, frozen yogurt, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce or maple syrup, plus an extra pinch of cinnamon if desired. Enjoy warm.vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt, whipped cream, caramel sauce or maple syrup, extra ground cinnamon
Notes
Yield: 1 generous single serving (can be shared). For a small batch, repeat the recipe in multiple mugs and microwave them one at a time for best texture.
Fun variations:
- Caramel Apple Mug Crisp: Add 1 teaspoon caramel sauce with the apples and drizzle more on top after cooking.
- Healthier Version: Reduce the brown sugar by half, use coconut oil instead of butter, and add a spoonful of chopped nuts.
- Apple Berry Mug Crisp: Stir 2–3 tablespoons fresh or frozen berries into the apples.
- Gluten-Friendly: Use certified gluten-free oats and almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Nutty Crunch: Add 1 tablespoon chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.
- High-Protein Twist: Serve with vanilla Greek yogurt instead of ice cream. Storage: Let the mug cool completely, then cover and refrigerate up to 2 days. Reheat on medium power for 30–45 seconds, adding a teaspoon of water around the edge if the topping seems dry. Best made fresh; not recommended for freezing. Tips: Don’t skip the pinch of salt; cut apples into small 1/2-inch cubes for quicker, more even cooking; use softened (not melted) butter for the best crumbly topping; and let the crisp stand for 2–3 minutes so the topping firms up slightly.
- Caramel Apple Mug Crisp: Add 1 teaspoon caramel sauce with the apples and drizzle more on top after cooking.
- Healthier Version: Reduce the brown sugar by half, use coconut oil instead of butter, and add a spoonful of chopped nuts.
- Apple Berry Mug Crisp: Stir 2–3 tablespoons fresh or frozen berries into the apples.
- Gluten-Friendly: Use certified gluten-free oats and almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Nutty Crunch: Add 1 tablespoon chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.
- High-Protein Twist: Serve with vanilla Greek yogurt instead of ice cream. Storage: Let the mug cool completely, then cover and refrigerate up to 2 days. Reheat on medium power for 30–45 seconds, adding a teaspoon of water around the edge if the topping seems dry. Best made fresh; not recommended for freezing. Tips: Don’t skip the pinch of salt; cut apples into small 1/2-inch cubes for quicker, more even cooking; use softened (not melted) butter for the best crumbly topping; and let the crisp stand for 2–3 minutes so the topping firms up slightly.
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