Single Serve Microwave Apple Crisp in 5-min

Microwave apple crisp combines the irresistible flavors of gooey apples, melty vanilla ice cream, and a perfectly crisp oat cinnamon topping. The combination of the apple’s sticky sweetness, the comforting warmth of the spices, and the buttery, cinnamon-kissed oats on top makes this such a nostalgic and cozy recipe.

As the vanilla ice cream melts over the warm apple crisp, creating a creamy contrast to the gooey apple, you can’t help but savor every last bite.

I love making super simple recipes in the microwave. It all started with this gooey chocolate mug cake (drooling just typing that lol) and I’ve branched out to single serve microwave cookies and fudgey vegan microwave brownies. I don’t think the easy, single serve recipe obsession will subside any time soon.

Why You’ll Love this Microwave Apple Crisp

So Convenient! Making a single-serve apple crisp in the microwave is incredibly convenient. It requires minimal preparation and cooking time compared to traditional crisp or crumble recipes. In under 5 minutes, you can enjoy a warm and comforting dessert without the need for a full-size oven or extensive baking process.

So quick to make! Microwaving an apple crisp is significantly faster than baking it in the oven. When you’re craving something sweet and don’t have much time to spare, the microwave method lets you to satisfy your dessert cravings in a matter of minutes.

So fresh! With a single-serve apple crisp made in the microwave, you can enjoy the warm and fresh taste of the dessert.

Ingredients for Microwave Apple Crisp

Oats

Oats provide a delicious texture and nutty flavor. They add a nice crunch to the topping when microwaved, creating a contrast to the soft, tender apple filling.

Blanched almond flour

Blanched almond flour is a gluten-free alternative to traditional wheat flour. It adds richness and a slightly nutty taste to the crisp topping. Almond flour also helps create a crumbly texture and enhances the overall flavor of the crisp topping.

Butter

Butter is a key ingredient that adds richness and flavor to the crisp topping. When melted in the microwave, it helps bind the dry ingredients together, resulting in a buttery and golden topping.

Apple

Using a medium apple, such as a pink lady variety, provides a sweet and tart flavor to the apple crisp. Pink lady apples are known for their crisp texture and slightly tangy taste, making them a popular choice for baking.

Coconut sugar

Coconut sugar is a natural sweetener derived from the sap of coconut palm trees. It adds a subtle caramel-like flavor to the apple filling and crisp topping. Coconut sugar also has a lower glycemic index compared to regular sugar.

Arrowroot

Arrowroot is a gluten-free starch often used as a thickening agent in desserts. When combined with the apple’s natural juices, it helps create a luscious, gooey filling without becoming overly watery.

Cinnamon and nutmeg

These warm spices are classic choices for apple desserts. Cinnamon adds a sweet and slightly spicy flavor, while nutmeg provides a subtle, earthy note. Together, they enhance the natural sweetness of the apple and create a comforting aroma.

Salt

Salt is an essential ingredient that balances and enhances flavors. It helps to bring out the sweetness of the apples and spices, ensuring a well-rounded taste in the final dish.

How to Make Microwave Apple Crisp

In a small bowl, mix together all of the topping ingredients, except the butter, until combined. Using your fingers or a fork, massage the butter into the topping ingredients to form a crumbly topping.

To make the filling, peel the apple and finely dice it. Add it to a microwave safe dish and top it with the ½ tbsp of butter – dollop it on top in pieces! Microwave on high for 1 minute 30 seconds.

Carefully remove the dish from the microwave and top it with the crumble topping. Cook on high for 2 more minutes.

Allow the crisp to sit for 1 minute before eating! Top with ice cream, whipped cream or eat alone.

Best made and eaten fresh!!

Tips for Success

Choose the right apple

Select apples that are suitable for baking and hold their shape well, such as Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp. These varieties offer a balance of sweetness and tartness and hold up better during cooking.

Properly prep the apples

Peel, core, and slice the apples evenly to ensure even cooking. Aim for slices that are about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. This helps them cook through and soften without turning mushy.

Use a microwave-safe dish

Ensure that the dish you use is microwave-safe and can handle the heat generated during cooking. A glass or ceramic dish is usually a safe choice. Avoid using metal or aluminum foil as they can cause sparks or damage the microwave.

Rest before serving

Allow the apple crisp to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the microwave. This helps the filling thicken slightly and allows the flavors to meld together.

Serve with yummy toppings

Serve the apple crisp warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.

Variations on this Microwave Apple Crisp

Berry Apple Crisp

Add a handful of fresh or frozen berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries, to the apple filling. The combination of tart berries and sweet apples creates a delightful flavor profile.

Nutty Apple Crisp

Incorporate chopped nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds, into the crisp topping or sprinkle them over the apple filling. The nuts add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that complements the apples.

Caramel Apple Crisp

Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before adding the crisp topping. The caramel adds a rich and indulgent element to the crisp, creating a delightful combination of flavors.

Citrus Apple Crisp

Add a pop of citrus flavor by incorporating the zest of an orange or a lemon into the apple filling. The citrus zest brightens up the dish and adds a refreshing twist.

Can I bake these in the oven?

Yes! Although, it will take longer than the five minutes it takes in the microwave 🙂

Preheat the oven to 350F. Place the ramekin on a baking sheet to keep it flat. Bake the apples alone in the ramekin for 10 minutes and then add the crisp topping. Bake for another 10 – 15 minutes until the apples are tender and the crumble topping is golden brown.