Microwave Apple Crisp has been my go-to dessert for years, ever since my college roommate taught me this quick and easy recipe. There’s just something so cozy and comforting about the sweet, cinnamony apples topped with a crispy oat topping, all made in the microwave in just 15 minutes. It’s the perfect treat when you’re craving something homemade but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
I remember the first time my roommate Jenna made Microwave Apple Crisp for me. It was the middle of finals week, and we were both stressed to the max with papers and exams. Jenna knocked on my door one night with a warm, fragrant bowl of the apple crisp and a big grin on her face. “You have to try this,” she said. “It’ll change your life.” I was skeptical at first – how could something made in the microwave taste as good as a traditional apple crisp? But one bite and I was hooked. The tender, cinnamon-y apples and the crunchy, buttery topping were absolute perfection. From that day on, Microwave Apple Crisp became a staple in our apartment, whether we were celebrating the end of a semester or just needed a quick dessert to get us through a long study session.
Table of Contents
Why This Microwave Apple Crisp Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Microwave Apple Crisp
The secret to this Microwave Apple Crisp recipe is all in the technique. By pre-cooking the apples in the microwave before adding the crisp topping, you end up with perfectly tender fruit that’s not at all watery or undercooked. The topping also gets nice and crispy without drying out the apples. And the best part? You can have this whole dish ready in just 15 minutes, start to finish. No oven required!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Apples – I like to use a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
– Flour – All-purpose flour works great for the crisp topping.
– Oats – Old-fashioned rolled oats give the topping a delicious crunch.
– Brown sugar – Dark brown sugar adds a rich, molasses-y sweetness.
– Cinnamon – Ground cinnamon is essential for that quintessential apple crisp flavor.
– Butter – Unsalted butter helps the topping get crispy and golden brown.
Step-by-Step Microwave Apple Crisp Instructions
Preparing Your Microwave Apple Crisp
This Microwave Apple Crisp comes together in just a few simple steps. You’ll start by cooking the apple filling in the microwave, then top it with a quick crisp topping and give it another spin in the microwave. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a hot, bubbly, and irresistible dessert.
1- Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Place them in a microwave-safe baking dish and toss with brown sugar and cinnamon.
2- Cover the dish with microwave-safe plastic wrap and cook in the microwave for 3-4 minutes, until the apples are slightly softened.
3- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4- Spread the crisp topping evenly over the cooked apples. Return the dish to the microwave and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
5- Let the Microwave Apple Crisp cool for 5 minutes before serving. The juices will thicken up as it cools.
6- Scoop the warm Microwave Apple Crisp into bowls and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
– For the best texture, use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
– Don’t overcook the apples in the first step – you just want them to be slightly softened, not mushy.
– Keep a close eye on the crisp topping in the microwave to prevent burning.
– Let the Microwave Apple Crisp cool for at least 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to thicken up.
Serving and Storing Your Microwave Apple Crisp
Perfect Pairings for Microwave Apple Crisp
Microwave Apple Crisp is the perfect cozy dessert to enjoy on a chilly evening. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. You could also serve it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans. For a warm beverage pairing, a mug of hot apple cider or a cup of strong coffee would be delicious.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Microwave Apple Crisp will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place a serving in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until warmed through. You can also make the entire dish in advance and refrigerate it before the final microwave step. When ready to serve, simply top with the crisp topping and microwave for 3-4 minutes.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Microwave Apple Crisp
Creative Microwave Apple Crisp Variations
While the classic Microwave Apple Crisp is hard to beat, you can easily switch things up with different fruit fillings or flavor twists. Try using pears, peaches, or a mix of berries instead of apples. You could also add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or a splash of brandy or bourbon to the filling. For a seasonal twist, swap the cinnamon for nutmeg, ginger, or pumpkin pie spice.
Making Microwave Apple Crisp Diet-Friendly
To make Microwave Apple Crisp a little more diet-friendly, you can use less sugar in the filling and topping, or swap in a sugar substitute. You can also use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour in the crisp topping. For a vegan version, use dairy-free butter and top with a scoop of your favorite non-dairy ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of apple?
A: Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are my personal favorites, you can use any firm, tart baking apple like Fuji, Jonagold, or Braeburn. Avoid softer apples like Red Delicious.
Q: How long does Microwave Apple Crisp take to make?
A: This Microwave Apple Crisp recipe takes just 15 minutes start to finish! The quick cook time in the microwave is what makes it such a great last-minute dessert.
Q: Can I make Microwave Apple Crisp ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can easily make this dish in advance. Prepare the filling and topping separately, then assemble and microwave right before serving. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q: How many people does this Microwave Apple Crisp recipe serve?
A: This recipe makes 4 generous servings, but you can easily scale it up or down depending on how many people you’re serving. The baking dish size will determine the serving size.
Q: What if my Microwave Apple Crisp turns out soggy?
A: If your Microwave Apple Crisp ends up a little soggy, try cooking the filling for an extra minute or two to evaporate some of the liquid. You can also try sprinkling the topping with a bit of flour before adding it to the dish.
Microwave Apple Crisp
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 4
Description
Enjoy a delicious, cinnamon-spiced Microwave Apple Crisp in just 15 minutes! This quick and easy dessert features a sweet apple filling topped with a crispy, buttery oat topping for the perfect comfort food treat.
Ingredients
– 4 cups peeled and sliced apples
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
1. 1. In a microwave-safe baking dish, toss the sliced apples with the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
2. 2. In a small bowl, mix the oats and softened butter until crumbly. Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apple filling.
3. 3. Microwave the dish on high for 5-7 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is lightly browned.
4. 4. Allow the Microwave Apple Crisp to cool for 5 minutes before serving warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
Notes
For a crisper topping, you can also finish the dish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after microwaving. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 5
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Microwave Apple Crisp is quite simply the best last-minute dessert you’ll ever make. With its tender, cinnamon-y apples and crispy, buttery topping, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. The beauty of this recipe is that you can have a hot, homemade treat on the table in just 15 minutes, no oven required. Give this easy Microwave Apple Crisp a try the next time you’re craving something sweet – I promise it will change your life just like it changed mine! Let me know how it turns out in the comments below.
