Craving a quick and satisfying dessert? This microwave apple crisp is the perfect single-serve treat. Made with fresh apples and a simple brown sugar oat topping, it comes together in minutes, no oven needed! I am definitely adding this to my collection of 15-Minute Easy Desserts! Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (like I did) or a dollop of whipped cream to finish it off. If you’re in the mood for a full-size version with even more of that buttery oat topping, don’t miss my Best Apple Crisp, packed with double the crisp!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Apple: I like using a firm, tart apple like Granny Smith. It holds up well and gives a nice balance to the sweetness. That said, any apple you love will work! Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or a mix of sweet and tart apples are all great options.
- Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give the topping that perfect crisp-meets-chewy texture. They hold up better than quick oats and add just the right amount of bite. If you only have quick oats, they’ll still work, but the topping might be a little softer. For the best texture, I stick with rolled oats.
- Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds a warm, sweet flavor to both the filling and the crumble. It balances the tart apples in the filling and helps the topping get that nice, golden crunch.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon gives just the right touch of spice. A little in the filling brings out the apple’s flavor, and in the crumble, it adds a cozy, comforting taste.
- Cornstarch Slurry: The cornstarch and water mix is called a slurry. It helps thicken the apple filling as it cooks so it’s nice and saucy without being runny. If you skip it, the filling might be a bit thinner and more watery, but the apples will still taste great. So it’s not absolutely necessary, but I recommend it for the best texture.
Can I Use Frozen or Canned Apples?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain frozen apples well before using them to avoid extra liquid. For canned apples, drain them thoroughly, too. Using frozen or canned apples might change the texture a bit but works fine for a quick dessert.
Can I Add Nuts or Other Toppings?
Yes, you can add nuts or other toppings to this single-serve apple crisp! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts are a great addition to the crumble topping. I like the added extra crunch and flavor. You can also try adding a sprinkle of shredded coconut, a drizzle of caramel, or even some dried fruit to mix things up. Just fold them into the topping before microwaving.
Can I Double or Triple This Single-Serve Apple Crisp Recipe?
Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe to make more servings. Just keep in mind that cooking times might be a bit longer, especially in the microwave. If you’re making a larger batch, consider using a bigger dish and check the apples for tenderness as you go.
Can I Make Single-Serve Apple Crisp Without a Microwave?
Yes! You can cook the apple filling on the stovetop over medium heat until the apples are tender and the mixture thickens, about 5–7 minutes. Then add the crumble topping and warm it briefly in the oven or on the stove. It won’t be as quick, but you’ll still get that cozy, delicious apple crisp!
Single Serve Apple Crisp
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 1 medium apple, peeled, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 teaspoons light brown sugar, packed
- 1 heaping pinch cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon water
Crumble Topping
- 2 tablespoons old fashioned oats
- ½ teaspoon unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 pinch kosher salt
Instructions
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped apple, brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and water. Stir to coat the apples evenly.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the apples are tender and slightly thickened, about 2 ½ to 3 minutes total.
- While the apples cook, stir together the oats, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the crumble topping.
- Once the apples are softened, sprinkle the crumble evenly over the top.
- Microwave for another 2 minutes, or until the oats have softened slightly and the topping is warm.
- Let the apple crisp sit for at least 1 minute before serving. It will thicken slightly as it rests.
Did you make this recipe?
Thank you for making my recipe! You took pictures, right? Well go ahead and post them on Instagram! Be sure to mention me @iambaker and use the hashtag #YouAreBaker.
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
I love how fast this comes together, and it tastes great!
Elizabeth
Who knew you could make apple crisp in the microwave?!? Well, I do now, and I plan to do it! I ate all of my single serving, that is for sure!
Bella
This is a perfect portion if you want apple crisp, but don't want to make a whole batch.
Stephanie
I added a scoop of ice cream to mine, and it was great. Quick, easy, and delicious!
