Name: Microwave Apple Crisp for One Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon brown sugar or granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon old-fashioned rolled oats; Pinch kosher salt; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces; 1 apple, peeled, cored, and cut into 3/4-inch pieces; 2 tablespoons brown sugar or granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional); 1/2 teaspoon all-purpose flour; 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon or apple pie spice blend

If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just want a cozy apple dessert without the fuss or leftovers. That’s why I’m excited to share this fan-freaking-tastic Microwave Apple Crisp for One Recipe that comes together in just 10 minutes! It’s warm, comforting, and perfectly portioned for when you crave something sweet but don’t want to turn on the oven for an hour. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to solo dessert.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings.
Single Serve: No leftovers, which means no waste and zero guilt.
Great Texture: The buttery oat topping crisps up beautifully in the microwave, surprising you every time.
Customizable: You can easily swap spices or sweeteners to match your taste preferences.

A close-up of a golden spoon holding a scoop of warm dessert made of soft, light brown apple pieces and a crumbly oat topping that looks crunchy and slightly sticky. The oat crumbs are light beige with a few cinnamon spots, scattered over the apples that are glossy and slightly translucent. The background is filled with more of the same dessert in a white bowl, showing layers of apple chunks and oat crumbs covered in syrupy sauce. The scene sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work in harmony to create that classic apple crisp experience, from tender cinnamon-spiced apples to a buttery, crunchy topping. When shopping, pick a firm apple variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and natural tartness.

All-purpose flour: Acts as a binder for the topping and thickens the apple filling.
Brown sugar or granulated sugar: Sweetens both the topping and filling with rich caramel notes.
Old-fashioned rolled oats: Adds the signature crisp, chewy texture.
Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Gives the topping a rich, tender crumb.
Apple: Your star ingredient—peeled and chopped for quick cooking.
Lemon juice (optional): Brightens and prevents the apples from browning.
Ground cinnamon or apple pie spice blend: Infuses warmth and that unmistakable apple crisp aroma.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Microwave Apple Crisp for One Recipe my own by switching things up, and I encourage you to do the same! The base is so simple, it invites experimentation.

Switch up spices: I often swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg for a seasonal twist, and my family goes crazy for how it changes the vibe.
Try different fruits: Pears or peaches make a delicious variation—just adjust cooking time slightly to soften them perfectly.
Sugar alternatives: If you want to cut back on refined sugar, honey or maple syrup work well in the filling (just reduce microwave time a bit).
Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top before microwaving add a wonderful crunch I’ve come to adore.

How to Make Microwave Apple Crisp for One Recipe

Step 1: Make the Crumbly Topping

Start by mixing flour, sugar, oats, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl. This step is so satisfying—I rub cold chunks of butter into the dry mix with my fingertips until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This technique is key because it creates that buttery texture without melting too much butter too soon, ensuring perfect crispiness. Microwave this mixture on high, stirring every 30 seconds for about 2 to 3 minutes until golden and fragrant. It smells amazing—you’ll know it’s ready when you get that toasty aroma. Let the topping cool while you prep the apples.

Step 2: Prepare the Spiced Apple Filling

In the same microwave-safe bowl (no need for extra dishes—my favorite part!), toss together the peeled, cored, and chopped apple with sugar, flour, lemon juice if using, and cinnamon or your chosen spice. Microwave on high for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and juices thicken just a bit. Don’t worry—if your apples aren’t super soft, that’s okay; they’ll keep tenderizing under the crisp topping.

Step 3: Assemble and Serve

Sprinkle the oat topping over the warm apple filling evenly, and serve immediately for a delightful contrast of textures: warm, juicy apples and crunchy, buttery topping. If you’re like me, you might sneak tastes as you assemble—go ahead, I won’t tell!

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Pro Tips for Making Microwave Apple Crisp for One Recipe

Butter Temperature: Use cold butter chunks for the topping to prevent it from melting too quickly and getting soggy.
Microwave Stirring: Stir the topping and apples every 30 seconds to promote even cooking and avoid hot spots.
Apple Size Matters: Chop apples into fairly uniform ¾-inch pieces so they cook evenly without turning to mush.
Don’t Skip Cooling: Let the topping cool briefly before adding on top to maintain that distinct crisp texture.

How to Serve Microwave Apple Crisp for One Recipe

A close-up image shows a yellow bowl filled with a warm apple crumble dessert, placed on a white marbled surface with a yellow and orange striped cloth nearby. The dish has a top layer of golden brown oat crumble with visible oats and chunks of baked apples underneath, which are soft and slightly shiny, with a light golden color. In the front, a woman's hand with red painted nails holds a spoon with a scoop of the apple crumble, showing a mix of crumbly oat topping and caramelized apple pieces, the spoon has a gold head and gray handle. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream—the cold creaminess contrasts beautifully with the warm crisp. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top or drizzle some caramel sauce if I’m feeling indulgent.

Side Dishes

While this dessert stands beautifully on its own, it’s also amazing alongside a cup of strong coffee or warm chai tea—totally my go-to cozy night combo. If you want to get fancy, a small cheese plate with sharp cheddar pairs oddly but wonderfully well with warm apple desserts.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re making this for a special solo dinner or a surprise treat, I’ve found serving it in a pretty ramekin or little mason jar makes it extra charming. You could even layer the topping and filling in a clear dish to show off the colors—guests will be impressed with so little effort!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Since this is a single-serve recipe, leftovers are rare in my house! But if you do have some, store the crisp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The topping may soften a bit, so refreshing it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds helps bring back some warmth.

Freezing

I haven’t personally frozen this recipe because it’s so quick to make fresh, but if you want to try, I’d recommend freezing just the apple filling separately and topping it with freshly mixed topping before microwaving.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave on medium power for 30-45 seconds until warmed through. Keep an eye on it so the topping doesn’t get too soft. If it does, a quick toast under your broiler (if you want to mess with more dishes) will crisp it right back up.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this Microwave Apple Crisp for One Recipe?

Absolutely! Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji work best because they hold their shape during microwaving and balance sweetness with a bit of tartness. Softer apples might turn mushy, but you can still use them if you prefer a saucier filling.
Is the microwave enough to make the topping crispy?

Yes! The butter rubbed into the oats and flour and the short bursts of microwaving bring out that golden, crispy texture surprisingly well. Patience is key though—make sure to stir regularly and let the topping cool slightly before adding to the apples.
Can I double this recipe to make two servings at once?

You can, but keep in mind that microwaves heat unevenly sometimes. Cooking time will increase slightly, and you’ll want to stir more often to avoid hot spots. Using a larger microwave-safe dish helps with even cooking.
What if I don’t have old-fashioned rolled oats?

If you don’t have oats, quick oats or even crushed cornflakes can be used as a topping substitute, though the texture will vary slightly. I haven’t tried without oats at all, but an extra tablespoon of flour with more butter could work for a more biscuit-like topping.
Why add lemon juice? Is it necessary?

Lemon juice brightens the apple flavor and slows browning while prepping, but you can skip it if you don’t have any on hand. The crisp will still be tasty and look great.

Final Thoughts

This Microwave Apple Crisp for One Recipe holds a special place in my dessert arsenal because it captures all the comforting warmth of traditional apple crisp but without hours of effort or a giant baking dish. It’s like a little hug in a bowl, made exactly for you. So next time you’re craving something sweet and homey but short on time, give this a whirl—you might just find your new favorite solo dessert ritual.