Make a warm apple crisp in a mug in minutes using simple ingredients like oats, a fresh apple, butter, flour and sugar. Serve it straight from the mug with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy single‑serve dessert whenever you want a little something sweet.
I love apple crisp. My full apple crisp recipe is one of my favorites, but sometimes you don’t want a whole 9×13 pan. This mug version gives you all the cozy flavors in a single serving — no waste, no fuss.
In just minutes you can enjoy tender, spiced apples topped with a crunchy oat crumble. It’s perfect for a solo treat or for sharing on a cozy date night — or double the recipe to make two mugs at once.
This post was created as part of #AppleWeek. I received complimentary product from sponsors to help create the recipes. All opinions are my own.
This mug apple crisp is part of my #AppleWeek lineup — earlier in the week I shared apple pie oatmeal cookies, and today I’m sharing this microwave mug version. It makes a lovely midweek snack or quick dessert after dinner.
It’s intended as dessert for one, but it’s fun to share with two spoons. You can also prepare several mugs ahead and microwave them just before serving for a party — one hand for crisp, one for coffee. Win.
I’ve made a few mug desserts over the years — hot chocolate cupcakes, coconut mug cake — and this apple crisp is one of the coziest. It’s simple, fast, and deeply satisfying.
What you’ll need
- 1 medium apple
- Flour
- Sugar
- Cinnamon
- Butter (cold)
- Rolled oats
Choose a medium apple — this shows how it fits in my hand. Use any variety you enjoy; tart apples like Granny Smith work well in baking.
Selecting and storing apples
Pick apples that are firm and brightly colored with no soft spots or bruises. Store apples in the refrigerator and keep them away from other produce since they can absorb odors. Rinse apples under cool running water before using.
Preventing browning
Apples brown due to enzymes called polyphenol oxidases. To slow browning, toss cut apples in a little lemon juice or another citric acid solution.
Spray a 12‑ounce mug with nonstick spray. Peel, core and dice the apple.
Toss the diced apple with flour, a little sugar and cinnamon, then place them in the prepared mug.
Combine rolled oats, sugar, flour, cinnamon and cold butter to make the crumb topping. Press or sprinkle the topping over the apples. It may look full, but it cooks down.
Microwave until bubbling and cooked through. Be very careful removing the mug — it will be hot.
Let the mug rest for a minute or two, then stir gently. The apples should be tender and the topping warm and crunchy.
Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and enjoy as it melts into the warm crisp.
Ready for a bite?
Apple Crisp in a Mug
Apple Crisp in a Mug
Make an apple crisp in a mug in minutes using simple ingredients. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a cozy single‑serve dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 medium apple — peeled, cored and diced
- Cinnamon, to taste
- 2 Tablespoons flour
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons + 2 teaspoons sugar, divided
- 5 Tablespoons rolled oats
- 3 Tablespoons cold butter, cut into chunks
Instructions
- Spray a 12‑ounce mug with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a bowl, toss diced apples with 2 teaspoons sugar, 2 tablespoons flour and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Add to the mug.
- In the same bowl, mix the rolled oats with 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar, a pinch of cinnamon and the cold butter. Use a fork or your fingers to combine until crumbly. Top the apples with the oat mixture.
- Microwave for about 2 minutes, checking at 1 minute 30 seconds since microwaves vary. The mixture will bubble and the top will be cooked.
- Carefully remove the mug (it will be very hot). Let it sit 1–2 minutes, then stir gently with a fork.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Cooking times may vary depending on your microwave — adjust as needed.
Nutrition
Calories: 592 kcal • Carbs: 65 g • Protein: 6 g • Fat: 37 g • Fiber: 9 g • Sugar: 28 g
More #AppleWeek recipes
- Apple Celeriac Salad by Caroline’s Cooking
- Apple Coffee Cake Muffins by Blogghetti
- Apple Cream Puffs by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
- Apple Muffins by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Apple Oatmeal Cookies by A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Apple Oatmeal Cutout Cookies by The Monday Box
- Applesauce Cake Tassies by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Chocolate Covered Apple Slices by Books n’ Cooks
- Apple Gouda Crostini by Snacks and Sips
- Country Fried Apples by Tip Garden
- Creamy Caramel Apple Icebox Cake by Cooking With Carlee
- Crispy Hot Cider Tea‑Brined Chicken Thighs by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
- Crunchy Dried Cherry Applesauce Cake Bars by Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck
- Fuji Apple Salad with Chicken by Palatable Pastime
- Hot Apple Cider Tea Bread by Our Good Life
- Moroccan Apple and Sweet Potato Beef Stew by Savory Moments
- Spiced Applesauce Cookies by Who Needs A Cape?
- Vegan Apple Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Braid by The Baking Fairy
For this recipe I used rolled oats and cane sugar from brands I trust when available. Thank you to the AppleWeek sponsors for supporting the event.
Baking with apples is one of my favorite fall traditions. Apples bring bright, tart flavor to cozy desserts, and this mug crisp lets you enjoy that warmth any time — no big pan required. Who’s hungry? Let’s microwave an apple crisp in a mug!
