MICROWAVE APPLE CRISP

Microwave apple crisp, a quick version of the beloved American dessert with all the comforting flavors of cinnamon, apples, and buttery oat topping—in about 15 minutes.

Microwave Apple Crisp: Origin of Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is a classic North American dessert that became popular during the early 20th century. Although baked apples have been enjoyed for centuries in Europe, the crisp itself emerged as a simpler alternative to apple pie.

The first known published recipe appeared in 1924 in Everybody’s Cook Book: A Comprehensive Manual of Home Cookery. During the Great Depression and later during World War II, apple crisp gained popularity because it required fewer ingredients than pie and didn’t need a pastry crust, making it both economical and practical.

The dessert belongs to a family of fruit desserts. It includes crumbles, cobblers, and betties. While British crumbles are closely related, the American apple crisp is distinguished by its crunchy oat topping. This creates the signature “crisp” texture that gives the dessert its name.

Today, apple crisp remains one of the most beloved autumn desserts. This is especially so during apple harvest season. Its simple preparation makes it a year-round favorite.

Why We Love It

Microwave Apple Crisp is the perfect dessert. Anyone who wants the comforting flavors of a traditional homemade apple crisp without waiting for the oven or spending nearly an hour baking. Using the microwave allows the apples to soften quickly. They release their natural juices, creating a rich, cinnamon-spiced filling in just minutes.

It’s an excellent option for busy weeknights, small households, or anyone who doesn’t want to heat the entire kitchen. Because the recipe is prepared in a single microwave-safe dish, cleanup is minimal. This makes it as convenient as it is delicious. Whether you’re craving a cozy dessert after dinner or looking for a quick way to use fresh seasonal apples, this microwave version delivers the same warm, comforting flavors and aroma of a classic apple crisp in a fraction of the time. It also makes portion control easy, allowing you to prepare a small batch without the leftovers.

Mr. Sam

Microwave Apple Crisp

Enjoy a warm homemade microwave apple crisp made with fresh apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a buttery oat topping. Ready in just minutes and perfect any time of year.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 28 minutes mins

Servings: 4 Servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• FILLING
• 3 Apples Medium, cored, peeled and sliced. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well
• 2 Tbl Sugar
• 1 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 1/2 Tsp Nutmeg
• 1 Tsp Lemon Juice
• 1 Tsp Cornstarch
• 1 Tbl Water
• TOPPING
• 1/2 Cup Rolled Oats Old fashion style.
• 1/4 Cup Flour
• 1/4 Cup Brown Sugar Packed.
• 1/2 Tsp Cinnamon
• 1 Pinch Salt
• 3 Tbl Butter Cut into small cubes.

Equipment

• Microwave Oven

Method

 

1. In a microwave-safe 8-inch baking dish or deep pie plate, combine: sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, and water

   Stir until the apples are evenly coated.
2. In a separate bowl, mix: oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt
3. Cut in the butter using a fork or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

   Sprinkle evenly over the apples.
4. Cover loosely with microwave-safe wax paper or vented plastic wrap.

   Microwave on High for 6–8 minutes, checking after 5 minutes. The apples should be fork-tender and bubbling.

   Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. The filling will continue to thicken as it cools.

Notes

Serve warm with:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Fresh whipped cream
• Caramel sauce
• Greek yogurt for breakfast
• Sharp cheddar cheese for a traditional New England twist.

• Mix tart and sweet apples for the best flavor.
• If you prefer a crunchier topping, microwave the filling first for 4 minutes, then add the topping and cook another 2–3 minutes. (A microwave won’t brown the topping like an oven, but this method helps preserve some texture.)
• Add ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch.
• Stir in ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins with the apples for added sweetness and texture.