Whip up Microwave Baked Apples with fresh apples, butter, and cinnamon in just 5 minutes! A simple, cozy treat made in the microwave.
I’ll never forget it—it was one of those evenings. You know the kind: long day, zero energy, but a major craving for something sweet. There I was, rummaging through the fridge like a raccoon at midnight, hoping for inspiration. And then I saw them. A lonely apple, a stick of butter, and a jar of cinnamon. Bingo.
I didn’t have the time (or patience) to bake an entire apple pie. So I thought, why not try microwaving them? Worst case, it’d be warm mush… but best case? A warm, cinnamon-spiced dessert in minutes. And oh my goodness, it worked. Like, really worked. I’ve made these Microwave Baked Apples at least a dozen times since. Some nights, I get a little fancy—add ice cream, drizzle some caramel—but most of the time, it’s simple and perfect.
Sound familiar? Ever just need a little sweet fix without pulling out all the baking gear? If so, you’re gonna love this one.
Why You’ll Love This Microwave Baked Apples Recipe?
Okay, I’m not saying they’ll replace Grandma’s apple pie. (Nobody beats Grandma.) But these quick, cozy apples are exactly what you need when you want a treat without the fuss.
Here’s why I’m obsessed:
- It’s fast. 5 minutes, folks. That’s quicker than deciding what to watch on Netflix.
- It’s simple. You need three ingredients—four if you’re feeling sweet.
- It’s kinda healthy. It’s an apple! Plus, you control the sweetness.
- It’s flexible. Eat it solo, add ice cream, or even throw it on oatmeal.
- Zero mess. One bowl, one spoon, one happy you.
Ingredient Notes:
Alright, let’s talk about the stars of the show.
- Apple: Go for the firm ones. Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp—those are my go-to’s. Granny Smith if you like a little tart kick. Soft apples? Eh… they’ll work but might get a little too mushy.
- Ground Cinnamon: Trust me, don’t skip this. It’s what makes the kitchen smell like fall—even in June.
- Butter: Just a dab. It melts into everything and makes it cozy. Coconut oil works if you want it dairy-free.
- Sweetener (Optional): Some apples are sweet enough! If not, a little honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar does the trick.
How To Make Microwave Baked Apples?
Grab a mug or bowl and let’s get cooking. I promise, this takes longer to write than to make.
Step 1. Chop That Apple
Core it first (unless you enjoy surprise seeds—no judgment). Then chop it into bite-sized pieces. Small chunks cook faster and give you those caramelized edges I love.
Step 2. Mix the Magic
In your microwave-safe bowl, toss those apple chunks with the cinnamon, butter, and sweetener if you’re using it. No fancy tools. Just a spoon and some enthusiasm.
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Step 3. Zap It
Pop the bowl in the microwave. Start with 2 minutes on high. Give it a stir. If you want it softer, go another minute or two. Me? I like a little bite left, so 3 minutes tops.
Step 4. Top It (Optional… But Highly Recommended)
Some nights, I add vanilla ice cream. Some nights, I crumble granola on top. Once, I added crushed-up ginger snaps and it was—dare I say—genius.
Storage Options:
Let’s be honest: you probably won’t. But if you do, pop the extras into a container and stash them in the fridge. They’ll keep for about 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds or so. They’re also great cold over yogurt. Just sayin’.
Variations and Substitutions:
I’m all about flexibility in the kitchen. Here’s how you can make this recipe yours.
- Nuts: Toss in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for some crunch.
- Spices: Nutmeg, ginger, or pumpkin spice if you’re feeling autumn vibes.
- Fruit Friends: Add raisins or cranberries if you want a chewy surprise.
- Vegan Swap: Use coconut oil instead of butter. Easy peasy.
- Sweetness: Maple syrup, agave, or a little brown sugar. Go wild.
What to Serve with Microwave Baked Apples?
They’re perfect on their own, but if you want to jazz it up:
- Ice Cream: Vanilla, cinnamon, even butter pecan. Yes, yes, and yes.
- Yogurt: Greek yogurt for a tangy twist (healthy-ish breakfast, anyone?).
- Granola: Adds crunch and makes it look like you spent way more time on it than you did.
- Whipped Cream: Because why not?
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these ahead of time?
Sure! They’re best fresh, but you can reheat them later. They’re also great cold!
Do I have to peel the apples?
Nope. I’m lazy and usually leave the skins on. But if you prefer peeled, go for it!
What if I don’t have cinnamon?
No problem. Try nutmeg or skip it altogether. They’ll still be sweet and warm.
And there you go—Microwave Baked Apples in all their easy, cozy glory. Seriously, give them a try. They’ve become my lazy-day dessert hero. If you’ve got a fun twist on these, drop it in the comments. I’d love to hear it!
Can’t wait to hear what you think!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Ingredients
- 1 medium apple cored and chopped into bite-sized pieces (recommended varieties include Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
- Optional: sweetener of choice such as honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Apple
- Core the apple carefully and chop it into uniform, bite-sized pieces. It is advisable to select firm apples to maintain texture during cooking.
Combine Ingredients
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped apple pieces with the ground cinnamon and unsalted butter. If additional sweetness is desired, incorporate your chosen sweetener at this stage.
Microwave the Mixture
- Place the bowl in the microwave. Cook on high power for 2 to 4 minutes, depending on the preferred softness of the apples. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Serve and Enjoy
- Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave. Allow to cool slightly before serving. For an enhanced presentation and flavor, consider topping with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!