This Apple Crisp in a Mug is a quick and cozy dessert! It features warm, sweet apples topped with a crunchy oat mixture. It’s like a hug in a mug!
It’s perfect for nights when you want a little treat without the fuss. Plus, making it in a mug means less mess to clean up—win-win! I love enjoying it with a scoop of ice cream on top. Yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple: A medium apple is perfect here. I love using Granny Smith for its tartness, but any apple will work! Try Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for different flavors. Just make sure they’re firm for the best texture.
Lemon Juice: This adds brightness and helps prevent the apples from browning. If you don’t have lemon juice, you can use lime juice or even vinegar in a pinch.
Granulated Sugar: Feel free to adjust the sugar amount based on your apple’s sweetness. If you prefer, substitute with honey or maple syrup for a different hint of flavor.
Old-fashioned Rolled Oats: These provide great texture. If you’re gluten-free, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats. Quick oats can work too, but they might yield a softer topping.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best to control saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute can be a good alternative!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Topping Texture?
Getting that crunchy topping is all about the right mixing technique! You want to cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs. Here’s how:
- Measure your oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt into a bowl.
- Add the diced butter straight from the fridge.
- Using your fingers or a fork, mash and mix until combined—pieces of butter should still be visible.
This will create a lovely crumbly topping that bakes up crunchy when cooked. Don’t rush it; patience pays off!
Apple Crisp in a Mug
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium apple (peeled, cored, and diced small)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp cold unsalted butter, diced
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful apple crisp can be made in about 10 minutes! You’ll spend roughly 5 minutes preparing the ingredients and mixing them, and then just a quick 2-3 minutes in the microwave. It’s a speedy dessert that’s both delicious and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apples:
Start by taking your medium apple and peeling, coring, and dicing it into small pieces. Place the diced apple into a microwave-safe mug. Add the lemon juice, granulated sugar, and 1/4 tsp of ground cinnamon. Gently toss everything to combine well. This will create a sweet, tart base for your crisp.
2. Make the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, packed brown sugar, the remaining 1/4 tsp of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This mixture will create that delicious crumbly topping.
3. Combine with Butter:
Next, take the cold diced butter and add it to the oat mixture. Using your fingers or a fork, press and mix the butter into the dry ingredients until everything resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t worry if some butter pieces are a little bigger; that just adds to the crispy texture!
4. Assemble the Mug Crisp:
Carefully sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple mixture in the mug. Make sure to distribute it well so that every bite has a bit of that crunchy goodness.
5. Microwave It:
Now, pop the mug into the microwave and heat it on high for 2 to 3 minutes. Check it at the 2-minute mark. You want the apples to be tender and the topping to be bubbly and slightly crispy on top. Keep an eye on it, as microwave times may vary.
6. Final Touches:
Once it’s done, carefully remove the mug from the microwave (it will be hot!). Let it cool for a minute before digging in. If you fancy it, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for that extra special touch. Enjoy your warm Apple Crisp right from the mug!
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Apples?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with a variety of fruits. Try peaches, pears, or berries for a delicious twist. Just be mindful of the sweetness—adjust the sugar accordingly depending on your fruit choice!
Can I Make This Recipe Without Sugar?
Yes! You can substitute sugar with natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. If using honey, consider reducing the amount slightly, as it’s sweeter than granulated sugar. You can also omit the sugar if you prefer a less sweet option.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until warmed through.
What Can I Use Instead of Butter?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute in the same amount as the butter. This will maintain that rich flavor and crumbly topping!
