This apple crumble in a mug is a simple, tasty and easy-to-make dessert that’s ready in just a few minutes. If you’re looking for a stress-free healthy apple crisp in a mug recipe to help you enjoy a sweet treat without having to spend time in the kitchen — this one is it. Want to take a delicious dessert on-the-go? This apple crumble mug cake is quick, easy and delicious. It takes less than 15
minutes and only has 6 ingredients! Read below steps on how to make a mug cake and the amazing benefits of apples. Crumbles are a fantastic way to use up any fruit that is past its best, combine them with your favourite nuts and some crumble toppings to give it that amazing texture and taste combination. For this Apple Crumble in a Mug we are keeping the apples intact so each
mouthful has a perfect texture of soft, squishy apples combined with crunchy nuts. Apple crumble in a mug is so much easier to make than you might expect. It takes just five minutes and is also economical and good for you – what’s not to love? Let’s take a look at what health benefits apples contain that you may be able to benefit from. Apples are an American favorite and there’s good reason for it.
Apple Crumble In A Mug
Apple crumble is always a popular dessert and can be really easy to make. This recipe makes Apple Crumble In A Mug which is perfect if you don’t want to pay delivery charges by buying it from a cafe or if you just want to watch The Great British Bake Off while eating dessert. Apple crumble in a mug is so much easier to make than you might expect. It takes just five minutes and is also economical and good for you – what’s not to love?
As simple as it sounds, the only difference between this mug cake and a typical apple crumble is the size of the container and the method of cooking.
Instead of a large baking dish, we’ll be using a coffee mug. And we’re opting for a spin in the microwave instead of preheating the oven.
Differences in prep aside – once cooked, this is one sweet and tart dessert that is indistinguishable from the original version.
This apple crumble version gets an understated sweetness from a bit of brown sugar and a couple tablespoons of maple syrup or honey (whichever you prefer). Having grown up in Montreal, maple syrup was my obvious choice for this apple crumble mug cake!
But I’ve tried it with both, and each does an admirable job of bringing the sweetness without becoming cloying.
Bonus: this is one of the easiest dessert recipes ever!
How To Make A Mug Cake
- If you’ve got 13 minutes to spare and a couple empty coffee mugs, you’ve got the tools you need to whip up a mug cake.
- Basically, you’ll want to mix the crumble in one bowl – and mix the filling in another. Sounds easy? It is! Check the recipe card below for ingredients and quantities.
- Then simply divide the prepared apple filling between two coffee mugs, and then top each mug with the crumble mixture.
- And that’s it!
- The real timesaver here is that the tasty mixture goes into the microwave for three to four minutes, until the whole thing is bubbling.
- No baking. No fuss!
- A word of caution: these mugs will be HOT when you pull them out of the microwave. So either use a tea-towel, a pot-holder or, better yet, give them a couple of minutes to cool before pulling your luscious apple crumble mug cake out.
Healthy Apple Crisp in a Mug
This easy apple crisp in a mug is ready in minutes! Top it with vanilla ice cream and dig into a cozy apple dessert without even turning your oven on.
I recently shared my favorite oven-baked apple crisp. That recipe remains my go-to when I want to dig into a warm bowl of soft cinnamon-spiced apples with a tender oat topping. But you know what? Sometimes mama wants her apple crisp right now. As in, I don’t want to wait for the oven to preheat and my apple crisp to bake.
That’s where this mug version comes in. It’s basically a miniaturized take on my apple crisp recipe. It comes together in minutes and is every bit as delicious. Careful though: once you try this recipe – or any of my mug cake recipes for that matter – time and effort will no longer be a barrier when you want to indulge in something sweet. If it’s midnight and you have the ingredients in your house, nothing is stopping you from making this apple crisp dessert at the spur of the moment! I once caught my 10-year-old eating one well past bedtime. I couldn’t be mad because well, they did show gumption right?
Tips for Success
This recipe follows many of the same rules as my mug cake recipes. Some of those bear repeating here, and there are also a few tips specific to this apple crisp:
- Use a large microwave safe mug. I recommend using a 15-oz mug because then your crisp as plenty of room to cook, even though it won’t rise like the mug cakes do. For this recipe I prefer a wide mug vs a tall one.
- Make sure the apples are softened. The easiest way to do this is to not cut them into large pieces. About 1-inch pieces is ideal. You want them to soft like the inside of an apple pie and smaller pieces lets the apples cook more quickly. Be sure to stir them halfway through their cook time so that the spoon can help break them down and all of the apple bits can cook evenly.
- Use quick cooking oats. These are not the same as old fashioned oats. Quick cooking oats have been cut into smaller pieces, rolled thinner and steamed for longer than old fashioned oats. This means they, you guessed it, cook quicker! That’s what we want for this mug dessert. Old fashioned oats would not cook up quick enough. (Also in case you are wondering, steel cut oats would not work for a crisp.)
- Let it cool. As with the mug cakes, this dessert will be HOT when it is done. Give it about 5 minutes to cool.
How to Serve Apple Crisp in a Mug
I usually eat my apple crisp straight out of the mug, but you could also spoon it into a bowl and top with your preferred fixings there. Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream are my go-to topping choices! But if you want to be a bit healthier, this apple crisp is tasty enough to eat by itself.
Apple Crumble In A Mug
Apple Crumble In A Mug is a unique and delicious dessert that does not require baking. As consumers we expect dessert to be something sweet and delicious. It should ideally have a high degree of sweetness in order to be enjoyable. Here, we will reveal how you can have your cake and eat it too! This is a microwave mug cake recipe that you can whip up in minutes and is perfect for quick dessert.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy, warm dessert, this Microwave Apple Crisp in a Mug might just become your new best friend. Warm chopped apples, bathed in a cinnamon butter and topped with a chewy oatmeal topping, is a 3-minute dream. And more delicious than I can tell you.
Have you ever wished for apple crisp, only to decide against it because, well, it takes too long? Been there, done that.
But the craving doesn’t go away. In fact, it can stay in my mind for days. Until I give in and make it.
Or more likely, make the slow cooker apple crisp, which is out of this world yummy too.
But it takes awhile.
When time is of the essence, and you want quick, and yummy… this is a go-to option!
It’s almost like… snapping your fingers… and you have a heavenly treat.
How Long Does it Take to Make This Apple Crisp in a Mug
You may have noticed, if you’ve glanced at the above-mentioned mug desserts, that many of them take 2 minutes in the microwave.
I’ve tagged this recipe as a 3-minute dessert. But my microwave is a little skimpy on power. I like the apples super soft, so 3 minutes works for me. My husband is a 2 1/2 minute fan.
Take note of the power of your microwave and adjust accordingly. I would advise cooking for 2 minutes before testing the apples with a fork.
How to Make Apple Crisp in a Mug
- Each mug will contain 1 peeled and chopped apple. I make the topping in bulk and freeze what remains. Obviously I love to have the topping on hand for an even quicker, last-minute treat.
- In the bottom of a microwave-safe mug, place 1/3 of the topping. (This brings buttery moisture to the apples and helps them cook more quickly.) Spoon the remaining topping over the apples.
- Microwave the apple crisp for 2 to 3 minutes, depending on your apple preference. Let it cool slightly before eating.
- I love to add a small spoonful of vanilla ice cream when I’m feeling especially decadent!
Recipe for Bulk Apple Crisp Topping I Keep in My Freezer
- 1 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- One cup oats (quick-cooking preferred but rolled is fine too)
- 2/3 cup butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, oats, softened butter and cinnamon until it forms clumps. Use for the recipe and freeze the remaining topping in a zip-topped freezer bag for later use.
Apple Crumble Mug Cake
Get the vanilla ice cream ready! This sweet, chewy and EASY Apple Crumble Mug Cake Recipe tastes divine and is ready in 15 minutes or less!
I have an insatiable sweet tooth!
Yep, no matter how full I am, there’s always room to squeeze dessert in.
However, while I absolutely love digging into the fruity goodness of a warm, flaky homemade Dutch apple pie fresh from the oven, most store bought pies are a little too sweet for my taste.
Now even though I spend almost every day in the kitchen, I tend to keep my personal baking pursuits on the simple side of things. Hey, there’s no shame in saving the majority of my dessert intake for the times we eat out
Well, sometimes my sweet tooth is calling the shots and demands dessert NOW. And this is what I make.
This easy apple crumble mug cake recipe came about from the desire to prepare a homemade dessert with the flavors of an apple pie without struggling to prepare crust from scratch, and without turning the oven on to increase the temperature in my already sultry kitchen.
It’s not very often I use my microwave for anything other than heating up leftovers.
And the term microwave dessert just seems vaguely suspect, right?! But, trust me, this sweet mug cake recipe is absolutely designed for a spin in the dingbox!
What apples are best for this mug cake recipe?
When choosing apples for this apple crumble mug cake, I went with one honeycrisp apple because of their crisp champagne-like sweetness.
Then I used one granny smith apple which introduced a tart counterpoint.
You can use whatever apples you have handy though.
But, aside from wholesome ingredients like apples, oats and walnuts, you’ll see a pretty decent dose of butter in the ingredients list.
Hey – sometimes you just gotta let loose and enjoy, right!?
Trust me, a few decadent spoonfuls of this candied, rich, fruity and crunchy mug cake every once in awhile is totally worth a few extra minutes on the stationary bike!
A super easy apple crumble microwave mug cake
As the old saying goes, there’s always room for dessert.
And this is one you can make at home so easily, there’s really no excuse not to, ha!
Since there’s not a ton of sugar in this mug cake recipe, I totally felt justified in topping this dessert with a scoop (or two) of vanilla ice cream. Because, of course, something magical happens when creamy vanilla ice cream meets a hot, cinnamon-laden dessert.
Health Benefits of Apples
Apples are the fourth most popular fruit in the world, after bananas, grapes and oranges. They were first grown in Western Asia and North-Africa regions, which is why they have so many names, like ‘zeppoli’ in Arabic and ‘sabana’ in Hebrew. Nowadays they are widely cultivated all over the world and eaten raw, or in desserts and salads. Here are four interesting health benefits of apples that you might not have heard about before.
1. Good for Diabetics and Blood Sugar regulation
According to the book ‘Healing Foods’ by DK Publishing, the fructose (a class of sugar) and antioxidant polyphenols in apples improve the metabolic balance and slow the rate at which sugar is absorbed in the body. This property of apples is especially effective for diabetics, who have to keep their blood sugar spike in check. Experts have also suggested that apples lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes because of a class of antioxidants called Anthocyanin, that is also responsible for red, purple and blue colors in fruits and veggies.
Apples improve the metabolic balance and slow the rate at which sugar is absorbed in the body.
2.Aids Weight Loss
Pectin fibre helps lower the body’s absorption of excess dietary fats.The rich quantum of fiber found in apples also helps you feeling full for longer. Bangalore based nutritionist Dr. Anju Sood says, “Fibre takes the longest to digest, which helps you keep satiated and prevents you from binging on other fattening and sugar laden foods. In the long run, this aids in weight loss.”
3. Enables Smoother Digestion
A number of health benefits of apples are derived from the wonder fibre pectin it contains. This soluble fibre works wonders for your digestion. Pectin a form of soluble fiber, draws water from your digestive tract and forms a gel, helping to slow digestion and pushing stool through your intestines. Apples also contain malic acid, which is again a useful digestive aid.
4.Helps Relieve Constipation and Diarrhoea
The high concentration of pectin fibre not only aids digestion but also regulates smoother bowel movements. According to the book ‘Healing Foods’, “Pectin has an amphoteric action. Paradoxically, it can prove relief from both constipation and diarrhoea depending on body’s needs.”
5.Protecting bones
Apples are also effective in strengthening bones and can play a crucial part in overall bone health. A certain flavonoid phlorizin, found in apple skin, may help prevent bone loss associated with menopause, as it fights the inflammation and free radical production that leads to bone degeneration.
6.Reduces Cholesterol
Pectin fibre and other constituents, such as antioxidant polyphenols have been linked to reducing the levels of “unhealthy”(LDL) cholesterol, and slow down its oxidation. This further helps reduce the risk of hardening of arteries, damaging heart muscles and blood vessels.
7.Boost Brain Power
Apples have also been linked to enhancing brain power. Apples up the acetylcholine production, which helps build a stronger communication between nerve cells and brain that further improve your memory and lower your chances of developing Alzheimer’s. This benefit stands true in case of homemade apple juice without any additives, and not in case of store-bought juices.
8. Protects Your Heart
Multiple studies show apples are good for your ticker in many ways. In a large 2020 review in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, researchers combed through 16 studies that looked at apple consumption and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. They found that whole apple consumption was associated with a reduced risk of dying from CVD, ischemic heart disease, stroke, severe abdominal aortic calcification, as well as dying from anything.
Specifically, these researchers found that whole apple consumption reduced total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol), systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, and plasma inflammatory cytokines. In turn, apple consumption can increase HDL cholesterol, the helpful form of cholesterol. These researchers state that these findings are based on 100-150 grams of apple consumption a day, which is about two medium-sized apples.
9. Boosts Brain Health
In a 2018 study published in Nutrients, Swedish researchers following 2,000 people for six years found that those who stuck to a diet called the Nordic Prudent Dietary Pattern (NPDP) had better cognitive function than people who ate more fatty, processed foods. Among other things, the NPDP calls for eating plenty of non-root vegetables, plus pears, peaches and—you guessed it—apples.
In a 2022 study in Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy, older adults who followed the MIND diet—a fusion of the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet, both of which stress eating fresh fruits and vegetables—had a lower risk of developing dementia. Experts point out that more research is needed, but the results look promising.
Looking more specifically at components in foods like apples, tea, and berries, 2020 research in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people with low intake of foods with high levels of antioxidant-like components had higher rates of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Specifically, a low intake of components called flavonoid polymers, found in apples, pears and tea, was associated with twice the risk of developing ADRD. Similar results were found regarding AD.
10. May Help You Lose Weight
One medium apple can help fill you up for under 100 calories, so it’s no surprise that apples can help with weight loss. A 2018 review in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition shows many associations between apple consumption and weight loss.
The compounds in apples also help feed healthy gut bacteria, potentially lowering the risk of some obesity-related problems. Prebiotics in apples have been shown to feed good gut bacteria. For example, a 2021 lab study published in Agriculture looked at whether components in apple peels (as well as banana and mango peels) could act as prebiotics. Results suggest that these peels all increased certain types of beneficial gut bacteria, by providing food for them.
11. Lowers Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
A 2019 meta-analysis published in Current Developments in Nutrition that included at total of 339,383 participants over several studies, suggests that regularly eating apples, pears or a combination of the two can lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
An interesting 2022 study in Foods suggests that eating an apple prior to a meal can lower postprandial (after eating) blood glucose levels in people with impaired glucose tolerance (pre-diabetes). And a 2017 review in Food & Function suggests that eating apples and pears might reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 18%. Even eating just one apple or pear a week reduced the risk by 3%.
A 2021 systematic review in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health also suggests that a high intake of apples and other fruit (including pears, blueberries, grapefruit, and grapes) is related to about a 7% reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
12. Fights Cancer
Including apples in your diet is linked with a lower risk of several cancers. For example, a 2021 review in Nutrients looked at studies that found that the consumption of apples seems to be related to a reduced risk of lung, bladder, breast, pancreatic, colorectal, pharynx, esophagus, ovary, renal and prostate cancers. That’s a lot of protection in that one fruit!
In addition to preventing cancers, researchers state that the phytochemicals in apples can also help slow down the progression of cancer. Just make sure you’re eating the whole fruit and not tossing the peel—that’s where many of the cancer-fighting antioxidants are found.