Warm cinnamon, melted butter, and the soft sweetness of an apple—all happening in your microwave. These cozy microwave baked apples with just an apple, cinnamon, and butter are weeknight dessert magic. No oven drama, just pure fall-scented comfort.
So here’s the vibe: one apple, one bowl, and about four minutes between you and something that tastes like the inside of an apple pie had a lazy night in. These cinnamon microwave baked apples have that sticky, melty feel like they’re wrapped in a warm blanket. They’re the answer when you want dessert without peeling, slicing, and baking for ages. Add some ice cream if you’re feeling generous (with yourself, obviously). And hey, if dessert isn’t your thing (WHAT?!), these also make a sneaky sweet breakfast. You do you.
Table of Contents
Don’t let this one slip away — pin it now and thank yourself later!
Don’t let this one slip away — pin it now and thank yourself later!
Why You’ll Love this Microwave Baked Apples Recipe
Not every dessert has to be a baking marathon. This one is gentle on your time, your dishes, and your attention span.
- Ridiculously simple to make: Grab an apple, slice it up, and zap. That’s about the difficulty level here.
- Smells like fall in a mug: As soon as that cinnamon starts warming up, your kitchen turns into a cozy candle.
- Easily changeable: Add nuts, drizzle honey, toss in raisins, whatever you’ve got rattling around the pantry.
- Low-commitment but high reward: It’s like apple pie flirted with you but didn’t ask you to meet its parents.
- Sweet tooth approved: Whether you’re doing keto, paleo-ish, or just forgot to buy dessert, it can flex to your needs.
Ingredient Notes
Nothing weird, nothing fancy. Just a few basics that come together into something kind of fabulous.
- Apple: Tart or sweet, firm or soft—go for apples that hold their shape. Granny Smith, Fuji, Honeycrisp all work beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon: The warm, woodsy soul of this dish. Don’t skimp, and if it’s been in the cabinet since 2014, maybe splurge on fresh.
- Butter: Adds richness and a gorgeous glossy finish. Use salted if that’s all you’ve got. It adds a nice contrast.
- Sweetener (optional): Depends on your apple and your preferences. A drizzle of maple syrup, a spoon of brown sugar, or even a touch of monk fruit if you’re going sugar-light.
How To Make This Microwave Baked Apples Recipe
This is a “fake it ’til you bake it” kind of dish. Let’s walk through it, casually, like we’re chatting while it zaps.
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Chop the apple: Start by coring and cutting your apple into bite-size pieces. Keep the skin on unless you’re feeling extra. Smaller cuts soften faster, so it really depends how tender you want your end result.
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Assemble the goods: Toss your chopped apple into a microwave-safe bowl and add your butter (just plop it in—no need to melt ahead). If you’re sweetening it, now’s the time. Sprinkle the cinnamon over everything like a little spicy fairy dust.
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Microwave the mixture: Pop the bowl into the microwave and cook for 2 to 4 minutes. Less time gives you apples with some bite left, more time makes them soft and jammy. Check and stir halfway through if you’re impatient or worried about hot spots.
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Serve and swoon: Carefully remove the bowl (it might be hot—microwaves are tricky like that). Stir everything together a bit, then devour as is or add something creamy on top. Vanilla ice cream? Obviously. A dollop of Greek yogurt if you’re feeling virtuous?
Storage Options
Okay, so maybe you made a double batch—or you just got full halfway through (same). These apples actually keep pretty well. Let them cool to room temp, then seal them in an airtight container. In the fridge, they hang out happily for up to 4 days.
Warming them back up is a breeze. Just a quick microwave zap (30 to 45 seconds) should do it. Stir halfway through so you don’t get a weird cold cinnamon blob in the middle (ask me how I know).
Now, should you freeze them? Technically yes, but I wouldn’t. Apples don’t always freeze beautifully unless they’re swimming in sauce. These are best enjoyed fresh or within a few days, when they’re still juicy instead of spongy.
If you love using up produce before it turns, this is right up there with things like savory cornbread muffins that make a slightly sad crisper drawer feel redeemed.
Variations and Substitutions
There’s a tiny recipe hiding inside this one, just waiting to wear different outfits. Swap, twist, or zhuzh based on what you’ve got.
- Different fruit: Pears work surprisingly well. Slice them thin and treat them the same way. Extra juicy, soft, cozy.
- Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch and toastiness. Plus, they make it feel a little more like dessert-dessert.
- Spice it up: Try a pinch of nutmeg, a little clove, or Apple Pie Spice if that’s lurking in your pantry.
- Go dairy-free: Use coconut oil or a plant-based butter. It’ll still melt beautifully and carry that cinnamon flavor.
- Make it indulgent: Drizzle caramel sauce or tuck some chocolate chips in there before microwaving. Thank me later.
What to Serve with Microwave Baked Apples
This recipe is kind of a chameleon. It’s dessert, it’s breakfast, it’s a cozy snack. You name it.
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If you’re feeling fall vibes, a scoop of vanilla ice cream is practically written in the recipe. The contrast between the warm cinnamon apples and melty cold cream? I swear it slows down time. Or at least Monday night.
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Plain Greek yogurt works if you’re leaning breakfast-y. The tang hits differently and wakes it up. Bonus: you can pretend it’s super health-conscious.
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A spoonful of whipped cream doesn’t hurt. Ever. Add a shake of nutmeg and you’re suddenly in cozy holiday territory.
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Layered into a parfait with granola? Yes, please. Also makes a lovely Friday afternoon treat when you’re pretending not to refresh email.
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Or go refreshing with a twist. Pair it with something light like pan seared salmon and a simple green salad for a sweet finish to a savory meal.
Don’t let this one slip away — pin it now and thank yourself later!
Don’t let this one slip away — pin it now and thank yourself later!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any apple variety?
Technically, yes, but firmer apples give you better texture after microwaving. Tart ones like Granny Smith will hold their shape and add a nice tang. Sweeter apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji melt a little more and make it feel pie-ish. If your apple’s soft to begin with, you might want to microwave it a little less so it doesn’t turn into applesauce.
How long should I microwave the apples?
That depends on your texture goals. For apples with a little bite, go for about 2 minutes. For soft, nearly jammy apples, aim for closer to 4 minutes. Stir halfway through if you can—it helps cook everything evenly and avoids little burnt hot spots.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You sure can. The apples keep well in the fridge for up to four days. Just microwave them again before serving. They do get a little softer with time, but most of that buttery cinnamon flavor sticks around. Great for meal prep or last-minute dessert emergencies.
What toppings go well with microwave baked apples?
You can keep it classic with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, but there’s room to get creative. Caramel sauce? Amazing. Chopped toasted nuts? Yes, please. You could even pile them onto waffles or pancakes if you’re going real extra. I’ve also tried them with a bit of sharp cheddar—don’t knock it till you try it.
Cinnamon Microwave Baked Apples
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 apple Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp recommended. Leave skin on for more texture.
- 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) ground cinnamon fresh if possible
- 1 tbsp (14 g) butter salted or unsalted; can use coconut oil for dairy-free
Optional Sweetener
- 1 tsp (4 g) maple syrup or brown sugar adjust to taste; or use monk fruit/other sweetener for low sugar
Equipment
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Knife
- Spoon
Instructions
- Core and chop the apple into bite-size pieces, leaving the skin on if desired for more texture.
- Add the chopped apple to a microwave-safe bowl. Top with butter (no need to melt), sprinkle cinnamon evenly, and add sweetener if using.
- Microwave on high for 2 to 4 minutes: 2 minutes for tender apples with some bite, up to 4 minutes for softer, jammy texture. Stir halfway through for even cooking.
- Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave—it will be hot! Stir everything gently to combine the melty butter and cinnamon.
- Serve warm as-is, or top with vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt, or your favorite toppings. Enjoy right away!
Notes
Dairy-Free: Replace butter with plant-based alternatives.
Serving ideas: Amazing with ice cream, yogurt, or as a warm granola parfait. Great quick dessert or cozy breakfast!
