5-Minute Apple Pie in a Cup

Craving apple pie but don’t want to bake a whole one? This 5-minute apple pie in a cup gives you tender cinnamon apples and a buttery oat crumble in a single serving.

It’s all done in the microwave, so you can have it hot and ready before the ice cream even melts. No rolling pins, no lattice crust. Just a mug, a spoon, and the best part of pie.

Why This Apple Pie Cup Works

The diced apple cooks in just a couple of minutes, turning glossy and tender without getting mushy. A little flour in the filling thickens the juices into a quick pie-like sauce.

On top, the oat crumble gets golden and crisp around the edges, much like a real baked crisp. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and you get that hot-and-cold contrast that makes apple pie so good.

Ingredients

• 1 small apple: crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith; diced into 1/4-inch pieces.
• 1/2 tablespoon all-purpose flour: helps thicken the apple filling.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: for the crumble topping.
• 1 tablespoon old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cold
• Vanilla ice cream, for serving: a big scoop right before you eat.

Variations / Substitutions

• Swap the apple for a pear: ripe Bartlett pears work well; keep the dice small so they cook through in the same time.
• Go gluten-free: use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
• Make it dairy-free: replace the butter with an equal amount of solid coconut oil; the crumble will be a little less rich but still crunchy.
• Warm up the spices: add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom alongside the cinnamon.

For a traditional pie, try my Classic Apple Pie recipe.

How to Make Apple Pie in a Cup

Step 1: Mix the apple filling

Dice the apple and toss it in a small bowl with the 1/2 tablespoon flour, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, pinch of nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon softened butter until everything is evenly coated. The apples will look slightly glossy and smell like cinnamon.

Step 2: Make the crumble topping

In another small bowl, combine the 1 tablespoon flour, oats, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and pinch of salt. Cut in the cold tablespoon of butter using a fork or your fingers until the mixture looks like wet sand with some pea-sized bits. Those uneven clumps will bake up into crispy bits.

Step 3: Assemble and microwave

Scoop the apple mixture into a microwave-safe mug or ramekin. Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the top. Microwave on high for 1 minute 30 seconds to 2 minutes 30 seconds, until the apples are fork-tender and the topping is set and lightly crisp. Let the cup sit for a minute after microwaving because it will be extremely hot.

Step 4: Finish with a scoop

Spoon a big scoop of vanilla ice cream right on top. The ice cream will start to melt into the warm crumble. Eat straight from the cup while it’s hot.

A Few Tips Before You Start

• Start checking the apples at 1 minute 30 seconds; every microwave is different. They should be fork-tender but not falling apart.
• For extra crunch, if your mug is oven-safe, slide it under the broiler for 30 seconds after microwaving to crisp the topping even more.
• Dark brown sugar in the crumble gives a deeper molasses note that tastes like a pie that baked for an hour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to peel the apple?

No, the peel softens enough in the microwave and adds a little texture, but peel it if you prefer a smoother filling.

Can I make this in the oven instead of the microwave?

Yes, you can bake it in an oven-safe ramekin at 375°F for about 15 minutes, until the apples are tender and the topping is golden. Add a few extra minutes of prep time.

Can I use quick-cooking oats?

Quick-cooking oats work but the topping will be less chewy and may not get as crunchy. Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best texture.

Can I prep the components ahead of time?

You can dice the apple and mix the dry crumble ingredients earlier in the day. When you’re ready, add the butter to the crumble and microwave. Do not assemble until right before cooking or the topping will get soggy.

Can I double the recipe?

For two servings, double everything and use two separate mugs or a larger microwave-safe dish. The cook time will be slightly longer, around 3 to 4 minutes, so check often.

Apple Pie in a Cup Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 3 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings: 1 servings

Calories: 520

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 small apple, diced into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1/2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cold
• Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Method

 

1. In a small bowl, toss the diced apple with 1/2 tablespoon flour, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, pinch of nutmeg, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon softened butter until evenly coated.
2. In a separate bowl, combine 1 tablespoon flour, oats, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold tablespoon of butter with a fork or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Transfer the apple mixture to a microwave-safe mug or ramekin. Sprinkle the crumble evenly on top. Microwave on high for 1 minute 30 seconds to 2 minutes 30 seconds, until the apples are tender and the topping is set. Let it rest for 1 minute.
4. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and serve immediately.

Notes

The mug will be very hot after microwaving, so handle it with an oven mitt or a kitchen towel.