Microwave Baked Apples: A Quick & Delicious Dessert Recipe

Craving a warm, comforting dessert but short on time? Look no further than microwave baked apples! This simple recipe transforms ordinary apples into a delectable treat in just minutes. Perfect for a cozy night in, a quick after-dinner dessert, or even a healthy snack, microwave baked apples are incredibly versatile and easy to customize. Forget lengthy oven baking – this method delivers all the satisfying flavors of traditional baked apples with minimal effort.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create perfectly microwaved baked apples every time. We’ll cover ingredient selection, detailed step-by-step instructions, helpful tips and tricks, variations to suit your taste, and even suggestions for serving. Get ready to enjoy a warm, spiced apple treat in the blink of an eye!

Why Microwave Baked Apples?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why microwave baked apples are such a fantastic option:

* **Speed:** The most obvious benefit is the speed. You can have a warm, delicious dessert ready in under 10 minutes, start to finish.
* **Convenience:** No need to preheat the oven or use multiple pots and pans. The microwave makes cleanup a breeze.
* **Portion Control:** It’s easy to make just one or two apples, making it a great option for single servings or smaller households.
* **Healthy-ish:** While we’re adding some sweetness, apples are naturally packed with fiber and vitamins. This dessert is a healthier alternative to many other sugary treats.
* **Customizable:** The recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can adjust the spices, fillings, and toppings to create your perfect baked apple.
* **Beginner-Friendly:** This recipe is practically foolproof. Even if you’re a novice cook, you can easily master the art of microwave baked apples.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the basic ingredients you’ll need. Remember, you can adjust these based on your preferences!

* **Apples:** Choose firm, baking-friendly apples. Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Braeburn, or Granny Smith apples are all excellent choices. Avoid apples that are too soft or mealy.
* **Butter:** Butter adds richness and flavor. You can use salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference. If using salted butter, you may want to reduce the amount of added salt.
* **Brown Sugar:** Brown sugar provides a warm, molasses-like sweetness. Light or dark brown sugar will work; dark brown sugar will give a richer flavor.
* **Cinnamon:** Cinnamon is the quintessential spice for baked apples. Feel free to add other spices as well (more on that later).
* **Water (or Apple Juice):** A little liquid helps create steam and keeps the apples from drying out in the microwave.

**Optional Ingredients (for the Filling):**

* **Oats:** Rolled oats add texture and a bit of heartiness to the filling.
* **Nuts:** Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds add a nutty crunch.
* **Raisins or Dried Cranberries:** These add a chewy sweetness.
* **Maple Syrup:** For an extra touch of maple flavor.
* **Caramel Sauce:** A drizzle of caramel sauce takes these to the next level.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Because why not?

**Optional Toppings:**

* **Whipped Cream:** A classic topping that adds coolness and creaminess.
* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** Another excellent choice for a cool and contrasting flavor.
* **Caramel Sauce:** An extra drizzle never hurts!
* **Chopped Nuts:** For added crunch.
* **Cinnamon Sugar:** A simple and sweet topping.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Microwave:** Obviously!
* **Microwave-Safe Dish:** A small, microwave-safe dish or bowl that’s large enough to hold the apple(s).
* **Knife:** For coring and slicing the apples.
* **Spoon:** For mixing the filling and topping the apples.
* **Measuring Spoons:** For measuring the spices and sugar.
* **Apple Corer (Optional):** Makes coring the apples easier, but a knife works just fine.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now for the fun part! Here’s how to make microwave baked apples:

**Step 1: Prepare the Apples**

* Wash the apples thoroughly.
* Using a knife or apple corer, carefully remove the core from each apple, leaving the bottom intact. You want to create a well in the center of the apple to hold the filling. Be careful not to cut all the way through the bottom of the apple, as you want the filling to stay inside.
* Optional: If you want the apple to cook more evenly, you can score the skin around the circumference of the apple with a knife. This will help prevent the skin from bursting in the microwave.

**Step 2: Make the Filling**

* In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well until it forms a crumbly paste.
* If using, add any optional filling ingredients, such as oats, nuts, raisins, maple syrup, or chocolate chips. Mix well to combine.

**Step 3: Fill the Apples**

* Spoon the filling mixture into the hollowed-out cores of the apples, packing it in firmly. Don’t overfill the apples, as the filling will expand slightly during cooking.

**Step 4: Add Water (or Apple Juice)**

* Place the filled apples in the microwave-safe dish.
* Pour about 2-3 tablespoons of water or apple juice into the bottom of the dish around the apples. This will create steam and help the apples cook evenly.

**Step 5: Microwave the Apples**

* Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or a piece of microwave-safe plastic wrap. If using plastic wrap, be sure to vent it by poking a few holes in it to allow steam to escape.
* Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and type of apple, as well as the power of your microwave.
* Start checking the apples after 3 minutes. If they are not tender enough, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until they reach the desired consistency.

**Step 6: Let Cool Slightly**

* Carefully remove the dish from the microwave. Be cautious, as the dish and the apples will be very hot.
* Let the apples cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to set slightly and prevent you from burning your mouth.

**Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Serve the microwave baked apples warm, with your favorite toppings. Whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar are all excellent choices.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Microwave Baked Apples

* **Choose the Right Apples:** As mentioned earlier, select firm, baking-friendly apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Braeburn, or Granny Smith. These apples hold their shape well during cooking and have a delicious flavor.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked apples will become mushy and lose their texture. Start checking the apples after 3 minutes and continue microwaving in short intervals until they are just tender.
* **Adjust Cooking Time Based on Apple Size:** Larger apples will require longer cooking times than smaller apples. Adjust the microwaving time accordingly.
* **Use a Microwave-Safe Dish:** Make sure the dish you use is microwave-safe to prevent it from cracking or melting.
* **Vent the Plastic Wrap (If Using):** If you’re using plastic wrap to cover the dish, be sure to vent it to allow steam to escape. This will prevent the plastic wrap from bursting and creating a mess.
* **Add a Pinch of Salt:** A small pinch of salt in the filling helps to enhance the sweetness of the apples and balance the flavors.
* **Soften the Butter:** Softened butter is easier to mix with the other filling ingredients. You can soften the butter by leaving it at room temperature for a few minutes or microwaving it on low power for a few seconds.
* **Experiment with Spices:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices to create your own unique flavor combinations. Nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice are all delicious additions to baked apples.
* **Add a Splash of Lemon Juice:** A splash of lemon juice in the filling helps to brighten the flavor and prevent the apples from browning.
* **Let the Apples Cool Slightly Before Serving:** This allows the filling to set and prevents you from burning your mouth.

Variations on Microwave Baked Apples

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some variations to inspire you:

* **Caramel Apple:** Add a tablespoon of caramel sauce to the filling and drizzle with more caramel sauce after cooking.
* **Peanut Butter Apple:** Mix a tablespoon of peanut butter into the filling for a nutty and creamy treat.
* **Chocolate Chip Apple:** Add a handful of chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent dessert.
* **Maple Pecan Apple:** Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar in the filling and add chopped pecans.
* **Cranberry Walnut Apple:** Add dried cranberries and chopped walnuts to the filling for a festive and flavorful apple.
* **Apple Pie Apple:** Add a pinch of apple pie spice to the filling for a classic apple pie flavor.
* **Vegan Baked Apples:** Use vegan butter or coconut oil in place of butter and maple syrup instead of brown sugar. Ensure any optional ingredients, like chocolate chips, are also vegan.
* **Sugar-Free Baked Apples:** Use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol instead of brown sugar. Be mindful that some sugar substitutes may not caramelize like brown sugar.

## Serving Suggestions

Microwave baked apples are delicious on their own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience:

* **With Whipped Cream:** A classic pairing that adds coolness and creaminess.
* **With Vanilla Ice Cream:** Another excellent choice for a cool and contrasting flavor.
* **With Caramel Sauce:** An extra drizzle never hurts!
* **With Chopped Nuts:** For added crunch.
* **With Cinnamon Sugar:** A simple and sweet topping.
* **With Yogurt:** For a healthier option, top with Greek yogurt or plain yogurt.
* **As a Topping for Oatmeal or Yogurt:** Dice the baked apple and add it to your morning oatmeal or yogurt for a warm and flavorful breakfast.
* **As a Side Dish:** Serve baked apples as a side dish with roasted pork or chicken.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)**

Nutritional information will vary depending on the ingredients and portion sizes used. However, a single microwave baked apple (without toppings) typically contains:

* Calories: 150-200
* Fat: 5-10g
* Saturated Fat: 3-6g
* Cholesterol: 15-30mg
* Sodium: 50-100mg
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Fiber: 4-5g
* Sugar: 20-30g
* Protein: 1-2g

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

* **Can I use any type of apple?**
* While you can technically use any type of apple, firm, baking-friendly apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Braeburn, or Granny Smith are recommended for the best results. Softer apples may become mushy during cooking.
* **How long do microwave baked apples last?**
* Microwave baked apples are best enjoyed immediately. However, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the microwave before serving.
* **Can I freeze microwave baked apples?**
* Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the apples may change and become mushy upon thawing.
* **My apples are bursting in the microwave! What am I doing wrong?**
* Make sure you’re scoring the skin around the circumference of the apple before microwaving. This will help prevent the skin from bursting. Also, ensure you are venting the plastic wrap (if using) to allow steam to escape.
* **Can I use a different type of sugar?**
* Yes, you can experiment with different types of sugar. White sugar will work, but it won’t provide the same warm, molasses-like flavor as brown sugar. Maple syrup or honey can also be used as substitutes.
* **What if I don’t have brown sugar?**
* You can create a substitute for brown sugar by mixing white sugar with molasses. For every cup of light brown sugar, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses. For dark brown sugar, use 2 tablespoons of molasses.
* **Can I add alcohol to the filling?**
* Yes, a tablespoon of rum, bourbon, or apple brandy can add a delicious depth of flavor to the filling. Add it along with the other filling ingredients.
* **My microwave is very powerful/weak, how do I adjust the timing?**
* For a powerful microwave, start with the minimum cooking time (3 minutes) and check frequently, adding 30-second intervals as needed. For a weaker microwave, you may need to extend the cooking time beyond 5 minutes, checking for tenderness.

## Conclusion

Microwave baked apples are a quick, easy, and delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy a warm, comforting treat in minutes. So next time you’re craving something sweet but short on time, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!