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Microwave Baked Apples stuffed with granola are an easy, healthy snack or dessert that's ready in minutes. They're like no-crust apple pie!
You may have heard about this Weight Watcher recipe because it's been around for a long while! It's like apple pie without the crust and is very quick to make.
Essentially, you core an apple, stuff the middle, and microwave the whole apple. You don't even peel it.
I've been making it for as long as I can remember because it feels like I'm splurging.
You can make it sugar-free, lower in carbs, decadent, and vegan. We outline all the variations below. Much like our healthy apple nachos, it's a fall treat you'll make again and again.
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Ingredients and Variations
Here's what you'll need to make baked apples in the microwave:
- Crisp, sweet apples, such as Honey Crisp, Royal Gala, Fuji, Pink Lady®, or Ambrosia, work best. If you love a tart apple like Granny Smith, go for it!
- Cinnamon, apple pie spice, or pumpkin pie spice give it the apple pie flavor.
- Granola or oatmeal to stuff inside. Other options: dried or fresh fruit and finely chopped nuts. For a decadent treat, fill the cavity with soft caramel candy cubes!
- Sweetener, such as honey, agave nectar, maple syrup, brown sugar, or any sugar-free alternatives such as Stevia, Allulose, or Monkfruit to sweeten.
Some people also like to add a little butter to the center of their apples.
It's easy to customize and make the ultimate baked apple! Use more or less of any ingredient based on preferences, the size of the apple, and dietary needs.
Please refer to the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and detailed instructions.
How to Make Baked Apples in the Microwave
Here's how to bake one apple in the microwave: (Directions to double the recipe are below.)
- Core the apple. Ideally, leave the bottom of the apple in place, so all the goodies inside don't ooze out. But don't worry if you cut all the way through. Chop off the bottom of the core and replug the hole.
- Note: You do not need to peel the apple!
- Helpful Tool: If you love apples, splurge on an apple corer. It's inexpensive and handy for making other recipes like crock-pot apple butter with no sugar. Otherwise, use a paring knife to cut out the core and a melon ball scoop to remove the center.
- Optional: Make the cavity opening wider for larger quantities of the filling.
- Remove apple skin around the opening. Using a paring knife or vegetable peeler, remove a small section of apple skin from around the cavity's opening.
- Sprinkle the cavity and peeled apple flesh with cinnamon and sweetener
- Fill the opening with granola, oatmeal, or other ingredients.
- Place the stuffed apple in a bowl and microwave it. If the apple is filled with primarily dry ingredients, then you don't need to cover it. It will sizzle, and juices will flow to the bottom of the bowl. However, if you fill it with juicy blueberries or caramel, cover the bowl or risk an ugly microwave explosion.
- Note: Do not cover with plastic wrap. It will melt. Use a microwave-safe cover or a paper towel.
How to Tell When It's Done
Cooking time is about 3 minutes in the microwave for a medium-sized apple.
The exact timing will vary depending on the size of the apple and the microwave's wattage. Cook in short, one-minute bursts after the initial cooking time.
You should be able to insert a fork into the skin!
Allow the cooked apple to cool for several minutes before enjoying it! It will be hot!
Scale the Recipe
To make more than one serving, prepare each individual apple the same way. Place apples in a large casserole dish that can be covered, and add another minute for each additional apple to the initial cooking period. Cook in short 1-minute bursts after that. Check frequently to determine when it's done. The skin will be fork-tender, and the center will start bubbling.
Serving Suggestions
Turn baked apples into an elegant dessert with these toppings.
- Top with whipped cream.
- Serve with yogurt.
- Serve with a scoop of ice cream.
- Drizzle with Caramel Sauce.
Save some filling ingredients to sprinkle over the top too!
Would you like more easy, healthy, carb-conscious recipes?
📋 Recipe
Microwave Baked Apples Stuffed with Granola
Ingredients
- 1 apple sweet and crisp, such Honey Crisp, Pink Lady®, Royal Gala, Fuji or Ambrosia
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 Tablespoons granola or oatmeal
- ¼ teaspoon honey maple syrup, agave nectar, or another sweetener
Instructions
- Remove the core from the apple using an apple corer or paring knife, leaving the bottom of the apple intact, if possible. If you cut all the way through. Chop off the bottom of the core off and replug the hole. Note: You do not need to peel the apple.
- Using a paring knife or vegetable peeler, remove a small section of apple skin from around the opening of the cavity.
- Sprinkle cinnamon and sweetener inside the hollowed out and peeled areas.
- Spoon granola or oatmeal and any other ingredients into the cavity.
- Place apple in a microwave-safe bowl (if the filling is mostly dry, then you don't need to cover it.) If you decide to cover the bowl, use a microwave-safe cover or paper towel. Don't use plastic wrap!
- Cook on high for 3 minutes or until the apple is fork-tender.
- Allow the apple to rest for about 2-3 minutes before enjoying it. It will be hot!
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published on 8/19/15 and has been updated to improve the reader experience.
Chef Guillaume says
3:00 minutes is good to cook the apple.
Consider plugging the top of the core as well as bottom to avoid boiling out the honey.
Roxanna says
Delicious. It satisfied my sweet tooth without the fat I usually consume in a sweet treat.
Julie says
So good. Had a craving for baked apples but didn’t want to spend an hour cooking them. Nice treat for my daughter who is vegan, and I.
Marjory says
Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Wendie says
Yum! I am heading to the orchard this weekend!
Angie says
Perfect, quick snack or dessert! Love that they're made super quick in the microwave!