Who needs the warm embrace of a loved one beneath flannel blankets on crisp fall mornings when you can pull a comforting, warm apple crisp from the microwave? These three recipes are so delicious and snuggle-worthy, and you’ll fall even more in love with how simple and cheap they are. Better yet, each is vegan and gluten-free. All you need to make the most of one of fall’s sweetest natural treats is a microwave and a few pantry staples.
Tip: Hit up the Evanston Farmers’ Market for organic, local apples for just $1 a pound, or make an afternoon of it and visit a local apple orchard. You’ll leave with more apples than you’ll know what to do with.
Microwave Apple Cinnamon Crisp
Photo by Maggie Gorman
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
Crumble Topping
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (or vegan butter substitute)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons old-fashioned rolled oats (use gluten-free if necessary)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour if necessary)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
Apple Filling
1 medium to large apple, diced in ¼-inch cubes
½ tablespoon unsalted butter (or vegan butter substitute)
2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions:
1. Combine all crumble topping ingredients in a small bowl with two forks until they form a mealy mixture.
Photo by Maggie Gorman
2. In a medium bowl or dish, microwave diced apples and butter for one minute to soften apples.
Photo by Maggie Gorman
3. Add sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg, stirring to coat evenly. Sprinkle with crumble topping and microwave for about 2 minutes, watching carefully to make sure it doesn’t overflow. Serve immediately, with whipped cream or ice cream if desired.
Microwave Maple-Walnut-Raisin Stuffed Apple
Photo by Maggie Gorman
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3-5 minutes
Total Time: 8-10 minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
1 medium apple
½ tablespoon raisins
½ tablespoon walnuts, chopped
Sprinkle of cinnamon
2 teaspoons maple syrup, plus more to serve
Directions:
1. In a small bowl, cover raisins and walnuts with hot water, allowing them to soak until you’re ready to cook.
2. Wash your apple and carefully cut a circular incision around the stem, twisting to remove the core. Scrape out remaining core, leaving about ¼ inch at the bottom.
Photo by Maggie Gorman
3. Place apple in a bowl and fill with raisins and walnuts. Sprinkle with cinnamon and maple syrup.
Photo by Maggie Gorman
4. Microwave until apple is tender, about 3-5 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes and, if desired, drizzle with more syrup before serving. Insides will be piping hot!
Photo by Maggie Gorman
Easy Vegan Caramel Apples with Walnuts and Chocolate
Photo by Maggie Gorman
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Total Time: 16 minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
1 large apple
¼ cup walnuts, finely chopped
2 tablespoons vegan or regular chocolate chips, finely chopped
4 tablespoons vegan (organic) granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ tablespoons coconut cream (available at Trader Joe’s)
Pinch of salt
Directions:
1. Pierce the top of the apple with a wooden stick or butter knife to act as a handle.
Photo by Maggie Gorman
2. Combine chopped walnuts and chocolate in a small dish. Set aside.
Photo by Maggie Gorman
3. In a small pan over high heat, combine the sugar, vanilla, coconut cream and salt.
Photo by Maggie Gorman
4. Continue stirring as mixture starts to bubble, letting it simmer for about 45 seconds. Reduce heat and stir for an additional minute. Turn off heat and pour mixture into a small dish. Refrigerate until sticky, or about 10 minutes. Tip: If your caramel doesn’t really turn brown, it’s fine — it still tastes caramel-y!
Photo by Maggie Gorman
5. Roll apple in caramel until evenly coated, then roll in walnut-chocolate mixture to coat. Eat straight off the stick, or slice and serve!
Photo by Maggie Gorman