Apple Pie in a Cup Recipe

This Apple Pie in a Cup Recipe is your quickest and coziest shortcut to the classic dessert we all adore. Imagine layers of tender, warmly spiced apples nestled over a crunchy granola or graham cracker base, all served in a single cup for an easy, mess-free treat. It captures the soul of apple pie without the fuss of baking, making it perfect for those moments when you crave something sweet, comforting, and homemade in just minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients work harmoniously to create that quintessential apple pie flavor and texture. Each one plays a vital role in building the layers of sweetness, spice, and crunch that make this dish so special.

• Apple: Crisp and tart apples are ideal because they hold their shape while cooking, offering a lovely texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps meld the spices into the fruit’s natural sweetness.
• Brown sugar: Brings caramel Notes and moisture, enhancing the warm flavors of the apples.
• Cinnamon: The classic spice that instantly evokes the comforting aroma of apple pie.
• Nutmeg: Offers a subtle, nutty depth that perfectly complements cinnamon.
• Water: Helps steam the apples gently, ensuring they become tender but not mushy.
• Granola or crushed graham crackers: Provides a satisfying crunch base that contrasts beautifully with the soft apples.
• Whipped cream (optional): Adds a light, creamy finish for an indulgent touch.

How to Make Apple Pie in a Cup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and chopping your apple into bite-sized pieces. Choosing a firm variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp ensures that the apple bits hold their shape during cooking, creating that perfect ‘soft but not mushy’ texture.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

Place a small saucepan over medium heat and let the butter melt completely. The melted butter coats the apples, adding rich flavor and helping the spices stick evenly.

Step 3: Combine Apples and Spices

Add your chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the saucepan. Stir everything together so the apples are fully covered with the melted butter and spices, releasing that comforting apple pie aroma right away.

Step 4: Simmer with Water

Pour in the water, then cover the saucepan with a lid and let the mixture simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes. This steams the apples just enough to tenderize them without losing their bite.

Step 5: Check for Tenderness

Test the apples with a fork to ensure they are tender but still keep their shape. If they need more time, continue cooking and check every minute to avoid over-softening.

Step 6: Assemble Your Cup

Once your apple mixture smells heavenly and reaches the right texture, remove it from heat. Start your cup by layering the granola or crushed graham crackers at the bottom. This creates a crisp base that contrasts beautifully with the warm apples on top.

Step 7: Add the Apple Mixture

Spoon the warm apples over your crunchy base. For an extra touch of texture, add a second layer of granola or graham crackers atop the apples.

Step 8: Top and Serve

Finish with a generous dollop of whipped cream if you desire, then serve immediately for a comforting, quick dessert that feels like a cozy hug.

How to Serve Apple Pie in a Cup Recipe

Garnishes

While whipped cream is a classic, feel free to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or chopped toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans on top for a lovely crunch and festive appearance.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple hot cup of tea or coffee, making it an ideal finale to any meal or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming twist, try serving the Apple Pie in a Cup Recipe in clear glass mugs or mini mason jars to show off the beautiful layers. You can even add a cinnamon stick for stirring—both pretty and practical!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, keep the apple mixture and crunchy base separate in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the granola or crackers from becoming soggy overnight.

Freezing

Because the granola base loses its crunch when frozen, it’s best to freeze only the cooked apples in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Gently reheat the cooked apple mixture in a microwave or on the stovetop until warm. Then assemble again with fresh granola or graham crackers for optimal crunch and freshness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! Just aim for firmer apples like Fuji or Braeburn for the best texture, as softer apples might turn mushy during cooking.

Is granola necessary for the base?

Not at all. Crushed graham crackers or even digestive biscuits work just as well and offer different flavor profiles depending on your preference.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative and use coconut whipped cream or another vegan topping in place of dairy whipped cream.

How long does the recipe take from start to finish?

The entire process takes about 17 minutes, making it a fantastic last-minute dessert that feels indulgent but requires minimal effort.

Can this be served cold?

You can enjoy it cold, but warming the apple mixture really brings out the cozy spices and enhances the overall comfort factor of the Apple Pie in a Cup Recipe.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Apple Pie in a Cup Recipe, it will become your new go-to whenever you want a quick, nostalgic dessert that feels homemade and fresh. It’s simple, delicious, and brimming with all the warm flavors we love about apple pie—just served in a cup for ultimate ease and coziness. Give it a try and share the sweetness with someone special!

Apple Pie in a Cup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 21 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 1 serving 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This quick and comforting Apple Pie in a Cup recipe delivers all the warm, spiced flavors of classic apple pie in a convenient single serving. Tender chunks of apple simmered with butter, brown sugar, and warming spices are layered with crunchy granola or graham crackers, then topped with optional whipped cream for a delightful dessert that’s ready in just 17 minutes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Apple Mixture

• 1 apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon water

Topping and Base

• 1/2 cup granola or crushed graham crackers
• Whipped cream, for topping (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Apple: Peel, core, and chop the apple into small bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy eating.
2. Melt Butter: Place a small saucepan over medium heat and add the butter. Allow it to melt completely to create a rich base for the apples.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped apple, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the melted butter. Stir well so that all apple pieces are evenly coated with the sweet spice mixture.
4. Add Water and Simmer: Pour in the tablespoon of water and stir briefly. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the apples to soften and the flavors to meld.
5. Check for Tenderness: Use a fork to check the apples; they should be tender yet still retain their shape. If needed, continue cooking and check every minute to avoid overcooking.
6. Remove from Heat: Once the apples are soft and fragrant, take the saucepan off the heat to prevent further cooking.
7. Prepare the Serving Cup: Place a layer of granola or crushed graham crackers at the bottom of your serving cup to add a delightful crunchy texture.
8. Layer the Apple Mixture: Spoon the warm apple mixture over the granola or graham cracker base gently to preserve the layers.
9. Add Extra Crunch (Optional): For additional texture, sprinkle another layer of granola or crushed graham crackers on top of the apple layer.
10. Top with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra indulgence and a creamy contrast to the warm apple filling, if desired.
11. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately to enjoy the dessert warm, savoring the combination of tender apples, crunchy base, and creamy topping.

Notes

• Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor that complements the spices well.
• Adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to your taste preference.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure the granola or graham crackers are gluten-free.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture contrast between warm apples and crunchy granola.
• This recipe is easily doubled to serve more cups or adapted to a microwave method for even quicker preparation.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American