Apple Pie in a Cup

Savor the flavors of fall with this delightful Apple Pie in a Cup, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in a fun and portable way! There’s something truly magical about warming up a few simple ingredients on the stove and transforming them into a cozy, spiced dessert that feels like a hug in a mug. With tender, cinnamon-kissed apple bites nestled atop a crunchy granola or graham cracker base, every spoonful brings together the best parts of a classic apple pie—without the fuss of rolling dough or preheating an oven.

Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or hosting a small gathering, this recipe shines for its speed and simplicity. In under ten minutes of prep and just seven minutes of cooking, you’ll have a single-serving dessert that clocks in at around 250 calories—making it an ideal treat for those craving a sweet finish without overindulging. I still remember the first time I whipped this up when I was craving apple pie but didn't want to commit to an entire pie. This little cup of comfort became my go-to, and now I’m sharing all my tips so you can enjoy it anytime, any season.

KEY INGREDIENTS IN APPLE PIE IN A CUP

To craft this charming dessert, each ingredient plays a starring role in building layers of flavor and texture. From juicy fruit to crunchy crumbs, here’s what you’ll need:

• Apple

A crisp, sweet-tart fruit that softens into tender morsels when simmered. This is the heart of the dessert, offering natural sweetness and bite.

• Butter

Provides a rich base for cooking the apples, adding a silky mouthfeel and helping the spices bloom in warm fat.

• Brown Sugar

Imparts deep caramel tones and a molasses-like sweetness that melds perfectly with the apples, creating a sticky glaze.

• Ground Cinnamon

Infuses the filling with warm, fragrant spice, evoking all the cozy feelings of autumn.

• Nutmeg

Offers a subtle, nutty aroma and enhances the complexity of the spice blend without overpowering.

• Water

Helps to steam and soften the apple pieces, while preventing the mixture from drying out or burning.

• Granola or Crushed Graham Crackers

Forms a crunchy base layer that contrasts beautifully with the tender apples, adding texture and a hint of honeyed or buttery flavor.

• Whipped Cream (optional)

A light, fluffy topping that adds a creamy finish, balancing the spiced apples and crumbly base with cool decadence.

HOW TO MAKE APPLE PIE IN A CUP

From prep to plating, this recipe walks you through each essential technique so your dessert comes together perfectly every time. Follow these steps for a foolproof single-serving indulgence:

1. Begin by peeling, coring, and chopping the apple into small, bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform chunks so they cook evenly and finish at the same time.

2. Place a small saucepan over medium heat and add the butter. Allow it to melt completely, swirling the pan to coat the bottom evenly.

3. Add the chopped apple, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the melted butter. Stir to combine, ensuring each apple piece is thoroughly coated in the spiced, sugary mixture.

4. Pour in the water, giving everything another gentle stir. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the mixture simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the apples to soften and the flavors to meld.

5. Check the apples with a fork; they should be tender yet still hold their shape. If they seem too firm, continue cooking and check every minute until they reach the ideal texture.

6. Once the apples are perfectly soft and bursting with fragrance, remove the saucepan from heat to stop further cooking and avoid mushiness.

7. Prepare your serving cup by adding a layer of granola or crushed graham crackers at the bottom. This creates a crisp foundation that catches the warm juices.

8. Spoon the warm apple mixture over the base layer in the cup, allowing some of the syrupy glaze to drizzle through the crumbs.

9. If you like extra crunch, add another layer of granola or crackers on top of the apple filling.

10. Top with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence, if you desire a creamy contrast.

11. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious creation while it’s warm and comforting!

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR APPLE PIE IN A CUP

When it comes to serving this little cup of autumn joy, presentation and pairings can elevate your experience. Whether you’re hosting a cozy brunch or need a quick solo treat, these suggestions help you showcase the dessert’s full potential:

• Enhance with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic hot-and-cold contrast. The melting ice cream drizzles into the spiced apples, creating a dreamy sauce.
• Sprinkle on some toasted nuts—like pecans or walnuts—for an earthy crunch and a boost of protein. Lightly toast them in a dry skillet before adding to intensify their flavor.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce to amplify the dessert’s sweetness and add a luxurious, glossy finish. Warm the sauce slightly for easier pouring.
• Pair with a warm beverage, such as a chai latte or spiced apple cider, to complement the dessert’s flavors and create a truly cozy pairing that’s perfect for chilly afternoons.

HOW TO STORE APPLE PIE IN A CUP

If you happen to have leftovers or want to prepare components in advance, proper storage ensures you retain that freshly made taste and texture. Follow these guidelines to keep your dessert at its best:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container: Store the assembled cups (minus whipped cream) for up to 2 days. Seal tightly to prevent the granola from becoming soggy.
• Freeze the apple filling: Enjoy this dessert later by freezing the spiced apples in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
• Keep granola separate: If you know you’ll store leftovers, pack granola or crushed crackers in a separate bag or box to maintain their crunch. Add them fresh just before serving.
• Pre-portion ingredients: For busy mornings, chop apples and mix spices in advance. Store these prepped ingredients in the fridge, then cook and assemble in minutes when you’re ready.

CONCLUSION

There’s something undeniably satisfying about crafting a homemade dessert in mere minutes, and this Apple Pie in a Cup delivers on flavor, texture, and simplicity. Throughout this article, we’ve covered everything from the essential ingredients—like crisp apples, warming spices, and crunchy granola—to step-by-step instructions that guide you through each technique. You’ve learned how to layer flavors, achieve the perfect tender fruit, and create a delightful contrast between hot filling and cool whipped cream. The prep time of just 10 minutes and a quick 7-minute simmer make this treat a total beginner-friendly win. Feel free to print this article and tuck it into your recipe box for easy reference, or save it on your device for those moments when a sweet, portable dessert calls your name. Below, you’ll also find a handy FAQ section to answer any lingering questions you may have.

Now, it’s your turn to bring this cozy dessert to life! If you decide to whip up an Apple Pie in a Cup, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Did you experiment with a different apple variety or swap brown sugar for maple syrup? How did you garnish or serve it? Share your thoughts, questions, or feedback in the comments—whether you need a little troubleshooting advice or just want to brag about how delicious it was. Your experiences help everyone in our cooking community grow, so don’t be shy. Happy cooking, and here’s to many snug moments with your new favorite fall treat!

Print Recipe

Apple Pie in a Cup

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dessert

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 7 mins Total Time 17 mins

Calories: 250

Description

This charming treat boasts warm, spiced apples mixed with crunchy granola or graham crackers, all topped off with decadent whipped cream. A cozy dessert that feels just right for any season!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 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

• ¹⁄₂ cup granola or crushed graham crackers

• Whipped cream, for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Begin by peeling, coring, and chopping the apple into small, bite-sized pieces.
2. Place a small saucepan over medium heat and add the butter. Allow it to melt completely.
3. Add the chopped apple, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the melted butter. Stir to combine, ensuring all apple pieces are evenly coated.
4. Pour in the water, stirring once more, and cover the saucepan with a lid to let simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes.
5. Check the apples with a fork; they should be tender yet still hold their shape. If not, continue cooking and check every minute.
6. Once the apples are soft and fragrant, remove the saucepan from heat.
7. Prepare your serving cup by adding a layer of granola or crushed graham crackers at the bottom.
8. Spoon the warm apple mixture over the base layer in the cup.
9. If desired, add another layer of granola or crushed graham crackers on top of the apple mixture.
10. Top with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence, if desired.
11. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious creation!

Note

• Apple Pie in a Cup is a quick and easy dessert perfect for single servings.
• Experiment with different types of apples for varying sweetness and tartness.
• For a healthier version, consider replacing brown sugar with honey or maple syrup.
• This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to accommodate more servings.
• It’s a great way to use up extra apples and is perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in.

Keywords: apple pie, dessert in a cup, quick recipes, fall desserts, easy apple recipes, single serving desserts