Name: No-Bake Apple Crisp for One
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 apple , peeled, cored, and cut into ¾-inch pieces; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons old-fashioned rolled oats; Pinch table salt; 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter , cut into 2 pieces

Why This Recipe Works

We found we could “bake” an apple crisp for one entirely in the microwave and achieve a crispy, crunchy topping and tender, juicy fruit. The key was to cook the topping separately and stir it regularly to achieve evenly golden, crunchy crumbles unaffected by the steam of the cooking fruit.

Before You Begin

We used a Golden Delicious apple for this recipe, but any sweet, crisp apple you have on hand can be used. We developed this recipe in a full-size 1200-watt microwave. If the wattage of your microwave is less than 1200 watts, you will need to increase the cooking times throughout. Be careful when handling the bowls for the topping and filling after microwaving, as they will get hot. This recipe is from Cooking for One, which includes more than 160 perfectly-portioned recipes for the solo diner.

Instructions

for the filling

Combine apple, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon in bowl and microwave until apple has softened and juices have thickened, 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool slightly.

for the topping

Meanwhile, mix flour, sugar, oats, and salt together in second bowl. Using fingers, rub butter into flour mixture until mixture has texture of coarse crumbs. Microwave until topping is golden, about 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds.

Sprinkle topping over apple and serve.