5-Minute Apple Pie
Apple pie fanatics… this is for you! With the same scrumptious aroma and flavors of freshly-baked apple pie filling, this simple rendition has even more a-peel-ing qualities you’re going to love: it’s made in the microwave, has a fraction of the sugar, carbs, and saturated fat, and takes less than 5 minutes to whip up.


Apple pie is arguably the most beloved American pie (who else loves that song?!), so I felt the pressure to make this simple version live up to the classic filling—bringing all the cozy texture, flavor, and feels we crave. Made with just a chopped apple, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, a small slurry and crumbled graham cracker, it couldn’t be any easier. If you give this a try, I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave me a comment and let me know if this 5-minute format hits the spot!


NOTE: If you’re making this for yourself, stash the leftover half (without the graham cracker) in the fridge, covered. When you’re ready to enjoy it, reheat in the microwave until warm, then add the crumbled graham cracker and optional garnishes just before serving. Solo satisfaction.
Don’t have a microwave, or prefer to use your stove? We’ve tested that out for you! Check our recipe notes below for the full details.
Want more pie? Try my Banana Cream Pie and Pumpkin Pie Shots!

5-Minute Apple Pie
Ingredients
- 1 apple finely diced, skin on
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon firmly packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons corn starch or arrowroot flour
- 4 cinnamon graham cracker squares (2 full sheets), crumbled
Instructions
- Place the diced apple in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the cinnamon and brown sugar, stirring until the apple pieces are evenly coated.
- In a small bowl or ramekin, dissolve the corn starch in water to make a slurry. Stir until smooth with no lumps, then pour it into the apple mixture, stirring to combine. This slurry will help thicken the apple mixture.
- Microwave the apple mixture for 1 minute. Carefully remove and stir, then microwave for another minute until thick and gooey.
- Stir in the crumbled graham cracker squares. Divide between 2 ramekins (~18 ounces each) or small bowls, and if you like, add a dollop of whipped topping and a sprinkle of cinnamon or apple pie spice.
Notes
• If you’re making this for yourself, stash the leftover half (without the graham cracker) in the fridge, covered. When you’re ready to enjoy it, reheat in the microwave until warm, then add the crumbled graham cracker and optional garnishes just before serving. Stovetop instructions: If you don’t have a microwave or prefer to use the stove, we’ve got a solution for you.
- Make the slurry: In a separate small bowl, whisk together 4 tbsp. water and cornstarch (or arrowroot) until smooth. Add this slurry to a small saucepan.
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Combine ingredients: Add the diced apple, cinnamon, and brown sugar to a the saucepan over medium heat. Stir to coat the apples.
- Cook: Stir continuously as the mixture heats. Once it begins to bubble, reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 3–5 minutes, until the apples are tender and the sauce is thick and gooey. You may need to cover the pan to ensure the apples cook through.
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Finish: Remove from heat and stir in the crumbled cinnamon graham crackers.
(If you want them crunchy, sprinkle on top instead.) - Serve:Divide into two ramekins or bowls and add whipped topping + cinnamon if you’d like.

I honestly think my husband is jealous of the way I love this recipe… LOL. As an apple pie enthusiast and a mother of three, it feels like this recipe was made just for me! I devoured it almost as fast as I baked it, and I’ll be cherishing its delicious memory… at least, until I whip up another one later today!! 😉 How does Joy do this?!?
Hi Iris. Hahah…your poor hubby! But who can blame you—this recipe is that good! We really appreciate your comments and strong endorsement. And we feel the same—Joy hit it out of the park with this easy and totally indulgent, gooey apple pie recipe. Maybe next time, you can make two and share the love?!?
—Team Joy
Piece of cake (pie) recipe. Here’s a hint on making the slurry: in a small jar put in the water then add the cornstarch or arrowroot – in that order – and then shake like heck. Works for making thickener for gravies and chowders also. Water should be room temp, but never warm or hot. Learned from my grandma. =)
Hi Sally. Thanks for sharing your grandma’s slurry trick! And I’m so happy that you enjoyed the recipe!
What a wonderful way to make an apple dessert for diabetics without pie crust and even better for us by using sugar-free brown sugar. Also, so nice not to hav leftovers. Thank you.
Hi Linda, We’re so happy you enjoyed it! And yes, the built-in portion control is a huge bonus. Perfect for a sweet treat that feels special but still fits into a balanced plan. — Eliza (Team Joy)
Store leftovers??? What leftovers!!! I ate every bit of it and can’t wait to make it again. Thank you Joy for sharing your delicious recipes on the Today Show.
Hi Joanne. Haha…yes, there are never any leftovers in our house either! I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed the recipe and that you’ll be making it again soon. Thanks so much for your kind words, and for tuning into the TODAY show!
I just made this and loved it so much. It’s healthy, not too sweet and delicious. I ate it all up quickly without the guilt of devouring a slice or two of apple pie. Thank you Joy for delicious and healthy recipes. I look forward to superfood Fridays on the Today Show.
Hi Charmaine. Thanks for tuning into the TODAY show on Fridays, and for taking the time to leave such a sweet review! I’m happy that you loved this recipe—it’s one of our favorites as well!
Great sweet treat without tons of work or leftover pie to deal with. I didn’t have cinnamon graham crackers but broke up some honey teddy grahams in it and it was great. Thanks for a quick healthier dessert for two.
Hi Deb! I’m so glad you enjoyed this simple apple pie treat, and the Teddy Grahams were such a clever swap. I really appreciate your wonderful comment and review. Thank you for sharing!
This recipe sounds amazing, and so easy! Can’t wait to try it.
Hi. We hope you love it as much as we do. Please come back to let us know what you think!
—Team Joy
Love this apple pie recipe!! It’s great for fall and very satisfying.
Hi Katie. We’re so happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe! Thanks for stopping by to share your thoughts!
—Team Joy
I was hesitant to make this because it just looked too good to be true…It was fantastic!
We loved it and will definitely have it again.
Hi. We’re thrilled that you decided to give it a shot, and even more so, that it was a hit! It’s always a big win when you find a recipe you want to repeat! 🙂 Thanks for stopping to leave a comment and review!
—Team Joy
Can I use something other than Graham crackers
Hi Kathy. Absolutely—here are a few ideas: granola, oats, toasted, chopped nuts, toasted seeds, any sweet whole grain cereal, or rice cakesl Feel free to brainstorm your own tasty swaps, too! We hope you enjoy the recipe!
—Team Joy
Joy, Thank you so much for your healthier delicious recipes. I have been following your recipes for a long time…thank you so much for your healthy twists on so many recipes. My husband Loves apple pie and this is such a good alternative!
Thank you so much, Lulu! Your comment truly made our day. ❤️ We’re so happy to hear that you and your husband are enjoying the recipes, especially the apple pie alternative—it’s one of our absolute favorites too!
— Team Joy
Can’t wait to get some apples so I can make this. Always looking for easy and not a lot of sugar.
Hi Sandy. Hope you love this recipe as much as we do! It’s easy to make and so delicious! Let us know what you think if get a chance to try it!
—Team Joy
Will this work with maple syrup instead of brown sugar? Has anyone tried that?
It works with maple syrup (as a swap for the brown sugar) –it’ll be a bit more moist, but just as delicious! Hoping you love it!
I made this tonight. It’s so delicious! It’s also very easy! Joy, I’m a big fan of your recipes!!
Thank you so much, Lori!! So happy you’re here 😉
Best apples to use? Can’t wait to try it.
Hi LeAnn! For this recipe, it’s best to use apples that hold their shape, offer natural sweetness, and give that classic pie flavor in just a few minutes. My favorite to use is honeycrisp, and my second fave is Fuji or Gala. But if you prefer “tart” apples… granny smith and pink lady work well. Honestly, use whichever apples you love or have on hand and it’ll be perfect. You can’t go wrong!
Absolutely amazing! I will never try to make a regular apple pie, that’s how easy this is‼️I am going to try make the mix for 8 and use it from the fridge when we want it!
Hi Josie! Joy is so happy to hear that you loved this recipe! We’re glad it’s a new, repeat recipe in your house! Enjoy! — Eliza (Team Joy)
Easy to make. Tastes good!
Hi Betty! Thank you for this glowing review! We’re always happy to hear that something is easy to make and tastes great! Mission accomplished 🙂 — Eliza (Team Joy)
Sounds really good and easy!!!
Hi Sandie! This easy recipe seriously delivers! If you’re looking for a quick, make-in-the-microwave treat, this is for you! If you decide to give it a whirl, let us know how it turns out! — Eliza (Team Joy)
I didn’t have graham crackers and substituted ginger snaps. Different but totally yummy. So easy and delish.
Hi Jan, What a smart swap…and a great complement to the apple flavor 🙂 Thanks for giving this recipe a shot! If you’re a fan of gingersnaps, you may also love Joy’s Ginger-Spiced Pumpkin Muffins! — Eliza (Team Joy)
Love this recipe, I am a senior who is trying to eat clean for both health and weight. Your recipes help so much, thanks
Hi Renee! So glad you loved this one! We’re thrilled the recipes are helping you on your healthy eating journey. Keep up the awesome work! And if you try more recipes, let us know how they turn out! — Eliza (Team Joy)
I’m gluten free & have gf graham crackers. I haven’t found them in a cinnamon sugar version. How much cinnamon & sugar should I add to get the same result? I sub arrowroot for cornstarch too. Cannot wait to make this.
Hi Karen, You can absolutely use the plain gluten-free grahams…it’ll be just as delicious! If you’d like a little extra cinnamon flavor, simply sprinkle on a tiny dash once the whole thing is finished. No need to add sugar, the recipe will still come out fabulous. Can’t wait for you to try it! — Eliza (Team Joy)
This pie looks amazing and so easy.
Thank you!!!
Hi Shirley! Thank you!! It really is such a simple (and delicious!) recipe. If you end up making it, we’d love to hear how it turns out! — Eliza (Team Joy)
Loved this recipe and it was so easy to make
Hi Kathleen! Thank you so much for your feedback. So glad you loved this one! — Eliza (Team Joy)
So good!
Hi Eileen, Thank you for your feedback…so glad you loved this one! — Eliza (Team Joy)
Joy,
Thanks for the recipe. I will definitely make this!
Carol R.
Hi Carol! You’re welcome! Let us know what you think. — Eliza (Team Joy)
Muy rico muchas gracias
Hi Soledad, So glad you loved this one! ¡Gracias a ti por probar la receta!— Eliza (Team Joy)
Can you do this in an oven? I don’t use a mircowave.
Hi Carol! Hold tight, Joy’s going to figure this out for you over the weekend!— Eliza (Team Joy)
Love this healthier apple pie swap!! I made this the other night and also added a handful of fresh cranberries – so good!!
Hi Lisa! Yum, that sounds amazing! The pop of tart cranberries with the sweet apples is such a perfect combo — love that twist! — Eliza (Team Joy)
I’m not a fan of Graham Crackers…what can I use instead of them?
Hi Jackie! You can use crushed vanilla wafers, gingersnaps, animal crackers (or any favorite cookie — there’s just a sprinkling for extra sweetness and crunch, so you’ll likely only need 1). …or even a sprinkle of granola. You can also swap some chopped nuts; anything from roasted peanuts to chopped/toasted almonds or pecans. Hoping you love this one!
Please post instructions for cooking it in the oven, if possible.
Thank you!!
Hi Marlene! We tested this out for you, and yes, you can make it on the stovetop. Here’s how to modify the recipe: On the stovetop, you may need to add up to double the water (4 tablespoons total) and keep the pot covered to prevent sticking. Cooking time will be slightly longer (~5 minutes). Enjoy! — Eliza (Team Joy)
Delicious little dessert
Grace! So happy to hear that you loved this treat. You’re so right….it is a delicious little dessert! — Eliza (Team Joy)