Microwave Cinnamon Apples in a Bag or a Bowl: A Quick Snack
Sneak Peek: Microwave Cinnamon Apples is a quick way to cook a quick snack of apples in a bag (or a bowl if you prefer). It takes about five minutes to prepare from beginning to end.

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What crazy thing do you eat when you crave something sweet but have no apparent desserts in the house?
One of my sisters confessed to eating dry cake mix. She made sure we knew that was a lo-o-o-o-n-g time ago. Doesn’t that make any confession easier when everybody understands it is ancient history?
These microwave cinnamon apples are a much better idea for a snack, especially in the fall and winter. Try them with pita chips, oatmeal, ice cream, or yogurt (my favorite since I make yogurt weekly). Read to the end to find out how to make an “Apple Bueno” or Cinnamon-Apple Burrito.
Happy Cooks Speak Up:
“Thank you for a quick and easy snack. I needed a light dessert to satisfy my husband’s sweet tooth after dinner. This was perfect. A dollop of light whipped topping (instead of ice cream) finished it off perfectly. I can’t wait to try it with pears!” —Susie
Recipe inspiration:
One night, when my sister was visiting from out of town, we had a severe hunger attack.
One of my co-workers mentioned microwaving a sliced apple as a quick addition to oatmeal or ice cream.
It sounded like the perfect topping for cinnamon chips, similar to the Apple Buenos we used to enjoy at Taco Bueno on Sunday nights after church. So, I tried it and was instantly smitten. I predict you’ll feel the same.
Is baking apples in a microwave safe using a zippered plastic bag?
When this post was first published, many people were concerned about the issue of cooking in plastic. I had already researched and knew that people who make the rules about this stuff say it’s okay. Now I’m going to refer you to another source that can explain the safety issues concerning zippered plastic bags better than I can.
Basically, they are saying…
“There are a lot of concerns when it comes to reheating food in Ziploc bags. Plastic releases chemicals in the food, which then enter the cells of the consumers’ body. These chemicals, mainly dioxin, increase the risk of cancerous cells in a person’s body.
However, Ziploc bags are safe because they are manufactured after proper research. The dioxins only release into the food when the food is heated using a high temperature, like 1,500 degrees F. However, the most powerful microwaves don’t reach this temperature, reducing the risk of harming the food inside the Ziploc bag.“
–Marie S. Sherman

How to microwave cinnamon apples:







The exact time will vary according to the power output of your microwave, the size of your apple, and the type of apple you use.


FAQ about microwaving apples:
How long does it take you to peel an apple? How long does it take you to gather sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch? Add two minutes to the answers to those questions, and that’s how long it takes. It’s less than 5 minutes for me.
My favorite is the freezer-quality pint-size Ziplock freezer bags.(paid link) If cooking in a plastic bag makes you nervous, see this article about the safety of such a practice. Unfortunately, pint-size bags can be challenging to find.
Absolutely. The only difference is that you must wash the bowl instead of throwing it away like you would the plastic bag. It’s a small sacrifice for most people. Warning: Use a MICROWAVE-SAFE bowl, please. Don’t risk shattering Grandma’s favorite candy dish.
Pears make a great substitute.
Only one. That’s why I call it a snack. But it wouldn’t be hard to scale up. Remember that the more apples you use, the longer you cook them in the microwave.
They are relatively low in calories. If you count sugar as unhealthy, substitute something like Stevia, Swerve, or whatever you favor. Leave the sugar out if your apples are especially sweet on their own. This recipe is gluten-free, as written.
As promised:
How do I make an “Apple Bueno?”
Follow the recipe below to cook the microwave apples with cinnamon. On a flat plate, spread fried flour tortilla chips (also seasoned with cinnamon) in a single layer. Pour cooked apples over all the chips and eat like nachos.

How do I make a Cinnamon-Apple Burrito?
Use a freshly made flour tortilla for the best burrito. You can even make flour tortillas yourself. (This homemade flour tortilla recipe is my favorite.)
After cooking the apples, pour them over a flour tortilla. You should be able to make at least two tortillas with this recipe. Roll them up and enjoy.
While you may have a snack habit you want to keep a secret, I hope you’ll share the recipe for these quick and easy Microwave Apples and Cinnamon.
Here’s another idea for using microwaved apples:
Looking for more quick snacks?
- Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt
- How To Make Microwave Brownies
- 5-Ingredient Greek Yogurt Waffles–Use these apples in the recipe or pour the apples over the top of warm waffles. Top with homemade creme fraiche.
If you have questions or suggestions, email me privately for a quick answer: Paula at saladinajar.com. Hope to see you again soon! Paula

Microwave Apples with Cinnamon
Ingredients
- 1 small to medium-sized apple
- 1 packet of sweetener or a teaspoon of sugar – I like Stevia
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Peel or don’t peel 1 small to medium-sized apple, core and slice or dice. Place in freezer-quality plastic zippered bag along with 1 packet of sweetener or a teaspoon of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon water.
- Seal the plastic bag and shake well to mix ingredients. (If you prefer, place all ingredients into a small microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely.)
- Reopen bag just a touch to vent. Microwave on High for 2 minutes– longer if you use a big apple.
- Carefully (it will be HOT and steamy) open bag and pour over plain or cinnamon-sugar pita chips, flour tortilla chips, oatmeal or ice cream.
Paula Rhodes, author
I’m a retired home economist, wife, mother, grandmother, and creator of Saladinajar.com. I believe you don’t have to be a chef to find joy in creating homemade food worth sharing. Here you’ll find time-saving tips, troubleshooting advice, and confidence-inspiring recipes to make life in the kitchen more fun, appetizing, and satisfying.