Apple Pie in a Cup

We're ending Apples week with a warm one. On Tuesday we made a cold parfait. Today it's apple pie in a cup: soft cinnamon apples, warmed in the microwave, with a crunchy crumble on top. It's cozy, it's quick and it smells amazing.

What you need

• 1 apple, peeled, cored and diced small

• 1 tablespoon water

• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

• A microwave-safe mug or small bowl

• Topping: 1 crushed graham cracker, or a spoonful of quick oats mixed with a little melted butter

• Optional: a spoonful of plain yogurt on top

How to make it

1. Fill the mug. Your child drops the diced apple into the mug. Count the pieces together, or just count scoops.

2. Add and stir. Your child adds the water and sprinkles in the cinnamon, then stirs.

3. Grown-up cooks. Cover loosely and microwave for about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, until the apples are soft. Every microwave is different, so check and add time in short bursts.

4. Cool it down. Stir, then let it rest for at least 5 minutes. Test the temperature before handing it over.

5. Crumble on top. Your child crunches the graham cracker in their hands and sprinkles it over the apples.

Why we love it

It's a fun way to compare: Tuesday's apples were cold and crunchy, and today's are warm and soft. Ask, "How are these apples different? Which do you like better?" Comparing and describing is a big early science skill. It's also a nice treat after reading The Apple Pie Tree on Thursday.

Make it your own

• Count to ten: Put in exactly ten apple pieces, just like today's book, Ten Red Apples.

• Add a berry: Drop in a few blueberries before cooking for a purple swirl.

• Make a big batch: Double it for the whole family.

A quick safety note: Microwaved fruit gets very hot and can heat unevenly. Stir well, let it cool, and test it yourself before serving. Handling the hot mug is a grown-up job.

Shop these items

Everything mentioned in this post, in one place. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

• Toddler bowls

• The Apple Pie Tree by Zoe Hall

• Ten Red Apples by Pat Hutchins

• Shop everything for Week 2: Apples

• Starter supplies: the basics we use most weeks

• See every week in our Amazon storefront

More for this week: see all our Apple activities, Letter B activities and Number 2 activities.

Every child is different. Please use your own judgment about what's safe and right for your family. Always supervise children during activities and while eating, and adjust foods for allergies, dietary needs and your child's age and chewing ability. Sprocket & Sprout shares these ideas for fun and learning only. We are not responsible for any injury, allergic reaction, damage or mess that may result from trying them. This post may contain affiliate links; if you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.