Microwave Baked Apple with Cranberries and Maple Syrup (Easy WW Friendly Dessert)

Some days I want apple pie more than just about anything else.

Not the effort of making it. Not the calories. Just that warm, cinnamon-spiced, sweet-tart apple flavor that feels like the coziest thing in the world on a cold afternoon.

That’s exactly how this Microwave (affiliate link) Baked Apple with Cranberries and Maple Syrup came into my life. I was craving apple pie one chilly November day close to Thanksgiving and needed something quick, simple, and satisfying—without blowing my points for the day.

I spotted this recipe while thumbing through a wonderful Weight Watchers cookbook (affiliate link) called Fruits and Veggies A to Z that I had picked up at a meeting years ago, and I’ve been making it ever since.

Four ingredients. Five minutes in the microwave (affiliate link). And every bite tastes like you worked much harder than you did.

I shared mine with Rod, who heartily approved. I have a feeling you will too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 5 minutes—no oven, no fuss.
• Just 4 simple ingredients.
• Only 103 calories per serving and WW friendly.
• Warm, naturally sweetened, and deeply satisfying—genuine apple pie flavor without the effort.
• Works as a dessert, a cozy breakfast, or an afternoon snack.
• Single serving—no leftovers to tempt you later.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Apple — Choose a firm baking apple that holds its shape under heat rather than turning to mush. Good options include Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, and Pink Lady. I used a Pink Lady here. Avoid softer varieties like McIntosh, which tend to collapse.
• Dried cranberries — Add a chewy, slightly tart counterpoint to the sweet apple and maple syrup. Raisins, dried cherries, or chopped dried apricots work beautifully as substitutes.
• Pure maple syrup — Just a teaspoon adds warmth and natural sweetness. Honey works too, or skip the added sweetener entirely if your apple is very sweet.
• Cinnamon — Just a pinch. It ties everything together and makes the whole thing smell wonderful.

How Many Calories and WW Points?

According to my calculations each one has just:

• Calories: 103
• WW Points: 2
  To see the WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
  (You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
• Old WW Points: 3 PointsPlus

How to Make a Microwave Baked Apple

Step 1: Core the apple, leaving the bottom intact so the filling stays put. Whether you peel it is entirely a personal choice—I usually leave the skin on. You can also slice the apple in half or into wedges if you prefer.

Step 2: Place the apple in a microwave-safe dish. Stuff the center with dried cranberries, drizzle with maple syrup, and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Step 3: Cover the dish, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.

Step 4: Microwave on HIGH for 2 minutes. Check for tenderness—the apple should be soft when pierced with a fork. Continue in 1-minute increments until done to your liking. Total time in my microwave is about 3 to 4 minutes, but this will vary depending on the size of your apple and the power of your microwave.

Step 5: Let it cool for a minute or two before eating—the apple and filling hold heat and can be very hot straight from the microwave.

Tips for Success

• Use the right apple. A firm baking apple is essential. Softer varieties will turn mushy rather than tender and holding their shape. Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Pink Lady are my favorites for this recipe.
• Don’t skip the vent. Covering the dish traps steam and helps the apple cook evenly, but leaving a small gap prevents pressure from building up.
• Start low and check early. Microwave power varies significantly. Starting at 2 minutes and checking before continuing prevents you from overcooking, which can make the apple collapse.
• Let it rest. A minute or two of resting time after cooking lets the heat distribute evenly and makes it much safer to eat.

Serving Suggestions

This is wonderful just as it is—warm, simple, and satisfying. For a little extra indulgence, try topping it with a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt, a small scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt, or a sprinkle of granola. Any of these additions will add a few calories and points but make it feel even more like a proper dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best apple to use for microwave baking?
Choose a firm apple that holds up to heat without turning mushy. Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, and Pink Lady are all excellent choices.

Do I need to peel the apple?
No — leaving the skin on is perfectly fine and saves a step. The skin softens during cooking. Peel it if you prefer a more tender texture throughout.

Can I make this in the oven instead?
Absolutely. Place the stuffed apple in a small baking dish with a splash of water in the bottom. Bake at 375°F for 30 to 40 minutes, until tender. For a slow cooker version, check out my Slow Cooker Baked Apples with Gingersnaps.

Can I substitute something for the maple syrup?
Yes — honey works well as a 1:1 substitute. You can also use a sugar-free maple-flavored syrup to reduce the points further, or skip the sweetener entirely if your apple is naturally very sweet.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Dried cranberries work best here as they soften nicely into the apple during cooking. Fresh cranberries are quite tart and have a higher water content—they can work but the result will be tangier and a little wetter.

More Apple Recipes You’ll Love

If you liked this microwave baked apple be sure to check more of my WW-Friendly apple recipes:

• Healthy Baked Apples — the classic oven-baked version when you have a little more time.
• Slow Cooker Baked Apples with Gingersnaps — tender crock pot baked apples with a warm, spiced crunch.
• Slow Cooker Apple Cake — a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert that practically makes itself.
• Slow Cooker Apple Cobbler — all the comfort of cobbler with almost none of the effort.
• CrockPot Apple Compote — a versatile, lightly spiced apple topping that’s wonderful on oatmeal, yogurt, or ice cream.
• Homemade Instant Pot Cinnamon Applesauce — fresh, simple applesauce ready in minutes with just a handful of ingredients.
• 4-Ingredient Microwave Apple Pancake Puff — another quick microwave apple treat, this one perfect for breakfast.
• Sugar-Free Sliced Apple “Cookies” — a fun no-bake snack that’s as cute as it is easy.