3 minutes

Stewing apples can be a labour of love. But what if I were to tell you there was a quicker way… Let me introduce you to my Quick Stewed Apples in the Microwave. They’re so worth it!

Don’t turn your nose up at the thought of using a microwave. Not only will it save you plenty of time but it can all be done in just 1 bowl meaning there’s far less washing up – and anything that involves less washing up is a big win for me!

Can You Stew Any Type of Apple?

Yes, but tart apples like Granny Smith or Bramley tend to stew well. Sweeter apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji can also be used if you prefer a sweeter end result.

How to Make Quick Stewed Apples

A detailed recipe with full quantities can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.

Step 1: Combine sliced, peeled apples in a bowl (microwave-safe, of course) with brown sugar, cinnamon, a splash of water and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Give everything a good toss so that the apples are entirely covered in the sugar and spice.

Step 2: Cover the bowl with a lid or plate and then microwave on high for around 2 minutes (assuming your microwave is around 800w).

Step 3: Remove the lid, being careful of steam and then give the applies a quick but gentle stir. Pop the lid back on and then return to the microwave for a further 2 minutes or so.

Step 4: Wait a minute for the apples to cool down, but also so all the flavours can meld and then serve as you usually would serve stewed apples.

Tweaks

My quick stewed apples are a pretty traditional combination of apples, brown sugar and cinnamon. But this method can be used with various flavourings. Give these a try:

Go Adult: Add a splash of brandy or rum to the apples instead of apple juice to turn these into boozy stewed apples.
Use Natural Sweeteners: If you’d prefer to avoid using refined sugars, then you can use either maple syrup or honey. If you want things a little less sweet, then try coconut sugar or stevia.
Add Vanilla: Vanilla works well with most stewed fruits, and it wouldn’t be a mistake to use it here. Just pop a pod in with the apples, and voila!
Go Richer: If you want to give your stewed apples a more velvety, unctuous texture, then add a knob of butter at the end and use the residual heat to melt it through your stewed fruit.

Can You Use These Stewed Apples for Pie Fillings?

Certainly! They might be a bit softer than traditional stovetop stewed apples, but they’ll be delicious in a pie. Adjust sugar and spices to your pie recipe’s requirements.

Storage

It’s easy to batch-cook these stewed apples. If that’s what you’ve done, then here are the best ways to store them:

Refrigerate: Place the stewed apples in a covered container, ensuring it’s sealed to prevent any odors from the fridge affecting the taste. They will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days.

Before using, give them a gentle stir to mix in any settled juices.

Freeze: To freeze stewed apples, allow them to cool completely. Transfer them to airtight freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Label with the date and contents.

They’ll remain in good quality for up to 3 months.

Reheat: To reheat, place the stewed apples in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in short bursts, stirring in between until heated through.

If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw them overnight in the fridge first, or add a couple of extra minutes to the microwave heating time, breaking them apart and stirring occasionally.