So I know posted my mom’s apple pie recipe a few weeks ago, but sometimes baking a whole pie is just not in the cards.

First, you have to prep everything and wait while it bakes and cools. There’s also the fact that while apple pie makes a great once-in-a-while treat, the fat and calories in the crust don’t give you a whole lot of nutritional bang for your buck.

The other night I finally tried out something I’ve been meaning to get around to for freaking ever. This snack (which could stand in for breakfast as well) combines the good stuff about apple pie and bypasses the oven—and the crust. 

Ingredients:

• 1 apple, chopped
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• cinnamon
• 1 tbsp raw oats

Directions:

1. Mix ingredients in a small bowl. I did this in a mixing bowl but you can do it in the one you plan to cook it in.
2. Place mixture into microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high 2-3 minutes or until apples are soft and oats have absorbed some of the liquid from the apples.
3. Add granola or other toppings.

I topped mine with some cottage cheese (no-salt added) because I needed some protein, but this would be great on its own or eaten with yogurt or vanilla ice cream or even milk. I admit, this photo is super-ugly, but it tasted so good, I don’t care. I’ll definitely be making this again.

Do you have a favorite shortcut dessert?