With Thanksgiving Break around the corner and fall coming to an end within the next month, here are some quick and easy dorm-friendly sweet treats to try out—no special equipment required except for a microwave!
Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats
As college students, I know a lot of us prioritize those five minutes of extra sleep in the morning instead of grabbing breakfast on the go! This pumpkin spice oats recipe is sure to keep you satisfied and energized during 8 a.m. lectures while maintaining a delicious autumnal twist. Feel free to substitute the oats with granola or cereal, and the milk with Greek yogurt if you have enough time to make this meal fresh in the morning.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of oats
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1/4 cup of (canned) pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon of assorted spices (cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon)
- A pinch of salt
- Toppings: raisins, dried cranberries, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, chia seeds
Instructions
- In a container, combine the oats, milk, pumpkin puree, syrup or honey of choice, spice mix and salt.
- Stir everything together.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- Add your toppings in the morning!
Cinnamon Mug Cake
A classic dorm room favorite, this warm cinnamon mug cake is the ultimate comfort food for late-night cravings. With its warm spiced aroma and soft, fluffy texture, this single-serving treat is ideal for those cozy moments when you need a little something sweet. Whether you’re pulling an all-nighter, winding down with a movie or just looking for a quick dessert fix, this cinnamon mug cake is sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons of milk
- 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 1/4 cup of self-rising flour
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except the flour to a large, microwave-safe mug.
- Whisk with a fork until combined.
- Add the flour and mix again, making sure everything is incorporated.
- Microwave for 90 seconds.
- Add chocolate chips and/or icing as toppings, if desired, and enjoy!
Apple Crisp
This microwave apple crisp is a twist on the classic dessert, and a quick treat for when you’re craving a taste of fall. Made with tender, cinnamon-spiced apple slices and topped with a buttery oat crumble, the dish comes together in minutes, and can be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
- 4 large Granny Smith apples—make sure these are cored, peeled and sliced!
- 3/4 cup of quick-cooking oats
- 3/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of melted butter
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of allspice
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe dish, lay out the apple slices, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Mix together the oats, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, allspice and flour in a bowl until well combined.
- Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apple slices.
- Cook in the microwave for 10-12 minutes, checking in periodically—once the apples are easily pierced with a knife, they’re ready to eat!
Apple Cinnamon Energy Bites
The ultimate on-the-go snack to fuel your day, these apple cinnamon bites are packed with fiber, healthy fats and natural sweetness. Whether you need a quick breakfast, a post-workout boost or a midday pick-me-up, this snack delivers a burst of flavor and lasting energy. Make a batch ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for whenever hunger strikes!
Ingredients
- 1 grated apple
- 2 cups of oats
- 1/4 cup of ground flaxseed
- 3/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 cup of almond butter
- 1/4 cup and 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, flaxseed and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the almond butter, honey, vanilla extract and salt.
- Add this mixture to the large bowl of dry ingredients and combine.
- Add in the grated apple, integrating it into the batter.
- Scoop the mixture into small bite-sized portions and form them into balls.
- Place these into an airtight container and refrigerate.
- Chill overnight and eat in the morning!
Written By Ariya Kukreja ’28, School of Architecture