Apple Crisp

Ingredients

• 6 medium baking apples, peeled, cored, and sliced evenly
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• Vanilla ice cream, optional

Instructions

Follow each step in order. The directions below are written so a beginner can understand what to do, what to look for, and when to move on to the next step.

1. Step 1.Heat the oven to 350°F, lightly butter an 8-inch square baking dish, and set it on a rimmed sheet pan to catch any bubbling fruit juices.
2. Step 2.Toss the evenly sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, one tablespoon flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg until every surface is coated.
3. Step 3.Spread the apples in the prepared dish in an even layer, including all seasoned juices, so thick and thin pockets do not cook at different rates.
4. Step 4.Combine rolled oats, three-quarter cup flour, brown sugar, and salt, breaking apart every firm lump of sugar before adding the cold butter.
5. Step 5.Cut or rub the butter into the oat mixture until pea-sized pieces and irregular clumps form; stop before the topping becomes a smooth paste.
6. Step 6.Scatter the topping loosely and evenly over the apples without pressing it down, leaving a craggy surface that can become crisp in the oven.
7. Step 7.Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until the topping is deep golden and thick fruit bubbles rise around the edges and near the center of the dish.
8. Step 8.Cool for at least 15 minutes so the juices thicken, then spoon into bowls and add vanilla ice cream only when ready to serve.