📖 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Yep, get that oven goin'.
2. Peel, core, and slice 6 medium apples. I like using a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balance of tartness and sweetness, but feel free to use your favorite kind. Aim for slices about 1/4-inch thick.
3. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. Make sure the apples are coated evenly, it makes a difference.
4. Pour the apple mixture into a 9-inch square baking dish. Make sure it's evenly distributed.
5. In a separate bowl, prepare the topping. Combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well.
6. Add 1/2 cup (1 stick) of cold, unsalted butter, cut into small cubes, to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Be patient, this step is important for the right texture.
7. Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts (optional). I really do recommend it. Texture is your friend.
8. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple mixture in the baking dish. Make sure to cover all the apples
9. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. The aroma alone is worth it.
10. While the crisp is baking, prepare the whiskey caramel sauce (optional, but HIGHLY recommended). In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of butter, and 2 tablespoons of whiskey. I’m partial to a good bourbon, but you do you.
11. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn the sauce.
12. Remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with the whiskey caramel sauce (if using) and serve warm. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing, but whipped cream works too. Or just eat it straight, that's fine too!