📖 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is CRUCIAL! Make sure your oven is properly preheated before popping the crisp in. This ensures even cooking and a perfectly golden topping.
2. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix) into about 1/4-inch thick slices. Don't make them too thin, or they'll turn to mush! Aim for a uniform size for even cooking.
3. Make the apple filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but adds a nice depth), and 1 tablespoon lemon juice (this prevents browning and adds a touch of tartness).
4. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all the apple slices evenly with the sugar and spice mixture. Make sure every slice is kissed with cinnamon-y goodness!
5. Arrange the apple filling in a 9-inch square baking dish or pie plate. You want a fairly even layer, maybe slightly mounded in the center, because the apples will shrink a bit as they cook.
6. Make the crisp topping: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup rolled oats (not instant!), 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark, your preference!), 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
7. Add 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes. This is where the magic happens. The cold butter is key to creating that crumbly, irresistible topping.
8. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Don't overmix! You want to see small pieces of butter throughout.
9. Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apple filling, covering as much of the surface as possible. Don't be shy! The more topping, the better, in my humble opinion.
10. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it towards the end. You want that topping to be perfectly golden, not burnt!
11. Let the crisp cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken slightly and prevents you from burning your tongue (trust me, I've been there!).
12. Serve warm, plain, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. The possibilities are endless! Enjoyyy.