Classic Apple Crisp

Ingredients

Filling:

• 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping:

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces

• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional: walnuts or pecans)

Directions

1.  Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. Prepare the Filling:

   • In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss to coat the apples evenly.

   • Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

3. Prepare the Topping:

   • In another bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

   • Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If using, mix in the chopped nuts.

4. Assemble the Crisp:

   • Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple mixture, covering it completely.

5. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly around the edges.

6. Serve:

   • Allow the crisp to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for the Perfect Crisp

• Apple Selection: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor and texture. Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness and firmness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji add sweetness.

• Butter: Ensure the butter is cold when you mix it with the dry ingredients for the topping to achieve the perfect crumbly texture.

• Customization: Feel free to experiment with different fruits. Berries, pears, peaches, or a combination can be delicious.

• Nuts: Adding nuts to the topping provides an extra crunch and flavor. Walnuts and pecans work particularly well.