📖 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish—I like to use a little butter, but cooking spray works too.
2. Peel, core, and slice your apples. Aim for roughly 1/2-inch thick slices. I usually listen to a podcast while I do this, makes the chore a little less boring. About 6-8 medium apples should do the trick.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Give it a good stir to evenly coat those apple slices. You want them all nicely sugared up!
4. In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour (if using), brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If you're using cold butter, it helps with that melt-in-your-mouth crumbly texture.
5. Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples. Make sure to get those crunchy bits to every corner.
6. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbly. The scent alone will be a good indication it's almost ready! I usually start checking at 40 mins.
7. Let the apple crisp cool slightly before serving. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream never hurts. Enjoy! But seriously, do not burn your tongue!