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Warm Apple Crisp With Oat Topping - Cozy, Comforting, and Easy

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 6–7 medium apples (about 2 1/2 to 3 pounds; a mix of tart and sweet)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or 3 tablespoons flour) for thickening
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
  • Optional for serving: vanilla ice cream or lightly sweetened whipped cream

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9x9-inch baking dish or similar.
  2. Prep the apples: Peel (optional), core, and slice the apples about 1/4-inch thick. Aim for even slices so they cook at the same rate.
  3. Toss the filling: In a large bowl, combine apples with granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the apples are coated and glossy.
  4. Make the topping: In another bowl, mix oats, flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Add the cold butter cubes and rub with your fingers or a pastry cutter until coarse, pea-sized crumbs form. Stir in nuts if using.
  5. Assemble: Spread the apple mixture evenly in the dish. Sprinkle the oat topping over the apples, covering them fully but without packing it down too hard.
  6. Bake: Bake for 40–50 minutes, until the topping is deeply golden and the apple juices are bubbling around the edges. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
  7. Rest and serve: Let the crisp cool for 10–15 minutes to set the juices. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.