Apple Crisp with Oat Topping for 6 Servings: Golden and Crunchy

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Note: Ensuring the oven is fully hot prevents the butter from melting before it can crisp.
2. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and cornstarch until evenly coated. Pour the mixture into a 9x9 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
4. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or fingertips, rub the butter in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with a few pea sized chunks remaining. Note: Those pea sized chunks are what create the best texture.
5. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples without pressing down. Note: Pressing down creates a cake like crust instead of a crisp crumble.
6. Bake for 40–50 minutes until the fruit juices are bubbling around the edges and the topping is a deep golden brown. You should smell a toasted, nutty aroma filling the kitchen.
7. Let the crisp rest for 10 minutes to allow the sauce to set before serving. Note: This is critical; the sauce thickens as it cools slightly.