📖 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the crisp bakes evenly and the apples become tender without the topping burning.
2. In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. The lemon juice prevents browning and enhances the apple flavor, while the spices add warmth and depth. Trust me; don't skimp on the nutmeg!
3. Transfer the apple mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Make sure the apples are evenly distributed. Now, let's move on to that irresistible crisp topping!
4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, oats (if using), chopped walnuts, cinnamon, and salt. The brown sugar adds a caramel-like sweetness that complements the apples beautifully. Don't forget to add oats to make this even better!
5. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The cold butter is key to creating a flaky, crumbly topping. If the butter gets too warm, the topping will be dense and greasy, and nobody wants that!
6. Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apple mixture in the baking dish. Gently press the topping down to help it adhere to the apples. It's looking good already, isn't it?
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. You know it's ready when you can pierce an apple slice easily with a fork. Your whole house should be smelling amazing right about now.
8. Let the apple crisp cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to thicken slightly, preventing a soggy mess. Plus, it gives you a chance to prepare your favorite toppings. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is my personal fave.
9. Serve warm and enjoy. Feel free to add a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of extra walnuts for that extra touch of indulgence. You deserve it!