This easy apple crisp recipe is incredibly straightforward, perfect for beginner bakers and busy individuals alike. Follow these simple steps to create a warm and comforting dessert:

1. Preheat your oven and prepare your baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This size is perfect for a family-sized crisp.
2. Prepare the apples: Wash, peel, core, and slice your apples. Aim for slices that are about ¼ inch thick – not too thin that they become mushy, but not too thick that they take too long to cook through. Place the sliced apples in a large bowl.
3. Toss apples with lemon juice and spices: Add the lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the bowl with the apples. Toss everything together gently until the apples are evenly coated with the sugar and spices. The lemon juice will prevent browning and add a touch of brightness.
4. Arrange apples in the baking dish: Spread the spiced apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour ¼ cup of water over the apples. This will create a bit of steam and ensure the apples cook through nicely and become tender without drying out.
5. Make the crisp topping: In a separate medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together to ensure they are well combined.
6. Cut in the cold butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender, your fingertips, or two knives, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to keep the butter cold – this is what creates the crumbly texture. If using your fingers, work quickly to prevent the butter from melting too much. You should have some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
7. Crumble topping over apples: Sprinkle the crumbly oat topping evenly over the apple mixture in the baking dish, ensuring to cover the apples completely. Don’t press the topping down; you want it to remain light and crumbly.
8. Bake until golden brown and bubbly: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly and tender. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the type of apples you use. To check for doneness, insert a fork into the apples – they should be easily pierced. The topping should be nicely browned and crisp.
9. Cool slightly and serve: Let the apple crisp cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken slightly and prevents burning your mouth! Serve warm, and for an extra indulgent treat, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.