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Apple Crisp

Ingredients

For the apples

  • 4-5 medium apples peeled and thinly sliced (use 5 if they’re on the smaller side)
  • 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2-1 teaspoon vanilla extract I leans toward 1 teaspoon
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Pinch of kosher salt

For the crisp topping

  • 1 cup all‑purpose flour
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 stick (1/2 cup) cold butter, cut into small cubes

Instructions

Prep the apples

  • Peel 4–5 medium apples, then cut the flesh off the core and slice very thinly.
  • In a mixing bowl, toss apples with brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, vanilla, lemon juice, and a pinch of kosher salt until everything is evenly coated and starting to look a bit juicy.
  • Let the apples sit while you make the topping.

Make the topping

  • In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon; break up any brown sugar lumps with the flour.
  • Add the cold butter cubes and work them into the dry ingredients with your hands (or a pastry blender) until the pieces are about the size of peas and the mixture is evenly coated.

Assemble and bake

  • Spread the apple mixture evenly in a baking dish.
  • Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples so most of the surface is covered.
  • Bake at 350°F for about 40–50 minutes, starting to check around 40 minutes, until the apples are tender, the juices are bubbling, and the top is golden.

To serve

  • Let it cool just a bit, then serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

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