📖 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Trust me, a well-preheated oven is key to a perfectly baked crumble.
2. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work wonderfully). Aim for slices about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Mix the apple filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Gently toss to coat evenly. The lemon juice not only adds a nice tang but also prevents the apples from browning too quickly.
4. Prepare the crumble topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. I like to use a fork to break up any lumps in the brown sugar.
5. Add the butter: Cut in 1/2 cup (1 stick) of cold, unsalted butter into small cubes. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for that perfect crumble texture, so don't overmix! You want little pockets of butter that will create flaky layers as it bakes.
6. Assemble the crumble: Pour the apple filling into an 8x8 inch baking dish or a pie plate. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples, ensuring every apple slice is covered.
7. Bake the crumble: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it; every oven is different! If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
8. Cool slightly and serve: Let the crumble cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken slightly and prevents you from burning your tongue! Serve warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A little drizzle of caramel sauce never hurt either!
9. Pro Tip: If you want to add a little extra something, try adding 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to the crumble topping. It adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor that complements the apples perfectly.