📖 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial! A well-preheated oven ensures the topping gets nice and crispy.
2. Peel, core, and slice 6 medium apples. I usually go for Granny Smith, but a mix of varieties is fantastic too. Aim for slices about ¼-inch thick – not too thin, not too thick.
3. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Make sure the apples are evenly coated. This mixture helps to create a saucy base.
4. Transfer the apple mixture to an 8x8 inch baking dish. You can lightly grease the dish with butter or cooking spray, but it's not essential. I usually don't bother.
5. In a separate bowl, prepare the topping. Combine 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
6. Cut in 1/2 cup (1 stick) of cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry blender or your fingers. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs. I find that slightly softened butter mixes better, but its essential that the butter is still cold. If you're using your fingers, work quickly to prevent the butter from melting too much.
7. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples. Don’t pack it down; you want it to be light and airy.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the dish with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
9. Let cool slightly before serving. This allows the juices to thicken a bit. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Enjoy!