01 -
First things first, get those apples ready! Peel, core, and slice your Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples into about 1/4-inch thick pieces. I usually aim for a mix of half-moons and smaller chunks for varied texture. Toss them into a large bowl with the granulated sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and that little pinch of salt. Give everything a really good stir until the apples are evenly coated. You'll see them start to glisten, and the smell of cinnamon will already fill your kitchen – honestly, this is where the magic begins!
02 -
Once your apples are beautifully coated, pour them into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread them out evenly, but don't press them down too much. We want some air in there for them to cook down nicely. Sometimes I'm a bit too gentle and the apples don't quite fill the dish, so I'll grab another apple or two. No biggie, just means more delicious apple goodness! This step is pretty forgiving, so don't stress if it's not absolutely perfect.
03 -
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and a small pinch of salt. Now for the star: add those cold, cubed unsalted butter pieces. Using your fingertips or a pastry blender, work the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining. This is where the *cold* butter truly shines, creating pockets for that fantastic crispiness! Finally, gently fold in your crushed cornflakes or shortbread. This is your secret weapon for that extra, glorious crunch.
04 -
Generously sprinkle the Double Crisp Apple Crisp topping mixture evenly over the apple filling in your baking dish. Make sure you get good coverage, especially in the corners. I always make sure there are plenty of those larger, buttery clumps because those are the bits that turn golden and extra crunchy in the oven. It's okay if some apples peek through; it just adds to the rustic charm. Don't be shy with the topping here; it's what makes this crisp so special.
05 -
Pop your dish into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 40-50 minutes. You're looking for a bubbling apple filling and a topping that's beautifully golden brown and incredibly crisp. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil, but honestly, I rarely have to do that because I love a deep golden crust. The smell that will waft through your house during this step? Absolutely divine, trust me, it’s pure autumn bliss.
06 -
Once it's out of the oven, let the Double Crisp Apple Crisp cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes. This cooling time is crucial; it allows the filling to set up a bit and prevents it from being too runny when you scoop it. Plus, it's still wonderfully warm! I usually can't wait the full 20 minutes before digging in. Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. That contrast of warm and cold, crisp and creamy, is what makes this dessert sing!