Made with tart apples, old fashioned rolled oats, cinnamon and brown sugar, apple oat crisp is an easy and delicious recipe that's the perfect dessert to end any dinner party.
Combine the sliced apples, ½ cup brown sugar, 2 Tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon in a large bowl.
Pour them into a 9" x 13" baking dish so they cover the bottom evenly.
Make the oat topping
Add 1½ cups brown sugar, 1 cup flour, 1 cup rolled oats, 1 cup chopped butter, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg to another mixing bowl.
Use a pastry knife or two knives to cut the butter into pea-sized pieces while combining it into the rolled oats mixture.
Sprinkle the rolled oats over the apples in the baking dish.
Bake
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until it is bubbling around the edges, the apples are soft, and the topping is golden brown.
Serve warm (or cold) with vanilla ice cream if desired.
Notes
Using half tart crisp apples (such as Granny Smith) and half softer, sweeter apples (such as McIntosh) results in a nice combination or texture and flavor.
For even baking, cut the apples into thin, evenly-sized pieces.
For firmer apples after baking, use larger slices (about 16 per apple). For softer apples, cut thinner slices (about 24 per apple)
For a less sweet filling, omit the sugar from the apple mixture.
For a crunchier topping, add 1 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans). These can be used in addition to the rolled oats or in place of them.