Warm Apple Crisp for a Crowd

Serves 6 · 20 min prep · 45 min cook

Ingredients

• 6 cups firm baking apples, peeled cored and sliced
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
• 1 pinch of salt
• optional vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish so the crisp releases cleanly.
2. 2In a large bowl toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch until every slice is evenly coated and the starch disappears.
3. 3Spread the apple mixture in an even layer in the prepared baking dish; the fruit should come nearly to the top.
4. 4In another bowl combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and pecans.
5. 5Add the cold cubed butter and work it in with your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture forms irregular clumps the size of peas.
6. 6Scatter the oat topping evenly over the apples, covering the fruit completely but leaving some larger clusters for crunch.
7. 7Bake on the center rack for 40 to 45 minutes until the topping is deep golden brown and the apple juices are thick and bubbling vigorously the edges.
8. 8If the topping browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
9. 9Remove from the oven and let the crisp rest 10 to 15 minutes so the juices settle and thicken further.
10. 10Scoop warm portions into bowls, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired, and serve family-style straight from the baking dish.