Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish. This will prevent the apples and topping from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Crumble Topping

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of white sugar, 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, and 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Use a fork or pastry cutter to blend the ingredients together until the mixture becomes crumbly. You want to create a coarse, sandy texture with small clumps of butter.

Step 3: Arrange the Apples

Peel, core, and slice about 4 medium-sized apples to make 4 cups of apple slices. Granny Smith apples are often preferred for baking because their tart flavor balances the sweetness of the crisp, but you can use any variety, such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. Arrange the sliced apples evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Add Cinnamon and Water

Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon evenly over the sliced apples to give them that warm, spicy flavor. Then, pour 1/2 cup of water over the apples. This helps keep the apples moist and juicy while baking.

Step 5: Add the Crumb Topping

Take the crumble mixture you prepared earlier and spread it evenly over the top of the apples. Make sure the apples are fully covered with the crumble, pressing down gently with your hands if needed. This will ensure that every bite is full of that delicious, buttery crisp.

Step 6: Bake the Apple Crisp

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender. You can check the apples’ doneness by inserting a fork into the center of the dish—if they’re soft, the crisp is ready.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Once the apple crisp is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm, either on its own or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast between the warm crisp and the cool, creamy topping is irresistible!