1tablespoon(15g)unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
Crumble Topping
1cup(142g)all-purpose flour
⅓cup(67g)dark brown sugar, packed
2tablespoons(25g)granulated sugar
¾teaspoon(3g)baking powder
¾teaspoon(2g)cinnamon
½teaspoon(2g)kosher salt
6tablespoons(84g)unsalted butter, melted
2teaspoons(10ml)vanilla extract
Instructions
Heat the Oven - Set the oven rack to the center position. Heat to 375ºF (191ºC).
Prepare the Apples - Peel, core, and cut the apples into about 1/2-inch thick slices.
Mix the Apple Filling - In a large bowl, stir to combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Sauté the Apple Filling - In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the apple mixture and sauté until crisp-tender and most of the moisture has released, about 15-20 minutes.
Add Apples to Baking Dish - Lightly butter the bottom and sides of an 8x8-inch baking dish. Evenly spread the cooked apples inside.
Make the Crumble Topping - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Add the melted butter and vanilla. Stir with a spatula to combine, then press into large clumps.
Add the Topping - Evenly scatter the topping over the pre-cooked apples. Break them into dime-sized pieces, with some smaller ones.
Bake - Place the baking dish on a sheet pan. Bake until the topping is golden brown and crisp, about 30-35 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for about 30 to 45 minutes. This lets the topping become crispier and the filling set.
To Serve - Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
Apple Substitutes: Golden Delicious, Fuji, Braeburn, Gala, or McIntosh apples taste similar to Honeycrisp. Use Granny Smith apples for a tarter flavor.
Stronger Spiced Filling: Increase the cinnamon to 1 teaspoon, nutmeg to 1/2 teaspoon, and salt to 1/4 teaspoon.
Make-Ahead: Refrigerate the crumble topping for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Make it in a Skillet: Bake in an 8- to 10-inch cast iron pan.
Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free flour.
Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut oil instead of butter.
Storing: Cool completely, then cover with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Heat individual portions in the microwave in 15- to 30-second intervals until warm. You can bake the whole dish at 350ºF (177ºC) until the top is crisp and the filling is warm.