Notes
For extra zing, add lemon zest. If you’re a fan of citrus flavors, add lemon zest to the filling! Or use orange zest. Citrus immediately adds brightness to the warm, earthy flavors in the apple filling.
The butter should be cold. If you want to prepare ahead of time, make the topping and then refrigerate it. The butter in the topping should be cold so that it holds its shape in big, crunchy pieces during baking.
Don’t be shy with the crisp topping. The crisp-chewy streusel topping with oats is a favorite, so don’t skimp! I call it a “too much is never enough” situation and tend to mound it pretty high. As the apples soften and release their juices, the whole thing will drop a bit and won’t be piled so high.
Switch up the spices. While I love the timeless combination of cinnamon and nutmeg, feel free to add ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom, cloves, allspice, or any other spice you enjoy.
