A buttery crisp topping that's like a delicious oatmeal cookie, bakes on top of juicy apples, in perfect proportion. Top this with ice cream and you'll have everything you've dreamed of in a baked apple dessert.
Make the topping: In a medium mixing bowl combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon.
Using your hands or a hand mixer, mix in the butter until completely combined. Drizzle in milk and mix until a soft oatmeal cookie dough texture forms. Set aside.
Heat the oven to 350ºF with rack in the middle.
Make apple filling: Peel and core apples. Cut into thin slices or small dice. In a bowl toss the apples with the lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon and cornstarch.
Transfer apples to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Spread into an even layer.
Top with the oat topping then bake for 40 minutes. Cover with foil if the topping is getting too brown. Bake another 20 minutes covered, until apples are tender and juices are bubbling.
Let cool 15 or 20 minutes to allow the juices to thicken a bit. Serve warm or room temperature with ice cream.
Notes
You can peel the apples like I do, or leave the skins on if that's your preference.Make a mixed berry crisp with this topping. You can try the filling I use for my Razzleberry Pie.Make a rhubarb crisp with a similar topping!