Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking dish or an equivalent-sized baking dish.

Prepare the Apple Filling:

Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, even slices. Place the apple slices in a large mixing bowl.

Drizzle the lemon juice over the apples to prevent browning and to add a slight tartness.

Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), flour, and vanilla extract to the apples. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated with the mixture.

Transfer to Baking Dish:

Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Make the Crumble Topping:

In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.

Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers, cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be well incorporated, with some pea-sized pieces remaining for a crumbly texture.

If using, stir in the chopped nuts to add a crunchy texture to the topping.

Assemble the Crumble:

Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the apple filling in the baking dish. Make sure the apples are completely covered.

Bake:

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly around the edges.

If the topping browns too quickly, you can cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

Cool and Serve:

Remove the crumble from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to thicken slightly and make it easier to serve.

Serve warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce if desired.

Store Leftovers:

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or enjoy cold.

Tips for the Best Apple Cinnamon Crumble:

Apple Variety: For the best flavor and texture, use a mix of tart and sweet apples. Granny Smith apples are a classic choice for their tartness and firmness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples add a nice sweetness.

Topping: For a slightly different texture, you can substitute some of the flour in the topping with almond flour or whole wheat flour.

Spices: Adjust the spices to your taste. If you love the warmth of spices, increase the amount of cinnamon or add a pinch of allspice or cloves.

Nuts: Adding nuts to the crumble topping provides extra crunch and a rich, nutty flavor. Pecans and walnuts are particularly delicious, but you can experiment with your favorite nuts.

Serving: Apple Cinnamon Crumble is best served warm, but it's also delicious at room temperature or even cold. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of custard.