1-Getting started: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and positioning the rack in the bottom third for even baking. This step ensures the bottom gets that perfect golden touch while the top stays crunchy.

2-Dissolve cornstarch: You’ll dissolve the 0.5 teaspoon cornstarch in the 4 teaspoons lemon juice to help thicken the filling and keep everything from turning mushy.

3-Mix the apples: Add the 1.5 pounds of peeled and cubed Granny Smith apples and 1.5 pounds of Golden Delicious apples into the cornstarch mixture. Toss them with ⅜ cup granulated sugar, a pinch of salt, a pinch of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of ground nutmeg for that warm, spicy flavor. Pour this apple blend into an 8-inch square or 2-quart baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

4-Prepare the topping: Whisk together ¾ cup all-purpose flour, ¾ cup light brown sugar, ½ cup crumbled slivered almonds, ½ teaspoon salt, 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg in a separate bowl.

5-Cut in the butter: Cut in the ½ cup of cold unsalted butter cubes until the mixture turns crumbly this is key for that textural contrast.

6-Bake the crisp: Spread this topping over the apples and pop it in the oven for 50 to 55 minutes, until it’s golden brown and the apples are tender and juicy.