Preheat the oven to 350F/177C. Prepare a large casserole pan for the dessert.

First, prepare the apples. Peel and cut the apples to a medium dice – not too small or too big. (Unpeeled apples will also work.) Place the chopped apples into a large mixing bowl and add the lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, sugar and cornstarch. Use a large spoon to toss the apples until they’re well coated. Transfer the apples into the prepared casserole dish.

Next, prepare the topping. Place the cold butter and all-purpose flour into a medium mixing bowl. Using a pastry blender or two large forks, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles medium crumbs. Next, add the remaining ingredients: oats, sugar, cinnamon, almonds and cranberries. Use a spoon to toss everything together.

Sprinkle the prepared crumble topping over the apples in an even layer. Bake the apple crisp at 350F/177C for 50 to 60 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the apples are soft. The timing depends on how thickly layered the apples are. For a deep-dish casserole, bake longer; for a shallower dish, bake for less.

Remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy the apple crisp warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and homemade caramel sauce.