1-First Step: Prep and mise en place Preheat your oven to 375°F. Gather a 9×13-inch baking dish, a sharp paring knife or apple corer, a vegetable peeler, a mixing bowl, measuring spoons, and a spatula. Peel, core, and slice 5-6 large apples. Aim for evenly sized slices about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick so they cook uniformly.

2-Second Step: Toss the apples Place the sliced apples in a large mixing bowl. Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and toss to coat; this stops browning and brightens flavor. Sprinkle in 1/4 cup light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch. Toss thoroughly until every slice is evenly coated in the cinnamon-sugar-starch mixture.

3-Third Step: Arrange in the baking dish Spread the coated apple slices evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Distribute them in a single layer or slightly overlapping if needed. Dot the top with 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced or cut into small pieces so it melts evenly across the mixture.

4-Fourth Step: Cover and bake Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated 375°F oven. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes total, depending on how thick your slices are and how soft you like the apples. Stir the mixture every 10 to 15 minutes: lift off the foil, stir gently to redistribute juices and melted butter, then re-cover and continue baking. Stirring helps the cornstarch activate and allows the sauce to thicken and caramelize.

5-Final Step: Rest and serve After baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit on the counter for 10 minutes. This resting time allows the sauce to set slightly and the flavors to marry. Serve warm as-is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans.