This Bourbon Apple Crisp is a warm and cozy dessert loaded with sweet apples and a crunchy topping. It’s perfect for fall and pairs beautifully with a scoop of ice cream!
The hint of bourbon adds a special touch, making it a bit fancy. I love serving it to friends and watching them enjoy every bite—it’s such a crowd-pleaser! 🍏🥧
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well. You can mix them with Honeycrisp or Fuji for added sweetness. Don’t have these? Any firm apple will work, just avoid mushy varieties.
Bourbon: This adds flavor depth. If you want a non-alcoholic version, try using apple cider or vanilla extract instead. You’ll miss that specific bourbon note, but the dish will still be tasty!
Oats: Rolled oats give a wonderful crunch. Quick oats will also work, but they might create a softer topping. If gluten-free, use gluten-free oats and flour.
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add texture but are optional. For nut-free, just skip them or use sunflower seeds for some crunch!
How Can I Get The Topping Extra Crunchy?
To achieve that perfect crunchy topping, it’s crucial to mix the butter into the dry ingredients properly. Make sure the butter is very cold for a flakier texture. Here’s how:
- First, cut the cold butter into small cubes to make it easier to incorporate.
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to mix until it looks crumbly, like sand with small pea-sized clumps.
- Ensure you don’t overwork the mixture; the chunks of butter should remain visible for that delightful crunch.
Lastly, during baking, keep an eye on it! If it’s getting too dark on top but the apples aren’t bubbling, you can cover it with foil for the last few minutes. This way, you’ll have a golden brown topping and tender apples. Happy baking!
Bourbon Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 6 medium apples, preferably Granny Smith or a mix)
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
For the Topping:
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, diced into small cubes
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
- Caramel sauce (optional, for drizzling)
Time Needed:
This Bourbon Apple Crisp will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 40-45 minutes to bake. After that, allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. In total, plan for about 1 hour to enjoy this delicious dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or an oval dish that’s similar in size with butter or cooking spray.
2. Make the Apple Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, toss your chopped apples with the bourbon, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cornstarch. Mix everything together until the apples are evenly coated. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors blend and makes the apples juicier!
3. Arrange the Apples:
Transfer the apple mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly so every bite has that delicious flavor.
4. Prepare the Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats, flour, and brown sugar for the topping. Add the cold, diced butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix everything together until you have a crumbly mixture, with small pea-sized clumps. If you’re adding nuts, now’s the time to stir those in!
5. Top and Bake:
Evenly sprinkle the oat topping over the apple filling in the baking dish. Then, place it in your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You want the topping to be golden brown and the apples to be bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps the filling set up a bit. Serve warm with scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream on top and a drizzle of caramel sauce if you’re feeling indulgent!
This recipe yields a warm, tender, and cinnamon-spiced apple filling topped with a crunchy oat mixture and the delightful depth of bourbon. Pairing it with ice cream and caramel makes it an irresistible dessert. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are a great choice for their tartness and firmness, you can mix in other varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn for sweetness. Just be sure to avoid overly soft apples that may turn mushy while baking.
Can I Make This Apple Crisp Without Bourbon?
Yes! If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can substitute it with apple cider or a splash of vanilla extract. This will still add wonderful flavor without the alcohol.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Bourbon Apple Crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quick treat.
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the apple filling and topping separately a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator and assemble them right before baking. This can save time and make it easier for gatherings!
