There’s something irresistible about the warm, comforting flavors of a classic apple crisp. When we add a splash of bourbon, it takes this beloved dessert to a whole new level. The rich, caramel notes of bourbon perfectly complement the tartness of fresh apples, creating a cozy treat that’s perfect for any season.
Our Bourbon Apple Crisp recipe blends tender spiced apples with a crispy, buttery topping that’s packed with oats and brown sugar. It’s simple to make but delivers impressive flavor that’s sure to impress family and friends. Whether you’re serving it as a holiday dessert or a weekend indulgence, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in our kitchen.
Ingredients
To craft our delicious Bourbon Apple Crisp, we carefully select fresh ingredients that balance tartness, sweetness, and a touch of warmth. Below you will find everything needed for the apple filling, crisp topping, and an optional bourbon sauce to elevate this dessert even further.
For the Apple Filling
- 6 cups peeled and sliced Granny Smith apples (about 6 medium apples)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey (adds the signature rich caramel flavor)
For the Crisp Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Bourbon Sauce (Optional)
- 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Granny Smith apples | 6 cups sliced | Provides tartness and texture |
| Granulated sugar | 1/4 cup | Balances tart apples |
| Light brown sugar | 1 cup total | Adds caramel notes |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon | Brightens the flavor |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 teaspoons | Warm spice component |
| Ground nutmeg | 1/4 teaspoon | Adds depth to spice |
| Unsalted butter | 3/4 cup total | For richness and crisp texture |
| Bourbon whiskey | 3/4 cup total | Infuses rich caramel undertones |
| Old-fashioned rolled oats | 1 cup | Adds crispy texture to topping |
| All-purpose flour | 3/4 cup | Binds topping ingredients |
| Heavy cream | 1/4 cup | Creates smooth bourbon sauce |
| Salt | Pinch | Balances sweetness |
This ingredient list ensures every bite of our Bourbon Apple Crisp bursts with warmth, flavorful crunch, and a gentle bourbon finish.
Equipment Needed
To create the perfect Bourbon Apple Crisp, having the right equipment is essential. Each tool helps us achieve the ideal texture and flavor balance, ensuring a crisp topping and tender apple filling.
Essential Tools for Preparation
- Mixing Bowls: Use medium and large bowls to combine the apple filling ingredients and the crisp topping separately.
- Knife and Cutting Board: Sharp knife for peeling, coring, and slicing the Granny Smith apples evenly for consistent baking.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurement ensures balanced sweetness and flavor, especially when handling sugar, flour, spices, and bourbon.
- Peeler: A handheld or electric peeler speeds up peeling apples without bruising.
Baking and Cooking Equipment
- 9×9-Inch Baking Dish: Perfect size for the crisp to cook evenly and brown nicely on top.
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) for consistent baking temperature.
- Pastry Cutter or Fork: Helps incorporate cold butter into dry ingredients for that flaky, crumbly topping texture.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring filling and gently mixing ingredients.
Optional for Bourbon Sauce
- Small Saucepan: For gently cooking bourbon sauce ingredients to a smooth, velvety consistency.
- Whisk: To combine bourbon, sugar, butter, cream, and salt for the silky finishing drizzle.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls | Combine filling and topping |
| Knife & Cutting Board | Prepare apple slices |
| Measuring Cups/Spoons | Accurate ingredient measurement |
| Peeler | Peel apples efficiently |
| Baking Dish (9×9) | Bake apple crisp evenly |
| Oven | Controlled baking temperature |
| Pastry Cutter/Fork | Cut butter into dry topping mix |
| Spatula/Wooden Spoon | Stir and mix ingredients |
| Saucepan (optional) | Make bourbon sauce |
| Whisk (optional) | Blend bourbon sauce smoothly |
With these tools, we ensure every step in our Bourbon Apple Crisp recipe is easy and effective, helping us serve a rustic dessert bursting with rich warmth and crisp textures.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To enjoy our Bourbon Apple Crisp with ease and maximum flavor, we recommend preparing key components ahead of time. This not only saves time on busy days but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully for a richer taste experience.
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling in Advance
- Peel, core, and slice the Granny Smith apples as directed.
- Toss the apples with granulated sugar, light brown sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
- Stir in the unsalted butter and bourbon whiskey.
- Transfer the filling to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Chilling the apple filling allows the bourbon and spices to penetrate the fruit, enhancing the depth of flavor.
Step 2: Make the Crisp Topping Ahead
- Combine rolled oats, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
- Cut in the cold unsalted butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Store the topping in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap.
- Keep refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
This step ensures the butter stays cold, which is crucial for the crisp texture we love.
Step 3: Assemble and Refrigerate (Optional)
- Layer the prepared apple filling into your 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Evenly distribute the crisp topping over the apples.
- Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking.
Pro Tip: If refrigerating assembled, let the dish sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Make the Bourbon Sauce (Optional)
- Whisk together bourbon, light brown sugar, unsalted butter, heavy cream, and salt in a small saucepan.
- Simmer until thickened.
- Cool and transfer to a jar.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Use the sauce warmed or cold as a decadent finishing touch.
| Component | Storage Duration | Storage Method |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Filling | Up to 24 hours | Airtight container, refrigerated |
| Crisp Topping | Up to 24 hours | Airtight container, refrigerated |
| Assembled Dish | Up to 12 hours | Covered, refrigerated |
| Bourbon Sauce | Up to 3 days | Sealed jar, refrigerated |
By following these make-ahead instructions, we ensure our Bourbon Apple Crisp delivers that perfect harmony of tender spiced apples and crisp buttery topping whenever we want it—with minimal fuss.
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a perfectly balanced Bourbon Apple Crisp with tender spiced apples and a golden crispy topping infused with rich bourbon flavor.
Preparing the Apple Filling
- Peel, core, and slice 6 to 7 Granny Smith apples into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the apple slices with:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, and 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey.
- Toss gently until all apple slices are uniformly coated with the sugar and bourbon mixture.
- Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Making the Crisp Topping
- In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients:
- 3/4 cup rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Cut 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter into small cubes.
- Using a pastry cutter or fork, blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces.
- Chill the topping mixture in the refrigerator while prepping the filling.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rolled oats | 3/4 cup | Dry |
| All-purpose flour | 3/4 cup | Dry |
| Light brown sugar | 2/3 cup | Packed |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp | Dry |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp | Dry |
| Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup (1 stick) | Cold, cubed |
Assembling the Apple Crisp
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Pour the prepared apple filling evenly into the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the chilled crisp topping evenly over the apples, covering the surface completely.
- Gently press the topping to compact it slightly for a uniform crisp.
Baking the Apple Crisp
- Place the baking dish on the center rack of the preheated oven.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
- Check after 40 minutes; if topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to let the flavors set.
Preparing the Bourbon Sauce (Optional)
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine:
- 1/3 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to bubble.
- Carefully whisk in 1/3 cup heavy cream and a pinch of salt.
- Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened slightly.
- Remove from heat and cool slightly before drizzling over the crisp.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the Bourbon Apple Crisp warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Drizzle the optional bourbon sauce over each serving for an indulgent finish.
- Garnish with chopped toasted pecans or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added texture and flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep our Bourbon Apple Crisp fresh and flavorful, proper storage and reheating are essential. Let’s break down the best methods to preserve the crisp’s texture and rich bourbon-infused flavors.
Storing Bourbon Apple Crisp
- Cool Completely: Allow the apple crisp to cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
- Refrigeration: Cover the crisp tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the crisp in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
| Storage Method | Storage Duration | Packaging Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days | Airtight container or tightly wrapped |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Wrapped in plastic wrap + aluminum foil |
Storing Bourbon Sauce
- Store the optional bourbon sauce in a sealed container in the fridge. It will keep for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Reheating Bourbon Apple Crisp
- Oven Reheating (Recommended for best texture):
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the crisp in an oven-safe dish and cover loosely with foil. Heat for 15–20 minutes or until warmed through. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes for a crispier topping.
- Microwave Reheating:
For a quicker option, microwave a single serving on medium power for 1–2 minutes, checking at 30-second intervals to prevent overcooking. Note microwave reheating may soften the topping.
- Bourbon Sauce Reheating:
Warm the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat or microwave in short bursts, whisking to maintain smoothness.
Tips for Maintaining Crispness
- To revive a soggy topping after refrigeration, always reheat in the oven rather than microwave. Oven heat re-crisps the buttery oat topping that defines our Bourbon Apple Crisp.
- Serve warm with fresh vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of reheated bourbon sauce to enhance the indulgent layers of flavor.
By following these Storage and Reheating Tips, we ensure every bite of our Bourbon Apple Crisp bursts with that perfect balance of tender apples and crispy topping infused with the warm caramel essence of bourbon.
Conclusion
This Bourbon Apple Crisp is a timeless dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Its blend of tart apples and rich bourbon creates a flavor profile that’s both inviting and memorable.
Whether you’re serving it for a festive occasion or a cozy night in, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of textures and tastes. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a dessert we’ll keep coming back to season after season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Bourbon Apple Crisp different from a regular apple crisp?
Bourbon Apple Crisp includes bourbon whiskey in the apple filling and an optional bourbon sauce, which adds rich caramel and warming notes that complement the tart apples, enhancing the classic dessert’s flavor.
What ingredients are needed for Bourbon Apple Crisp?
Key ingredients include Granny Smith apples, granulated and brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, unsalted butter, bourbon, rolled oats, flour, and salt. Optional bourbon sauce uses bourbon, brown sugar, butter, heavy cream, and salt.
Can I prepare the Bourbon Apple Crisp ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the apple filling and crisp topping up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate the assembled dish for up to 12 hours before baking, and prepare the bourbon sauce up to three days ahead.
What equipment is required to make this dessert?
Essential tools include mixing bowls, knife and cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, a peeler, a 9×9-inch baking dish, a pastry cutter or fork, and a spatula or wooden spoon. A small saucepan and whisk are needed for the bourbon sauce.
How do I store and reheat leftover Bourbon Apple Crisp?
Store leftover crisp in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for up to three months. Reheat in the oven to retain crispiness or use the microwave for a quicker option. Store bourbon sauce separately in the fridge for three days.