Bourbon Apple Crisp is a warm dessert full of sweet and tangy apples mixed with a dash of bourbon for an extra kick. Topped with a crunchy oat mixture, it’s simply mouth-watering!
Trust me, the smell of this crisp baking will make your house feel like home. I love serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—it’s a perfect match! 🍏🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Tart varieties like Granny Smith work best for balance, but you could use Honeycrisp or Jonagold if you prefer sweeter apples. Mixing a couple of types can also add depth to the flavor!
Bourbon: This adds a lovely warmth. If you want an alcohol-free version, try using apple cider or a splash of vanilla extract to keep that rich flavor.
Oats: I recommend old-fashioned rolled oats for a nice texture. You can try quick oats in a pinch, but they may make the topping a bit softer.
Brown sugar: Using dark brown sugar gives more molasses flavor. Light brown sugar works just as well, or use maple sugar for a twist!
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Topping for That Perfect Crisp?
Getting the topping just right is key to a great bourbon apple crisp. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix the dry ingredients well first—this ensures an even distribution of flavors.
- Keep the butter cold! This makes for a crispy topping as it melts in the oven.
- Use your fingertips to work the butter into the mixture; big crumbly clumps are great. Avoid overmixing.
- A sprinkle of salt in the topping helps balance the sweetness!
With these tips, you’re on your way to a delicious dessert that everyone will love. Enjoy your bourbon apple crisp! 🍏🥧
How to Make Bourbon Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 6 cups peeled and sliced tart apples (such as Granny Smith)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
Optional for Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Bourbon Apple Crisp will take about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 40-45 minutes to bake. Just enough time for the kitchen to fill with lovely smells, making everyone eager for a taste!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish (about 9×9 inches) so that the crisp won’t stick while baking.
2. Prepare the Apples:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice. This will help to prevent the apples from browning while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
3. Mix the Filling:
To the bowl of apples, add the granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, bourbon, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and salt. Stir gently to make sure all the apples are coated evenly with the sweet and spicy mixture.
4. Assemble the Filling:
Once your apple mixture is ready, transfer it into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly across the bottom.
5. Make the Crisp Topping:
In another medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, remaining brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well to combine everything thoroughly.
6. Add the Butter:
Now it’s time to add the cold butter cubes into the oat mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix the butter into the dry ingredients until you achieve a texture that looks like coarse crumbs.
7. Top the Apples:
Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apple filling. It should cover the apples nicely for that yummy crunch!
8. Bake the Crisp:
Place your baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for about 40-45 minutes. You want the topping to turn golden brown and the apple filling to be bubbling up around the edges.
9. Cool Slightly:
Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. This waiting time will make it easier to scoop out portions without it falling apart!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm, and don’t forget to top your bourbon apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra yummy treat!
Enjoy the warm sweetness and the subtle kick of bourbon in this comforting classic dessert! 🍏🥧
Can I Use Other Types of Apples?
Yes! While Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness, you can also try Honeycrisp, Jonagold, or even a mix of different apple varieties for added flavor depth.
Can I Leave Out the Bourbon?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can substitute it with apple cider or simply skip it. A splash of vanilla extract can also add a nice flavor without the alcohol.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bourbon apple crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions if you prefer!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the apple filling and topping separately and store them in the fridge for a day. When you’re ready to bake, just assemble them in the baking dish and pop it in the oven!