This Bourbon Apple Crisp is a warm and comforting dessert that features juicy apples topped with a sweet, crunchy oat and brown sugar topping. A splash of bourbon adds a lovely twist!
Honestly, the smell of this baking is enough to make anyone’s day better. I love pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—talk about a cozy treat! 🍏🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith are perfect because they balance the sweetness. If you want a milder flavor, Fuji or Honeycrisp also work well, but they’re sweeter. A mix of apples can add depth, too!
Bourbon: This ingredient really adds a rich flavor to the dish. If you want a non-alcoholic option, you can use apple cider or even a splash of vanilla extract instead. It won’t be quite the same, but it will still be delicious!
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give a nice chewiness. If you need a gluten-free option, look for certified gluten-free oats. Instant oats aren’t recommended for this recipe since they’re too fine and won’t provide the same texture.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to choice for balanced flavor. If you want a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a plant-based butter can also work well, though they might alter the flavor slightly.
How Do You Achieve a Perfectly Crisp Topping?
The topping is crucial for a successful crisp! To get that nice crumbly texture, make sure to use cold butter. Just follow these steps:
- Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
- Add cold butter cut into small cubes. You want it cold to help maintain the texture.
- Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until it looks crumbly, with some larger pea-sized pieces.
- Avoid overmixing—this helps keep it light and crispy when baked!
Once you sprinkle it over the apples, the result should be golden and crunchy. Enjoy your time baking!
How to Make Bourbon Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups peeled, cored, 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 all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp bourbon
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- Pinch of salt
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Bourbon Apple Crisp takes about 15 minutes of prep time, followed by 40-45 minutes of baking. Plus, it’s best to let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. It’s a cozy dessert that’s definitely worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9 inch (or similar) baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Apples:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice. This will help keep them from turning brown. Then, add the granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of flour, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and bourbon. Mix everything together until the apples are nicely coated with all the ingredients.
3. Assemble the Filling:
Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, making sure to tuck the slices in nicely for even cooking.
4. Make the Crisp Topping:
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, 1/2 cup of flour, 1/3 cup of brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the cold butter cubes to this mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want some small chunks for extra crunch!
5. Top the Apples:
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the prepared apple mixture in the baking dish, covering it as much as possible.
6. Bake and Enjoy:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling and soft. The aroma will be delightful!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the Bourbon Apple Crisp cool for about 10 minutes. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for that extra indulgent treat!
Enjoy your warm, comforting Bourbon Apple Crisp—a perfect dessert for any occasion!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal for balancing sweetness, you can also use sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Mixing different types can add depth to the flavor!
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe in Advance?
You can prep the apple filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to add the topping right before baking to keep it crispy. For complete preparation, simply assemble and bake fresh.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Bourbon Apple Crisp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Enjoy it warm!
Can I Omit the Bourbon?
Yes, you can omit the bourbon if you prefer. For a similar taste, consider substituting it with apple cider or a splash of vanilla extract. The flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!