This Bourbon Apple Crisp is a warm and cozy dessert that combines sweet apples with a crunchy topping. The splash of bourbon adds a tasty twist that makes it special!
Every spoonful is like a hug on a chilly day. I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream on top—so good! It’s the perfect way to impress friends or enjoy a night in.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith apples are great for this recipe due to their tartness, which balances the sweetness. You can also mix in some sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for variety.
Bourbon: The bourbon adds a rich flavor, but you can substitute it with apple juice or apple cider if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. It will still taste delicious!
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are best for a crunchy topping, but quick oats can be used if you’re in a pinch. Just keep in mind that they will yield a softer texture.
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended so you can control the salt level in your dessert. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil works well too, and it adds a subtle flavor.
What’s the Best Technique for Layering Ingredients?
Layering is key to even flavor distribution. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by tossing the apple slices with lemon juice and sugars. This not only flavors them but helps to soften them as they bake.
- Make sure the cornstarch is mixed in well with the apples. It helps to thicken the juices that come out while baking.
- When adding the oat topping, aim to cover the apples evenly. This will ensure every bite has that delicious crunch!
Don’t forget to bake until the top is golden brown. It adds a nice texture while keeping the apples perfectly tender!
How to Make Bourbon Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or a mix of tart and sweet), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed (for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes of prep time to slice and mix the ingredients, followed by 40 to 45 minutes of baking time. Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Overall, you’ll be enjoying your Bourbon Apple Crisp in less than an hour! Perfect for a quick but delicious dessert.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to bake your dessert once everything is prepared.
2. Prepare the Apples:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent browning. Then, add in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Make sure to stir everything together so the apples are well-coated with the mixture.
3. Add Bourbon:
Now, stir in the bourbon. This will give your apple filling a wonderful flavor. Mix well to ensure it’s evenly distributed throughout the apples.
4. Transfer the Apples:
Pour the apple mixture into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish or any oven-safe dish you have on hand. Spread it evenly to ensure a nice, consistent crisp.
5. Make the Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the topping. Add the cubed butter to this mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend the butter into the dry ingredients until it forms coarse crumbs. This step is key to achieving that crunchy topping!
6. Assemble the Crisp:
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple mixture in the baking dish. Make sure to cover as much of the apples as possible so you get that crispy goodness in every bite.
7. Bake It:
Place your dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Look for a golden brown topping and bubbly apple filling to know it’s ready.
8. Let it Cool:
Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. The aroma will be hard to resist!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm, and for a delightful treat, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s a crowd-pleaser!
Enjoy your delicious Bourbon Apple Crisp!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, you can mix in sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn for added flavor. Just aim for a combination of tart and sweet for a well-balanced dessert!
What Can I Substitute for Bourbon?
If you’d rather avoid alcohol, you can substitute bourbon with apple juice or apple cider. Both options bring a lovely apple flavor that complements the dessert well!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or you can use the microwave for a quicker option.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
You can prep the apple filling and the topping separately a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge and assemble just before baking. This makes for a quick and easy dessert on the day of serving!
