Beth’s Bourbon Apple Crisp Recipe
Introduction
Beth’s Bourbon Apple Crisp is a warm, comforting dessert that combines tender apples with a crunchy oat topping and a rich bourbon sauce. Perfect for cozy evenings, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice with a boozy kick.

Ingredients
- 5 cups 1/2″ diced peeled apples (about 4-6 apples)
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats (gluten free)
- 1/2 cup flour (gluten free)
- 1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup melted butter (divided)
- 1/4 cup butter (for bourbon sauce)
- 1 tablespoon flour (for bourbon sauce)
- 1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar (for bourbon sauce)
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup cream or coconut cream
- Pinch of salt (for bourbon sauce)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease six oven-proof ramekins or an 8×8” baking pan. Place the diced apples in a medium bowl and stir in 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well, then stir in the remaining melted butter until the mixture is evenly combined.
- Step 3: Stir 1/4 cup of the oat mixture into the apples to coat them evenly. Transfer the apples to the prepared baking dish(es) and sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the top.
- Step 4: Bake until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender, about 1 hour.
- Step 5: While the crisp is baking, prepare the bourbon sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly.
- Step 6: Add the brown sugar, bourbon, cream, and a pinch of salt to the saucepan. Simmer gently, whisking until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 7: Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the vanilla. Serve the apple crisp slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or “nice cream” and drizzle with the bourbon sauce.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Fuji and Granny Smith for a more complex flavor.
- For a nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the oat topping before baking.
- Substitute coconut cream in the bourbon sauce for a dairy-free option.
- Adjust the bourbon quantity based on taste or omit for a kid-friendly version.
Storage
Store leftover apple crisp covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warm. Keep the bourbon sauce separately in an airtight container and gently reheat before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of alcohol instead of bourbon?
Yes, you can substitute bourbon with dark rum or brandy for different flavor profiles. Adjust the quantity to taste and keep in mind the alcohol content.
Can I prepare this dessert in advance?
Absolutely. You can assemble the crisp and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake it just before serving to keep the topping crisp and fresh.
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Beth’s Bourbon Apple Crisp Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Beth’s Bourbon Apple Crisp is a comforting and indulgent dessert featuring tender diced apples topped with a crispy oat and brown sugar mixture, baked to golden perfection. Enhanced with a rich, buttery bourbon sauce, this treat perfectly balances warm spices and creamy textures for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
Apple Crisp
- 5 cups 1/2″ diced peeled apples (about 4–6 apples)
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats (gluten free)
- 1/2 cup gluten free flour
- 1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup melted butter (divided)
Beth’s Bourbon Sauce
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup cream or coconut cream
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease six oven-proof ramekins or an 8×8-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix apples: Place the diced peeled apples into a medium bowl and stir in 1 tablespoon of the melted butter until evenly coated.
- Combine dry topping ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the oats, gluten-free flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
- Add butter to topping: Stir the remaining melted butter into the oat mixture until the mixture is evenly moistened and crumbly.
- Blend apple and oat mixture: Stir about 1/4 cup of the oat topping mixture into the buttered apples to lightly coat them, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Assemble crisp: Transfer the coated apples to your prepared baking dish(es) and sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake crisp: Bake the assembled crisp in the preheated oven for around 1 hour, until the top is a deep golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Prepare bourbon sauce: While the crisp bakes, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Add remaining sauce ingredients: Add the brown sugar, bourbon, cream (or coconut cream), and a pinch of salt. Simmer gently, whisking frequently, for 2-3 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish sauce: Remove the sauce from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract for added flavor and aroma.
- Serve: Serve the apple crisp slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ‘nice cream’ or traditional ice cream, drizzled generously with Beth’s Bourbon Sauce for a luxurious dessert experience.
Notes
- Using gluten-free oats and flour makes this dessert suitable for a gluten-free diet.
- You can substitute coconut cream for dairy cream to make the bourbon sauce dairy-free.
- For best texture, peel and dice apples uniformly.
- Ensure the bourbon sauce simmers gently to avoid burning the sugars.
- This crisp can be made ahead and warmed before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple crisp, bourbon apple crisp, gluten free dessert, baked apple dessert, bourbon sauce, fall dessert, easy apple crisp

