Whiskey Caramel Apple Crisp (Print Version)

Tender apples with whiskey caramel, topped with a buttery oat crumble.

# What You'll Need:

→ Apple Filling

01 - 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
02 - 2 tbsp whiskey (such as bourbon)
03 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
04 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
05 - 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
06 - 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
07 - 1 tsp lemon juice
08 - Pinch of salt

→ Caramel Sauce

09 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
10 - 2 tbsp water
11 - 1/4 cup heavy cream
12 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
13 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
14 - Pinch of salt

→ Crumble Topping

15 - 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
16 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
17 - 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
18 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
19 - 1/4 tsp salt
20 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
21 - 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

# Method:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch baking dish.
02 - In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, whiskey, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Toss well to coat. Spread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
03 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar and water. Without stirring, cook until the sugar turns a light amber color, 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in heavy cream, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over the apples.
04 - In a bowl, mix together rolled oats, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Add cold unsalted butter and cut in using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts if using.
05 - Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple and caramel layer. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are bubbly and tender.
06 - Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This dessert is like a warm hug that radiates love and comfort.
  • The combination of rich caramel and tart apples makes it a crowd favorite.
02 -
  • Be careful with the caramel; if you stir it too soon, it won’t develop that lovely amber color.
  • Letting the crisp cool slightly before serving keeps the juices from running everywhere when you scoop it out.
03 -
  • Always taste your apple mixture before it goes into the oven to adjust sweetness or spice.
  • Using freshly grated nutmeg can make a delightful difference in flavor.
Go Back