Apple Bourbon Crisp Recipe

Some of the best family recipes come with the simplest instructions and the most heartwarming stories. This Apple Bourbon Crisp started as a beloved family recipe known by its memorable measurements - "a cup, a cup, a cup" - and has become a fall tradition that bridges generations.

A Recipe Born from Love

Grandma Kelley, Steve's grandmother, was a wonder woman. She was full of spunk and had so much energy. For so many years she worked in the school cafeteria where Steve and all of his siblings attended. One of the main reasons she took this position was to be with her grandchildren. This was the best of both worlds for a woman who had worked all of her life. Her grandchildren would definitely agree.

The beauty of family recipes like this one is how they become woven into the fabric of our lives. Even before Steve and I got married, I knew of this recipe by its charming description - "a cup, a cup, a cup." It's the kind of simple, memorable formula that gets passed down through generations because it's both foolproof and delicious.

The Perfect Solution for Abundant Apples

I'm not the only cook in the family. Steve is a really good cook, and it's a hobby we both enjoy. We make this apple crisp often because we always have apples on hand, and it's the perfect recipe to turn to when the apples are softening too. I often forget that I have apples in the crisper, buy more, and then I am left with an abundance. Perhaps I am subconsciously wanting to have enough apples to make this dessert!

This is exactly why apple crisp has become such a beloved dessert - it's forgiving, uses simple pantry ingredients, and transforms even less-than-perfect apples into something magical. The combination of tender, spiced apples with a golden, crispy topping is pure comfort food at its finest.

Why This Apple Crisp Recipe Works

What makes this recipe special isn't just its simplicity, but how perfectly balanced it is. The "cup, a cup, a cup" formula creates the ideal ratio of oats, brown sugar, and flour for a topping that's both crispy and substantial. The addition of bourbon enhances the fall flavors that this dessert presents, adding warmth and depth that complements the apples beautifully.

I know Grandma Kelley would enjoy how I made it my own with that bourbon twist. The best family recipes are living things - they honor the original while allowing each generation to add their own touch.

For the Apple Filling

3 pounds Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored and chopped
¼ cup white sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

For the Crisp Topping

1 cup old-fashioned oatmeal
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup melted butter
¼ cup bourbon

Directions

Prepare for baking: Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9" square or oval baking dish.
Layer the apples: Layer chopped apples in dish, sprinkle with white sugar, cinnamon, and dot with butter pieces.
Make the topping: In a separate bowl, mix oatmeal, brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and bourbon. Stir until well blended and mixture holds together.
Assemble and bake: Evenly spread flour mixture over the top of apples. Bake for 40 minutes at 350°F or until golden brown and apples are tender.
Serve warm: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect finish.

Yield: 8-12 servings

Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Crisp

Apple Selection: Honeycrisp apples hold their shape beautifully, but Granny Smith, Braeburn, or a mix work well too
Even Chopping: Cut apples into uniform pieces for even cooking
Topping Texture: The mixture should be crumbly but hold together when squeezed
Bourbon Substitute: Use apple cider or vanilla extract if you prefer non-alcoholic
Make Ahead: Assemble up to a day ahead and bake when ready
Storage: Keeps covered at room temperature for 2 days, refrigerated for up to a week

Delicious Variations

Spice It Up: Add nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to the apple mixture
Nutty Addition: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping
Seasonal Twist: Try adding dried cranberries or chopped pears
Gluten-Free: Substitute almond flour or gluten-free flour blend
Extra Crispy: Add a handful of chopped nuts or granola to the topping
Caramel Touch: Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving

The Art of Using What You Have

One of the most beautiful things about apple crisp is how it celebrates the art of using what you have on hand. Those apples that are getting a bit soft? Perfect for crisp. That abundance of apples you accidentally bought? This recipe welcomes them all. It's the kind of dessert that turns potential food waste into a celebration.

This flexibility is what makes family recipes like Grandma Kelley's so enduring. They work with what's available, they're forgiving of substitutions, and they create something wonderful from simple ingredients that most people already have in their pantry.

Perfect Fall Pairings

This apple bourbon crisp pairs beautifully with other fall flavors and makes any meal feel special. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for the classic experience, or try it with:

Whipped cream or crème fraîche
A drizzle of heavy cream
Caramel or butterscotch sauce
A sprinkle of toasted nuts

For other delicious apple recipes, try my Apple Tart or Apple Hand Pies. Enjoy with a Bourbon Calvados Cocktail for the ultimate fall experience.

Carrying Forward Family Traditions

Every time I make this apple crisp, I think about Grandma Kelley and her dedication to being present in her grandchildren's lives. Working in the school cafeteria wasn't just a job for her - it was a way to stay connected to the people she loved most. That same spirit of love and care is baked into this recipe.

The "cup, a cup, a cup" formula isn't just easy to remember - it represents the generous spirit of family cooking, where measurements are simple, ingredients are accessible, and the focus is on bringing people together around the table. When you add your own twist, like the bourbon in this version, you're continuing that tradition of making recipes your own while honoring what came before.

This is what the best family recipes do - they connect us to our past while creating new memories for the future. Every golden, bubbling pan of this apple crisp carries forward Grandma Kelley's love and creates new moments of joy around our own tables.