Bourbon Bacon Apple Crisp
This isn't just another apple crisp recipe – it's a carefully crafted balance of sweet apples, crunchy oat topping, smoky bacon, and the complex warmth of bourbon that creates a dessert experience unlike anything you've tried before. Perfect for fall gatherings or when you're craving something uniquely delicious.
Equipment
- 9x9-inch baking dish
- Pastry cutter or fingertips
- Large Bowl
- Medium Bowl
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- 6 large Honeycrisp apples about 3 pounds, peeled, cored and sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon cooked crispy and chopped (reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat)
- 1/4 cup bourbon Maker's Mark or Buffalo Trace work beautifully
- 1/3 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
For the Crisp Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter cubed
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans optional
- 1 tablespoon reserved bacon fat
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish. Cook the bacon until crispy, drain on paper towels, and reserve 1 tablespoon of the rendered fat. Allow the bacon to cool completely before chopping it into small pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, chopped bacon (reserving a small amount for garnish), bourbon, brown sugar, maple syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cornstarch. Toss gently until all apple slices are evenly coated.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add the cold cubed butter and the reserved tablespoon of bacon fat. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. Fold in the chopped pecans if using.
- Transfer the apple mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the crisp topping over the apples, making sure to cover the entire surface. The topping should be relatively loose – avoid packing it down.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges. If you notice the topping browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the filling to set and the flavors to deepen. Sprinkle with the reserved bacon pieces just before serving for maximum crispiness.
Notes
- Honeycrisp apples can be swapped for Granny Smith for more tartness or Gala for a softer texture
- Bourbon can be replaced with apple cider for an alcohol-free version
- Turkey bacon works for a lighter option, though you may need to add 1 tablespoon of butter to compensate for less fat
- For gluten-free needs, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- For a healthier version, reduce the sugar by 25% and increase the cinnamon for perceived sweetness
- Bourbon can be replaced with apple cider for an alcohol-free version
- Turkey bacon works for a lighter option, though you may need to add 1 tablespoon of butter to compensate for less fat
- For gluten-free needs, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- For a healthier version, reduce the sugar by 25% and increase the cinnamon for perceived sweetness
Nutrition
Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 5gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 290mgFiber: 4gSugar: 32g
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