Whiskey Caramel Apple Dessert (Printable Version)

Warm apple crisp with whiskey caramel topping.

# What You 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)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch baking dish.
02 - In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, whiskey, sugar, flour, cinnamon, 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 the sugar and water. Without stirring, cook until the sugar turns a light amber color, 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the heavy cream, butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over the apples.
04 - In a bowl, mix together oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold 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 -
  • A comforting combination of tender apples and smooth caramel with a spirited twist of whiskey.
  • Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients and fresh fruit.
  • The crisp oat topping delivers a beautiful golden crust and delightful texture.
  • Perfect for serving warm with or without ice cream for a versatile dessert.
  • Ideal for celebrating dads or any special people in your life.
02 -
  • Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness and maintain firmness during baking.
  • Do not stir the sugar and water while heating to allow even caramelization and prevent crystallization.
  • Chill the butter before incorporating into the crumble to help create a crispier topping.
  • Allow the crisp to rest after baking to let the juices thicken slightly.
  • Customize the nut choice or omit completely based on dietary preferences.
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