Save A luscious dessert featuring tender apples baked with a maple&bourbon caramel sauce and a crisp oat topping. Perfect for autumn gatherings or a cozy night in.
The first time I made this Maple Bourbon Caramel Apple Crunch, my friends gathered around the table and raved after the first spoonful. The kitchen filled with an incredible caramel scent, making it impossible to wait for dessert. Now it is a requested favorite every apple season.
Ingredients
- Apples: 6 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 900 g) plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Maple Bourbon Caramel: 1/2 cup (120 ml) pure maple syrup, 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed, 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream, 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) bourbon, 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Oat Crunch Topping: 1 cup (100 g) old-fashioned rolled oats, 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (110 g) light brown sugar, packed, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed, 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Apples:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice and arrange evenly in the dish.
- Make Maple Bourbon Caramel:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine maple syrup, brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, bourbon, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring often. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine & Add Oat Topping:
- Pour warm caramel sauce evenly over the apples. In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add butter and mix with fingertips or pastry cutter until coarse crumbs form. Stir in pecans if using. Sprinkle oat topping over apples and caramel.
- Bake & Serve:
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until topping is golden and apples are bubbling. Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream.
Save My family loves eating this dessert while still warm from the oven, especially on chilly evenings. The crunch topping reminds us of harvest suppers at grandma's house.
Required Tools
9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, mixing bowls, saucepan, pastry cutter or fork, apple peeler/corer (optional)
Allergen Information
Contains dairy, gluten, and tree nuts (pecans). Carefully check ingredient packaging if cooking for those with sensitivities.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 420 calories, 18 g total fat, 63 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein
Save Enjoy every spoonful of this irresistible comfort dessert. Serve warm for the best experience!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat before serving. The topping stays crisp and the apples remain tender.
- → Is there an alcohol-free option?
Absolutely. Substitute the bourbon with apple juice for a kid-friendly, non-alcoholic version without losing flavor.
- → How do I ensure a crunchy topping?
Use cold butter and mix until pea-sized crumbs form. Baking until golden ensures a satisfying crunch.
- → Which apples work best?
Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness and firmness, but other firm varieties can be substituted.
- → Can the topping include nuts?
Pecans are optional but add a pleasant texture and flavor. Walnuts could be used as well, or omitted if needed.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all ingredients are vegetarian-friendly. For vegans, substitute dairy with plant-based options.