Baked Bourbon Apple Crisp

Quick Recipe

Prep Time: 45–60 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Cook Time: 2 hours, including prep
Servings: 8–10
Difficulty: Easy

Why Whiskey Smoked Sea Salt Works in Apple Crisp

Salt is an important ingredient in desserts because it helps balance sweetness and enhance the flavors already present. Whiskey Smoked Sea Salt takes that idea one step further by introducing a subtle smoky character that complements the bourbon and warm cinnamon.

The tartness of Granny Smith apples provides contrast to the brown sugar and honey, while the bourbon adds warmth and complexity. Together, these flavors create an apple crisp with layers of sweet, tart, smoky, and buttery flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 - Prepare the Cast Iron Skillet

• Preheat your oven or smoker to 350°F.
• Use ½ stick of salted butter to thoroughly coat the bottom and sides of a 12-inch cast iron skillet. Be sure to butter the skillet all the way to the top edge to help prevent the apples from sticking.

Step 2 - Make the Crisp Topping

• In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, old-fashioned oats, and cinnamon.
• Add the cold cubed butter and work everything together using a wooden spoon and fork until a coarse, clumpy mixture forms. The butter should remain somewhat solid.
• Set the topping aside.

Step 3 - Prepare the Bourbon Filling

• In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, bourbon, lemon juice, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and Whiskey Smoked Sea Salt.
• Whisk thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined and no large clumps remain.
• Set aside.

Step 4 - Prepare the Apples

• Core and peel the apples, then slice them approximately ¼ to ½ inch thick. Avoid slicing them too thin, as thinner apples may become overly soft during cooking.
• Place the sliced apples into a large mixing bowl.

Step 5 - Coat the Apples

• Pour approximately half of the bourbon filling mixture over the apples and toss thoroughly.
• Add the remaining filling and toss again until all of the apple slices are evenly coated.

Step 6 - Assemble the Apple Crisp

• Transfer the coated apples into the prepared cast iron skillet.
• Using your hands, break apart the crisp topping and distribute it evenly over the apples, covering the entire surface.

Step 7 - Bake or Smoke

• Place the skillet in the preheated 350°F oven or smoker and cook for approximately 1 hour.
• If baking in the oven, place the cast iron skillet on a baking sheet to catch any juices that may bubble over during cooking.
• For the smoker, apple, cherry, or pecan wood all work well. For a deeper flavor that complements the bourbon, whiskey barrel wood is another excellent option.

Step 8 - Rest and Serve

• Remove the skillet from the oven or smoker and place it on a heat-safe surface.
• Allow the apple crisp to rest for approximately 15 minutes before serving. The filling will be extremely hot immediately after cooking, and resting allows it to cool and thicken slightly.
• Spoon the warm Bourbon Apple Crisp into bowls and finish each serving with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cooking Science: Why the Apple Crisp Needs to Rest

As the apples cook, heat breaks down their structure and releases natural juices. Those juices combine with the brown sugar, honey, bourbon, and other ingredients to create the rich filling surrounding the apples. When the skillet first comes out of the oven or smoker, that mixture is extremely hot and fluid. Allowing the crisp to rest for approximately 15 minutes gives the filling time to cool slightly and thicken, making the dessert easier to serve while allowing the flavors to settle together. The contrast between the warm apple filling, crisp buttery topping, and cold vanilla ice cream is what makes this dessert especially satisfying.

Make Dessert Better With a Touch of Smoke

The secret to this Baked Bourbon Apple Crisp is the balance of flavors. Sweet brown sugar and honey, tart apples, warm bourbon, cinnamon, and a subtle touch of natural smoke come together in one cast iron skillet. The Original Cold Smoked Whiskey Smoked Sea Salt adds depth without overpowering the dessert, proving that smoked seasonings aren't just for the grill—they can transform sweet recipes, too.