The Ultimate Bourbon Cherry Crisp: Your New Favorite Easy Summer Dessert
Forget complicated pies! A Bourbon Cherry Crisp is the perfect way to enjoy the classic comfort of a fruit dessert with minimal effort. This irresistible combination of tart cherries and the warm, smoky notes of bourbon, topped with a buttery oat crumble, makes for the ultimate summer treat. Whether you’re celebrating Mother’s Day, hosting a Memorial Day picnic, or simply craving a comforting dessert, this crisp is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, and prepare for demands for a second helping!
As spring transitions into the vibrant days of summer, our cravings often turn to fresh, fruity desserts. While a perfectly crafted pie holds a special place in our hearts, sometimes we yearn for something equally satisfying but far less demanding. This Bourbon Cherry Crisp fits the bill perfectly, offering all the delightful flavors of a classic fruit pie without the fuss of rolling out a delicate crust.
With Mother’s Day just around the corner and Memorial Day picnics on the horizon, many of us are planning menus to celebrate with loved ones. If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that says “I love you” without requiring hours in the kitchen, you’ve found it. This crisp is not just a dessert; it’s an experience, a warm hug in a bowl, especially when paired with creamy, melting vanilla ice cream.
Why a Cherry Crisp is Your Go-To Summer Dessert
Let’s be honest, while baking a pie from scratch is incredibly rewarding, it can also be a time-consuming endeavor. Crafting that perfect flaky crust, blind baking, intricate lattice work – it’s a labor of love. A fruit crisp, however, offers a beautiful shortcut to dessert bliss. The beauty of a crisp lies in its rustic charm and forgiving nature. There’s no need for perfectly crimped edges or a precise top crust. Instead, you get a delightful streusel-like topping made from oats, flour, sugar, and butter that bakes into a golden, crunchy layer, perfectly complementing the soft, bubbling fruit filling underneath.
This crisp delivers the vibrant, juicy sweetness of ripe cherries in a rich, slightly boozy filling that’s simply irresistible. It’s the ideal dessert for those moments when you want something homemade and impressive, but also want to enjoy your time with family and friends rather than being tethered to the oven.
Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I will receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting Cake ‘n Knife!
The Irresistible Flavor Fusion: Bourbon and Cherries
The star of this recipe, beyond the luscious cherries, is undoubtedly the bourbon. Infusing the cherry filling with bourbon adds a layer of depth and sophistication that elevates this crisp from simply delicious to truly extraordinary. The subtle warmth and caramel notes of the bourbon beautifully complement the tartness of the cherries, creating a harmonious balance that will tantalize your taste buds.
Tart cherries are essential for this recipe. Their bright, tangy flavor provides a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the brown sugar and the richness of the bourbon. While fresh cherries are always preferred when in season, high-quality frozen tart cherries (thawed and drained) work wonderfully as well, making this a dessert you can enjoy year-round. The combination is a little boozy, wonderfully tart, and perfectly sweet – a symphony of flavors that screams summer.
Crafting Your Bourbon Cherry Crisp: A Simple Process
One of the many joys of this Bourbon Cherry Crisp is its straightforward preparation. It’s designed for home bakers who appreciate incredible flavor without an intimidating process. The recipe is divided into three simple components: a tender pastry crust, the vibrant bourbon cherry filling, and a crunchy oat topping.
The Pastry Crust: Your Foundation of Flavor
Unlike a traditional pie crust that requires careful handling and chilling, this pastry crust is pressed directly into your baking dish. It’s a simple blend of flour, brown sugar, salt, and cold cubed butter. Cutting the butter into the dry ingredients ensures a tender, crumbly base that provides a lovely counterpoint to the soft fruit. A quick bake sets this foundation, preventing a soggy bottom and creating a sturdy base for your filling.
The Bourbon Cherry Filling: The Heart of the Crisp
While the crust is baking, you’ll prepare the star of the show: the bourbon cherry filling. This involves combining tart cherry juice, brown sugar, cornstarch (our thickening agent!), and, of course, a generous splash of bourbon in a saucepan. Heating this mixture until it thickens ensures that your crisp isn’t runny when served. Once thickened, the pitted cherries are gently folded in, ready to be poured over the warm crust. The aroma alone is enough to get your mouth watering!
The Oat Topping: The Perfect Crumble
The final layer is a wonderfully simple oat topping, bringing a delightful crunch and texture contrast. Rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and melted butter are mixed together to create a crumbly streusel. This mixture is then sprinkled generously over the cherry filling. As it bakes, it turns golden brown and crispy, providing that satisfying texture that makes crisps so beloved. The oats also add a lovely nutty flavor that rounds out the entire dessert.
Serving Suggestions & Special Touches
While a large scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream is the classic pairing for any crisp, don’t hesitate to experiment! A dollop of freshly whipped cream can add a lighter touch, or consider a drizzle of homemade bourbon caramel sauce for an extra layer of decadence. Other ice cream flavors like cinnamon, almond, or even a plain full-fat Greek yogurt could also be fantastic companions.
This Bourbon Cherry Crisp is particularly delightful when served warm, straight from the oven, allowing the ice cream to melt slightly into the bubbling fruit. It’s the best of summer in every single bite, truly a dessert that invites lingering and savoring.
Oh, and speaking of gifts for your beloved mom, a beautiful piece of bakeware like a Le Creuset signature oval baker makes an incredible presentation. Such a versatile dish can go straight from oven to table, making any meal feel special. Another thoughtful idea is a simple yet elegant Le Creuset cake stand. Just remember to present it to her with a freshly baked cake or a dozen cupcakes – because she deserves it!
table of contents
Toggle
Essential Tools for Your Bourbon Cherry Crisp
To make this Bourbon Cherry Crisp as effortlessly as possible, here are a few recommended tools that will come in handy. Investing in quality kitchen essentials not only makes baking easier but also more enjoyable.
- Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature 3QT. Oval Baker: Perfect for baking and serving, this elegant dish moves seamlessly from oven to table. Its even heat distribution ensures a perfectly cooked crisp every time.
- All-Clad Stainless Steel Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements are key in baking, and a reliable set of measuring cups will ensure your ingredients are always precise.
- All-Clad Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons: Just like measuring cups, accurate spoons are vital for consistent results, especially for smaller quantities like salt or cornstarch.
- KitchenAid Nylon Spoon: A sturdy spoon is perfect for stirring your cherry filling without scratching your saucepan, and for gently folding in the cherries.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Le Creuset! As always, all opinions and recipe are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!
Don’t forget to Pin this Bourbon Cherry Crisp recipe for later so you can easily find it whenever a craving strikes!
Bourbon Cherry Crisp
ingredients
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold butter cubed
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup tart cherry juice
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 4 cups pitted cherries
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup flour
- 5 Tbsp melted butter
instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
-
In a medium bowl, combine salt, light brown sugar, and all-purpose flour for the pastry crust. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using two knives or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
-
Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your chosen baking dish (such as a Le Creuset oval baker).
-
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until it is just beginning to turn a light golden brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and set aside.
-
While the crust is baking, prepare the bourbon cherry filling. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the light brown sugar, cornstarch, tart cherry juice, and bourbon until well combined and smooth. Heat the bourbon mixture over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until it begins to bubble and thickens significantly. Once thickened, carefully fold in the pitted cherries.
-
Pour the warm cherry mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust in your baking dish.
-
In a separate small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the oat topping: rolled oats, light brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is crumbly and well-moistened. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the cherry filling.
-
Return the crisp to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges.
-
Allow the crisp to cool for a few minutes before serving. It is best enjoyed warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips for the Perfect Bourbon Cherry Crisp Every Time
- Use Cold Butter for the Crust: Just like with pie crusts, cold butter is crucial for a tender, flaky base. This prevents the butter from melting too quickly and creates pockets of steam that result in a lighter texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Oat Topping: Mix just enough to combine the ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a tough or dense topping. You want distinct crumbs.
- Pitting Cherries Made Easy: If using fresh cherries, a cherry pitter is a worthwhile investment. If you don’t have one, a chopstick or a piping tip can be used to push the pit through.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Cherries: While fresh cherries are ideal, quality frozen tart cherries work wonderfully. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid to prevent a watery filling.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste your cherries before making the filling. If they are particularly tart, you might want to add a tablespoon or two more of brown sugar to the filling.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the crisp to cool for 10-15 minutes after baking helps the filling set, making for cleaner scoops.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover Bourbon Cherry Crisp can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm individual servings in the microwave for a quick treat, or place the entire dish back in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the topping is crisp again. This is especially good for bringing back that fresh-baked warmth and texture.
This Bourbon Cherry Crisp is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of simple pleasures and exquisite flavors. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, sparks conversation, and leaves everyone with a sweet, lasting memory. So go ahead, whip up this amazing crisp, and share the joy of summer with those you love!