Bourbon Cherry Crisp Recipe

Cherries: The main fruit component, providing a sweet and tart flavor. Can be fresh or frozen, but must be pitted.

Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the cherry filling, balancing the tartness of the cherries.

Cornstarch: A thickening agent that helps the cherry filling achieve the right consistency.

Bourbon: Adds a rich, smoky flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste.

Rolled oats: Forms the base of the crisp topping, adding texture and a nutty flavor.

All-purpose flour: Helps bind the crisp topping together, providing structure.

Brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness to the topping, complementing the cherries.

Unsalted butter: Melts into the topping, creating a rich, buttery flavor and helping it crisp up.

Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the topping, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors in the dish.

When preparing the cherries, make sure they are evenly coated with the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and bourbon. This ensures that the filling thickens properly and the flavors meld together. For the topping, mix the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This texture will create a perfect, crispy topping.

• cherries - Substitute with mixed berries: Mixed berries provide a similar tartness and sweetness, making them a good alternative.

• granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor.

• cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder is a great thickening agent and works similarly to cornstarch.

• bourbon - Substitute with apple juice: Apple juice provides a sweet and slightly tangy flavor without the alcohol.

• rolled oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes offer a similar texture and are a good gluten-free option.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour is a gluten-free alternative that adds a nutty flavor.

• brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a rich, deep sweetness and can be used in a slightly reduced quantity.

• unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and adds a subtle coconut flavor.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon and adds additional warm spices for complexity.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more complex flavor profile and can enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Allow the bourbon cherry crisp to cool completely before storing. This ensures that the topping remains crisp and doesn't become soggy from condensation.

• Transfer the dessert to an airtight container. If you don't have a container large enough, you can cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

• Store the cherry crisp in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cool temperature will help maintain the freshness and flavor of the cherries and the crispness of the topping.

• For longer storage, consider freezing the crisp. First, wrap the cooled dessert tightly in plastic wrap, then in a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

• Label the package with the date so you can keep track of its freshness. The bourbon cherry crisp can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• When you're ready to enjoy the frozen dessert, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor.

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cherry crisp in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Heat for about 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to re-crisp the topping.

• If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a serving in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overheating.

• Oven Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover bourbon cherry crisp in an oven-safe dish. If it's already in a dish, you can use that.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the crisp topping from burning.
  4. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the topping is warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to re-crisp the topping.
  6. Let it cool slightly before serving.

• Microwave Method

  1. Place a portion of the bourbon cherry crisp in a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Cover the bowl loosely with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to stir and ensure even heating.
  4. If the crisp is not warm enough, continue to heat in 30-second intervals until desired temperature is reached.
  5. Let it sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly.

• Stovetop Method

  1. Place a portion of the bourbon cherry crisp in a non-stick skillet.
  2. Cover the skillet with a lid to trap the heat and moisture.
  3. Heat on low to medium heat for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
  4. Once the filling is bubbly and the topping is warmed through, remove from heat.
  5. Let it cool slightly before serving.

• Air Fryer Method

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover bourbon cherry crisp in an air fryer-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the topping from burning.
  4. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 2 minutes to re-crisp the topping.
  6. Let it cool slightly before serving.

• Oven: Used to bake the cherry crisp at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the cherries with sugar, cornstarch, and bourbon.

• Baking dish: Holds the cherry mixture and the oat topping while baking.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring ingredients like sugar, cornstarch, bourbon, oats, flour, and butter.

• Measuring spoons: Used for precise measurement of smaller quantities like cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt.

• Spatula: Helps in mixing the ingredients thoroughly and spreading the topping evenly.

• Pitter: Handy tool for removing pits from fresh cherries.

• Oven mitts: Protect your hands when placing the dish in and taking it out of the oven.

• Cooling rack: Allows the cherry crisp to cool slightly before serving.

• Knife: Useful if you need to cut any ingredients or slice the crisp for serving.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.

Use frozen cherries: Opt for frozen cherries to save time on pitting and washing. They work just as well as fresh ones.

Pre-mix dry ingredients: Combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt ahead of time and store in an airtight container.

Melt butter in microwave: Quickly melt the unsalted butter in the microwave to speed up the process.

Use a food processor: Blend the topping ingredients in a food processor for a quicker, more uniform mixture.

Make ahead: Prepare the cherry mixture and topping separately and refrigerate. Assemble and bake when ready.