If you’re looking for a dessert that marries the smoky charm of the grill with the cozy sweetness of fall, this Grilled Apple Crisp Recipe is your new best friend. It layers tender, bourbon-kissed Granny Smith apples with a crunchy oat topping, all cooked perfectly over low heat on your grill. The result is a dessert bursting with warmth, texture, and just the right touch of caramelization, transforming a classic apple crisp into a sensational, outdoor-ready treat. Trust me, once you try this Grilled Apple Crisp Recipe, you’ll want to make it a staple for every cookout and family gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is one of the best parts of this recipe. Each element plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture, from the tart apples to the buttery, crumbly topping. Let’s break down the essentials:
- Granny Smith apples: Their tartness balances the sweetness and holds shape well on the grill.
- All-purpose flour: Used in both the filling and topping to add structure and absorb juices.
- Bourbon: Adds a subtle depth and warmth to the apple filling.
- Ground cinnamon: Provides classic spice notes essential to apple desserts.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
- Brown sugar: Brings rich, molasses-like sweetness and caramelizes beautifully.
- Salt: Just a pinch to heighten all the other flavors.
- Butter: Both melted (for the filling) and cold (for the topping), it adds richness and helps create that perfect crumbly texture.
- Old fashioned oats: Give the crisp topping a hearty texture and wholesome appeal.
- Baking powder: Helps the topping achieve a light, slightly puffy texture.
How to Make Grilled Apple Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Grill
Start by preheating your grill to a low temperature. This slow, gentle heat is key to cooking the apple filling evenly without burning the topping. You can also grill this dessert after other dishes, but just be sure to turn the heat down to low before placing the crisp pan on the grill for a perfect finish.
Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping
Using a medium bowl, combine the cold butter, flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. The secret to a great crumb topping is to work quickly and keep the butter cold. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles small peas and crumbs—chunky and rustic. Pop this topping into the fridge while you prepare the filling, so it stays cool and crumbly.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling
Peel, core, and slice your Granny Smith apples into 16 slices each—thin enough to soften quickly on the grill but thick enough to hold their shape. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, bourbon, cinnamon, vanilla extract, brown sugar, salt, and melted butter. Toss the apple slices in this fragrant mixture until every slice is fully coated with that luscious blend of flavors.
Step 4: Assemble the Crisp
Transfer the apple filling to a clean cast iron pan or grill-safe dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent cooking. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the apples, covering the entire surface with a generous layer. Seal the pan tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam and heat while grilling.
Step 5: Grill Covered
Place the covered pan on the low heat of your preheated grill. Let it cook covered for 20 minutes. This gentle cook time lets the apples begin to soften and allows the filling’s flavors to meld beautifully without scorching the topping.
Step 6: Finish Grilling Uncovered
After 20 minutes, remove the foil and grill uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. This crucial step crisps up the oat topping to a gorgeous golden brown. Once done, let the crisp rest for 10 minutes to thicken and cool slightly before serving. It’s amazing when paired with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.
How to Serve Grilled Apple Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
While the crisp is delicious on its own, try adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that classic combination. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also add a gourmet touch and introduce new textures and flavors.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a light, fresh green salad or a warm, spiced beverage like mulled cider or chai tea to round out the meal. If you’re serving it at a barbecue, its sweet and smoky notes complement grilled meats beautifully, making the dessert a standout finale.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual portions of the Grilled Apple Crisp Recipe in small cast iron skillets or oven-safe ramekins. You can also layer the apples and topping in mason jars for a portable, rustic presentation—which is perfect for picnics or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftover apple crisp tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen as it rests.
Freezing
You can freeze the Grilled Apple Crisp Recipe either before or after cooking. For best results, freeze it unbaked in an airtight container and thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling. Alternatively, freeze leftovers in portioned containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed crisp in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the topping snaps back to crispness. Avoid the microwave to preserve the texture of the crumb topping.
FAQs
Can I use apples other than Granny Smith?
Absolutely! Granny Smiths are ideal due to their tartness and firm texture, but you can mix in Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for a sweeter, more complex flavor. Just make sure the apples are firm enough to hold up while grilling.
Is bourbon necessary in the filling?
Bourbon adds a lovely depth and warmth to the filling, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute it with apple cider, orange juice, or simply water with a splash of vanilla extract. The crisp will still be delicious!
Can I make this dessert on a charcoal grill?
Yes! Just ensure your charcoal fire is set for low, indirect heat. The key is to maintain gentle, even cooking so the apples soften and the topping crisps without burning.
What if I don’t have a cast iron pan?
A thick, grill-safe baking dish or roasting pan works just fine. Cast iron is great for heat distribution, but any sturdy dish that can handle direct grill heat will do the trick.
Can I make the crumb topping ahead of time?
Definitely. You can prepare the crumb topping and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before assembling the crisp. Keeping the butter cold is essential to maintain that perfect crumbly texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so special about transforming simple ingredients into a warm, crunchy, and flavorful dessert outdoors, and this Grilled Apple Crisp Recipe does just that with ease and a dash of flair. Whether you’re ending a backyard barbecue or craving a cozy sweet treat with smoky, caramelized notes, this recipe will quickly become a favorite you turn to again and again. So fire up the grill and start cooking—you’re in for a real delight!
