Now that peach season is in full swing, you need this Bourbon Peach Crisp in your life! Tender, fresh peaches in a bourbon brown sugar sauce topped with an oat and pecan crisp topping–what could be better?

This is an easy dessert to throw together and is perfect for any summer gathering or BBQ. All you need is a couple of scoops of ice cream to serve on top and dessert is done!

The Best Bourbon Peach Crisp

There is something so magical about fresh peaches in the summer. I love heading into the store and seeing all the varieties pop up around this time. Bourbon peach crisp is absolutely the embodiment of summer desserts and I’m so excited to share it with you!

As much as I love a cobbler, I’m a real crisp girl. Something about the crispy streusel topping just does it for me (as evidenced by my Strawberry Crisp, Apple Crisp, and Pear crisp).

There are no mushy peaches here! By using slightly underripe peaches we end up with a soft, but toothsome, peach crisp at the end. The oat and pecan streusel is the perfect pairing with the bourbon-spiked peaches.

This is a recipe I turn to over and over again for entertaining because it’s as delicious as it is simple. I love baking peach crisp in a skillet, but you could easily use any vessel.

Crisp vs. Cobbler

A cobbler is a baked fruit dessert with either a thick, biscuit-like dough or thinner cake-like batter baked with the fruit. The cake-like batter version is more often found in the South and considered more old-fashioned. Since blueberries are so delicate, they really hold up better in a cake-like batter cobbler. If you’re looking for a cobbler recipe, try my Wild Blueberry Cobbler.

A crisp is a fruit filling baked with a crumbly topping comprised of butter, flour, and sugar (sometimes with the addition of oats, nuts, and other ingredients).

How to Make Bourbon Peach Crisp

Let’s dive in on how to make this easy summer dessert! No fancy equipment required in making this bourbon peach crisp–everything is mixed by hand.

Tools Needed

• 10-12″ Cast Iron Skillet
• Mixing Bowls
• Sharp Knife
• Cutting Board

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Peaches. Fresh is best here! Select peaches that only have a tiny bit of give to them when you press. We want them to stay a bit firm so they don’t end up as mush. You can use frozen peaches, but make sure to thaw, drain, and pat them very dry.
• Brown sugar. You can use light or dark here.
• Cornstarch. Cornstarch helps thicken the peach filling so that it’s not soupy.
• Bourbon. An optional ingredient, but it adds tons of flavor and the alcohol cooks off as the crisp bakes.
• Maple syrup. Pure maple syrup here adds a wonderful flavor.
• Vanilla bean paste. I find that vanilla bean paste adds a stronger vanilla flavor, but you can also use good vanilla extract.
• Butter. Stick with unsalted butter here.
• Old Fashioned Oats. I love the texture and flavor that the oats give the crisp topping.
• Pecans. If you’re allergic or averse, you can skip the pecans.
• Flour. All purpose flour is best. If you need to make this recipe gluten-free, you could swap in a cup-for-cup substitute.

The Process

1. Mix the crisp topping. In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients and the pecans and use a fork to mix it together. Pour in the melted butter and use a fork to mix until clumps form. Transfer to the fridge while you make the filling.
2. Mix the filling. In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the peaches with the sugar, cornstarch, bourbon, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt until well mixed.
3. Assemble. Set the cast iron skillet on a burner over medium heat. Melt the butter and swirl it around so it coats the pan. When it’s hot and foamy, pour in the peaches and any juices and spread them in an even layer. Remove the crisp topping from the fridge and sprinkle on top.
4. Bake. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly. Remove the bourbon peach crisp from the oven and rest for 30 minutes before serving warm with scoops of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

Bourbon peach crisp is a quick and easy dessert that anyone can make! Here are all my top baking tips for making peach crisp:

1. Use slightly underripe peaches: If they’re too soft, the crisp could turn out too mushy. But too firm, and it turns the crisp a bit too tart. They should have a sweet aroma and give slightly when pressed.
2. Slice the peaches evenly: Slice the peaches into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Aim for slices that are about ½-inch thick–a good rule of thumb is to aim for 8 slices per peach.
3. Go for variety: Mix and match different peaches! I used white and yellow for this recipe, but there are so many options. Pick some of your favorite varieties and mix them together–just make sure they’re all roughly the same size.
4. Incorporate texture: Even if the peaches are perfect, the baked texture can get a little boring! I like to add the pecans and oats into the crisp because it adds a nice crunch.
5. Don’t over-bake: Only bake the bourbon peach crisp until the peaches are bubbling and the top is just starting to turn golden. Baking too long can turn the peaches mushy.
6. Let the crisp rest: While it might be tough to stop from digging in, let the crisp rest for 20-30 minutes so that the filling can firm up a little.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you have leftover bourbon peach crisp, it’s easy to store. Follow these best practices:

1. Storage: Allow the bourbon peach crisp to cool completely before storing. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil or transfer it to an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
2. Duration: Peach crisp is best consumed within 2-3 days of baking for optimal taste and texture. After that, the topping may become less crisp.
3. Reheating: There are a couple of methods you can use to reheat bourbon peach crisp:
   • Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the crisp from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 10 minutes. Then, place the crisp in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. This method will help retain the crispness of the topping.
   • Microwave: For a quicker option, you can reheat individual portions of bourbon peach crisp in the microwave. Place a serving in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warm. Be cautious not to overheat it, as the topping may become soggy.
4. Topping Refresh: If you find that the crisp topping has lost some of its crispness after reheating, you can refresh it by placing the individual portions under the broiler for a couple of minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Bourbon Peach Crisp FAQs

Can I make Bourbon Peach Crisp gluten-free?

I haven’t tested it, but using a 1:1 gluten-free replacement flour should work just fine!

Should I peel the peaches?

That’s total personal preference! I personally don’t peel mine because it’s extra work, but if the skins bother you then you can definitely peel them.

Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen peaches if fresh peaches are not available. Thaw the peaches first and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe. Keep in mind that frozen peaches may have a slightly softer texture compared to fresh peaches.

Can I bake bourbon peach cobbler without a cast iron skillet?

Absolutely! Just melt the butter and spread it around a baking dish–a 9×13 should work fine and follow the rest of the recipe as written.

Can I substitute bourbon with another alcohol or omit it altogether?

Yes, you can substitute bourbon with other spirits like rum or brandy, or you can skip the alcohol entirely. The bourbon adds a distinct flavor, but the peach crisp will still be delicious without it. Also keep in mind that it’s a small quantity and the alcohol bakes off in the oven.

Can I use different fruits in this crisp recipe?

Yes! You could use other stone fruits like plums, apricots, and nectarines or add in some berries to supplement the peaches (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, etc.).

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This quick & easy Bourbon Peach Crisp will be your go-to summer dessert now that peaches are in season! It’s the perfect dessert recipe to have in your back pocket when entertaining. If you do give it a try, be sure to let me know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. Be sure to subscribe to my weekly newsletter and never miss a new recipe! You can also snap a photo & tag @JENNYGOYCOCHEA on Instagram. I LOVE hearing about & seeing your SMF creations!

More Easy Dessert Recipes to Try

Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie
Cherry Clafoutis
Wild Blueberry Cobbler
Almond Ricotta Cake