I found myself staring at a basket of gorgeous peaches from the farmer’s market, wondering how to turn them into something special.
The kitchen felt quiet and peaceful, and I decided to create my Bourbon Pecan Peach Crisp, a dessert that fills your home with the most incredible aroma.
Here is what I love most about my Bourbon Pecan Peach Crisp
My Bourbon Pecan Peach Crisp brings together everything I love about summer baking in one cozy dish.
You get those perfectly spiced peaches that hold their shape beautifully, while the bourbon adds this subtle depth that makes everyone ask for my secret.
The pecan topping turns golden and crispy, creating the most satisfying contrast with the juicy fruit beneath.
I keep making this recipe because it works with whatever peaches you have on hand, and it always brings people together around the kitchen table.
More Peach Desserts You’ll Love
When peach season arrives, I can’t stop experimenting with new ways to use them! If you enjoy this Bourbon Pecan Peach Crisp, you’ll definitely want to try my Peach Crumble Bars for a handheld version that’s perfect for picnics.
And these Peach Cobbler Cookies capture all those beloved cobbler flavors in a sweet little package that disappears from the cookie jar faster than I can make them.
Everything you need for the perfect Bourbon Pecan Peach Crisp
For the Spiced Peach Base:
- • 3 pounds ripe peaches (about 8-10 medium), sliced into wedges – I never bother peeling them since the skin adds lovely texture.
- • 3 tablespoons bourbon – use whatever you have on hand, though I prefer something smooth like Buffalo Trace.
- • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – brightens the peach flavor beautifully and prevents browning.
- • 1 teaspoon lemon zest – adds that pop of citrus that makes the peaches sing.
- • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – pure vanilla makes such a difference here.
- • 2/3 cup packed brown sugar – creates that caramel-like sweetness with the fruit juices.
- • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – just enough to add warmth without overpowering.
- • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger – my secret for adding complexity.
- • 3 tablespoons cornstarch – helps thicken those gorgeous peach juices.
For the Crunchy Pecan Topping:
- 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed – keep it cold for the flakiest texture
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats – never use quick oats as they turn mushy
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans – toast them first if you have time for extra nuttiness.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – provides structure for the crispy topping.
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar – complements the peaches perfectly.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar – helps create those golden edges.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – ties everything together beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – enhances all the other flavors.
My Method for Bourbon Pecan Peach Crisp
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. I always use real butter here because it prevents sticking better than cooking spray.
Step 2: In your prepared dish, gently toss the sliced peaches with bourbon, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and cornstarch until no lumps remain. Sprinkle this mixture over the peaches and fold everything together until each slice is well coated.
Step 4: For the topping, combine oats, pecans, flour, both sugars, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Add the cold butter cubes and work them in with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some larger butter pieces still visible.
Step 5: Distribute the Bourbon Pecan Peach Crisp topping evenly over the fruit, making sure to cover all the peaches for the best texture contrast.
Step 6: Bake for 50-55 minutes, until the topping turns deep golden brown and the peach juices bubble around the edges. The aroma will tell you when it’s ready.
Step 7: Let your crisp rest for 15 minutes before serving – this allows the juices to thicken slightly and makes serving much easier.
My secrets Tips For this Bourbon Pecan Peach Crisp Recipe
Choose peaches that yield slightly to pressure but aren’t mushy, they’ll hold their shape better during baking.
I always taste my peaches first and adjust the sugar accordingly, since some varieties are naturally sweeter.
Don’t skip the resting time after combining the peaches with bourbon; it really helps develop the flavors.
When making the topping, keep those butter pieces slightly larger than breadcrumbs for the most interesting texture.
If your Bourbon Pecan Peach Crisp browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil and continue baking until the fruit feels tender when pierced with a fork.
Can I make this Bourbon Pecan Peach Crisp ahead of time?
Absolutely! I often assemble the entire dish in the morning and refrigerate it until dinner time. Just add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from cold.
The assembled crisp keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Print
Bourbon Pecan Peach Crisp
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10
Description
Bourbon Pecan Peach Crisp – a comforting summer dessert featuring tender spiced peaches topped with a golden, crunchy pecan and oat topping with a hint of bourbon warmth.
Ingredients
Spiced Peach Base:
- 3 pounds ripe peaches, sliced into wedges
- 3 tablespoons bourbon
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
Pecan Oat Topping:
- 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Toss sliced peaches with bourbon, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla in the prepared dish. Let sit 10 minutes.
- Whisk together brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and cornstarch. Sprinkle over peaches and fold to coat evenly.
- Combine all topping ingredients except butter in a large bowl. Work in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Distribute topping evenly over peaches.
- Bake 50-55 minutes until golden brown and juices bubble around edges.
- Cool 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Choose peaches that yield slightly to pressure but aren’t mushy.
- Frozen peaches work well, use 3 pounds and add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate summer dessert experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
What’s the best way to store leftover peach crisp?
I cover my leftover Bourbon Pecan Peach Crisp with foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to four days.
To reheat, I pop individual portions in the microwave for 30 seconds or warm the whole dish in a 300°F oven until heated through.
Can I substitute the bourbon with something else?
You can definitely replace the bourbon with additional vanilla extract (use 1 tablespoon total) or try rum or whiskey for a different flavor profile.
I’ve also made this with apple juice when I needed it completely alcohol-free, and it turned out delicious.
Will frozen peaches work in this recipe?
Frozen peaches work wonderfully! Use about 3 pounds of frozen peach slices (don’t thaw them first) and add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch since frozen fruit releases more liquid during baking.
The cooking time might extend by 5-10 minutes.
I’d love for you to follow along with all my seasonal baking adventures! You’ll find tons more fruit crisp variations, cozy dessert recipes, and kitchen tips on my Pinterest.
How I love to share this Bourbon Pecan Peach Crisp
This dessert shines at summer potlucks and family gatherings, but I also love making it on quiet Sunday afternoons when the house feels peaceful.
I always serve it warm with vanilla ice cream melting alongside each portion.
The combination of textures and temperatures creates the perfect ending to any meal, whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a simple weeknight dinner when peaches are calling from the counter.