Bourbon Butter Apple Crumble Recipe
This Bourbon Butter Apple Crumble recipe brings together sweet caramelized apples, warm brown sugar, and a hint of smoky bourbon, creating a dessert that’s perfect for entertaining or casual weeknight indulgence. Featured on Griddle Nation, hosts CJ Fraizer and Nate Lippy showcase how simple ingredients and high-heat griddle cooking can transform into a rich, comforting dessert that’s easy to recreate at home. This recipe highlights how a classic apple crumble can be reimagined with bold flavors and modern cooking techniques.
The Inspiration
Inspired by viral griddle recipes trending across social media, Nate Lippy wanted to explore how dessert could be elevated using a flat-top grill. On Griddle Nation, he brings that inspiration to life by adapting the classic apple crumble into a bold, griddle-style creation. The combination of tart and sweet apples with buttery caramelization and a flambéed bourbon finish reflects the show’s signature approach—taking familiar comfort foods and adding a modern, flavorful twist that feels both exciting and approachable for home cooks.
This recipe also speaks to the versatility of outdoor cooking. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or experimenting with new ways to use your griddle, this dessert proves that you don’t need an oven to create something truly special. It’s fun, interactive, and designed to be shared—qualities that perfectly capture the spirit of Griddle Nation.
Ingredients
- 2 Red Delicious Apples, Cut into Wedges
- 2 Granny Smith Apples, Cut into Wedges
- Graza Frizzle High Heat Cooking Oil
- 3Tbsp Butter
- ½ C Brown Sugar
- ¼ C Orange Juice
- Splash Bourbon
- Vanilla Ice Cream
- Granola to Garnish
Methods
- Preheat griddle to medium heat. Allow 10-15 minutes or until the surface darkens and light smoke appears
- Add about 1TB Frizzle oil and butter to griddle. Then lay down apples.
- After 2-3 minutes flip apples over and add brown sugar. Use spatulas to combine.
- After another 1-2 minutes of cooking, add orange juice and bourbon and light. Allow liquor to cook off and stir to combine.
- Serve Apples a la mode and top with granola.
Serving Suggestions
This Bourbon Butter Apple Crumble is a versatile dessert that fits seamlessly into a variety of occasions, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings with friends. Its warm, comforting flavors make it especially appealing during cooler months, but its quick preparation on the griddle also makes it ideal for summer barbecues and outdoor entertaining. Serving it straight off the griddle enhances the experience, allowing guests to enjoy the aroma and freshness of the dish at its peak.
Pair this dessert with a rich cup of coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness, or complement it with a small pour of bourbon to echo the deep, caramel notes in the dish. If you’re hosting a larger gathering, consider serving it family-style on a large platter, letting guests scoop their portions and customize with extra ice cream or toppings. The combination of warm apples, cold ice cream, and crunchy granola creates a dynamic dessert that feels both rustic and elevated, making it a standout addition to any menu.
Final Thoughts
This Bourbon Butter Apple Crumble recipe is a celebration of comfort food reimagined through the lens of modern griddle cooking. By combining simple ingredients with bold techniques, CJ Fraizer and Nate Lippy demonstrate how approachable cooking can still deliver impressive results. The balance of sweet, tart, buttery, and smoky flavors ensures that every bite is rich and satisfying, while the ease of preparation makes it accessible to cooks of all skill levels.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests, experiment with your griddle, or simply treat yourself to a delicious homemade dessert, this recipe delivers on all fronts. It captures the essence of Griddle Nation—creative, flavorful, and designed to bring people together around great food.
For more information, check out the Griddle Nation website.