This Strawberry Bourbon Crisp is a sweet, warm-weather dessert made with juicy strawberries, a splash of bourbon, and a buttery, oat-packed maple crisp topping. The strawberry jam and maple syrup deepen the flavor, creating a caramel-like fruit base. Topped with a double layer of brown butter crisp and served warm with vanilla ice cream, it’s a rustic, crowd-pleasing treat perfect for summer evenings and holiday weekends.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Fruit Filling:

6 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, halved (about 3 lbs)
1/2 cup thick strawberry jam
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2–3 tablespoons bourbon (optional)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Topping:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) cold salted butter, cubed
4 tablespoons maple syrup

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, toss together strawberries, jam, maple syrup, cornstarch, cinnamon, bourbon, and vanilla. Spread the fruit mixture into a 10–12 inch baking dish or cast iron skillet.
For the topping, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Cut in 8 tablespoons butter using a pastry cutter or fork until mixture forms crumbles. Sprinkle topping evenly over the fruit.
Cover dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil. Dot the top with remaining 4 tablespoons butter and drizzle with maple syrup. Return to oven and bake uncovered for another 20–30 minutes, until golden and crisp.
For extra crispiness, broil for 1 minute.
Let cool for 20–30 minutes before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Nutrients (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 237
Fat: ~13g
Carbohydrates: ~28g
Sugar: ~16g
Fiber: ~2g
Protein: ~2g
Sodium: ~90mg

Why Strawberries Shine in This Recipe

Fresh strawberries are at their peak during late spring and summer, making them the perfect base for a fruit-forward dessert like this. Their natural sweetness and vibrant red color make them visually and flavorfully irresistible. Unlike berries that break down quickly when baked, strawberries hold their structure a bit longer, creating a luscious filling that’s thick without becoming mushy.

The addition of strawberry jam intensifies the fruit flavor while adding body and richness. It acts almost like a built-in sauce, helping the cornstarch thicken the mixture into a silky, cohesive base. Maple syrup brings in an earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the berries, enhancing their natural sugars and giving the crisp a deep, almost caramel-like complexity.

The Subtle Impact of Bourbon

Bourbon adds a sophisticated twist to the traditional fruit crisp. Its warm, oaky notes mingle with the strawberries and spices, giving the dessert a depth that feels luxurious without overpowering the fruit. The alcohol content bakes off in the oven, leaving behind hints of vanilla, caramel, and smokiness that elevate the entire dish.

While the bourbon is optional, it’s highly recommended if you’re serving adults and want to offer a dessert that feels a little more grown-up. Just two or three tablespoons is enough to transform the flavor from familiar to unforgettable. If you’re avoiding alcohol, the crisp is still outstanding without it—but for those who appreciate the complexity bourbon brings, it’s an easy way to upgrade a summer favorite.

The Magic of the Double Crisp Topping

What truly sets this recipe apart is its oat-packed double-layered crisp topping. While most crisps feature a simple mix of butter, flour, sugar, and oats, this one takes it a step further by browning the butter and using maple syrup for added depth and crunch. A portion of the butter is cubed and cut into the dry ingredients to form a classic crumble, while the rest is dotted on top halfway through baking and drizzled with syrup for a golden, crispy finish.

Browning the butter gives the topping a nutty, toasty aroma that enhances the overall flavor of the dessert. Combined with oats and a touch of cinnamon, it creates a textural balance that contrasts beautifully with the soft fruit filling. The topping becomes caramelized at the edges and delightfully crisp on top—especially when broiled briefly at the end.

Ideal for Entertaining and Sharing

Strawberry Bourbon Crisp is a perfect dessert for casual entertaining. It can be prepared in advance, popped in the oven while you enjoy your meal, and served warm just as everyone is ready for something sweet. The scent of bubbling fruit and brown butter wafting from the oven will have guests hovering with anticipation.

Served in a cast iron skillet or rustic baking dish, it’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, the warm fruit and cold cream melt together into the ultimate comfort dessert. You can easily scale the recipe up or down, depending on the size of your gathering, and the relaxed presentation fits right in with picnics, potlucks, or outdoor dinner parties.

Make-Ahead Friendly and Easy to Store

This crisp is not only easy to prepare, but it also holds up well after baking. You can assemble the fruit filling and topping ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Leftovers can be refrigerated for several days and reheated in the oven to restore the crisp texture. It’s just as delicious the next day, making it an ideal option for meal-prep desserts or post-party indulgence.

For a breakfast-style twist, you can serve leftovers chilled or room temperature with Greek yogurt, turning this dessert into a decadent morning treat.

Healthier Comfort with Natural Sweeteners

Compared to many desserts, Strawberry Bourbon Crisp offers a lighter, more natural approach to indulgence. The use of maple syrup instead of refined white sugar gives it a lower glycemic profile and a more nuanced sweetness. The oats provide whole-grain fiber, while the strawberries deliver antioxidants, vitamin C, and other key nutrients.

Each serving contains about 237 calories, with a balanced blend of carbs, fat, and fiber. It’s a treat you can enjoy without the heaviness of a pie or the sugar load of a frosted cake. For those looking to reduce sugar further, you can easily cut back on the maple syrup or opt for a naturally sweetened jam to lower the overall sweetness while keeping the dessert full of flavor.

Variations and Serving Ideas

The beauty of a crisp lies in its versatility. This recipe works wonderfully with a mix of berries—try adding blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries for a more complex flavor profile. Peaches or nectarines also pair well with strawberries and bourbon, adding floral notes and additional juiciness.

For an extra-special touch, top your crisp with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of heavy cream, or a scoop of honey-lavender or cinnamon ice cream. You can also add chopped toasted pecans or almonds to the topping for a crunchy twist. Serve in individual ramekins for a more formal dessert presentation or family-style in a skillet for casual gatherings.

Conclusion

Strawberry Bourbon Crisp is the kind of dessert that brings people together with its simplicity, warmth, and bold flavor. It’s rustic yet elegant, comforting yet refined, and easy enough to make on a whim. With its jammy, bourbon-kissed strawberry base and crispy brown butter oat topping, this dessert delivers all the sweetness of summer in every spoonful.

Whether you’re making it for a crowd, a quiet night in, or as a celebration of seasonal fruit, this crisp proves that great desserts don’t need to be complicated to be memorable. Once served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, you’ll understand why this recipe is destined to become a new summer classic.