This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more information.
This boozy twist on classic pecan pumpkin pie puts a sophisticated spin on a fall favorite. Learn how to easily make the best bourbon pecan pumpkin pie with recipe tips and serving ideas.
The holidays just got much more delicious with this bourbon-spiked spin on a classic fall favorite. Thanksgiving is synonymous with pie, and after a delicious feast, there is only one way to finish the evening - with a delicious slice of pie! One of our family favorites is this Bourbon Pecan Pumpkin Pie. A fusion of two classic Thanksgiving pies where pecans take center stage and a dash of bourbon take this pie to the next level.
This pie has the rich, gooey texture of a pecan pie and the sweetness of a pumpkin pie. While the bourbon adds complexity, and let's be honest, everything is better with a splash of bourbon (including family gatherings). This pumpkin pecan pie will leave everyone lingering around the table a little longer.
While it's no secret I love baking with bourbon, it's not just for drinking in our household. Bourbon intensifies flavors to produce a truly decadent dessert that will wow your guests. It's my secret ingredient in a lot of my baked goods.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Southern-Style Pie
- Rich and complex flavor: The bourbon adds a subtle yet complex layer of flavor that perfectly complements the pumpkin and pecan.
- Easy to make: Don't be intimidated by the fancy name! This pie comes together surprisingly easily, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfectly balanced sweetness: The sweetness of the pie filling is balanced by the slight bitterness of the pecans, creating a truly irresistible flavor combination.
- Impressive presentation: The golden brown crust and pecan topping make this pie a showstopper on any dessert table.
Ingredients
- 1 Pie Crust Recipe (all purpose flour, sugar, salt, butter, shortening and water)
- butter
- granulated sugar
- eggs
- white vinegar
- salt
- vanilla extract
- dark corn syrup
- bourbon
- pecans
- canned pumpkin purée
How to Make
- Prepare your crust: Make the bottom crust for the pie following my easy pie crust recipe, halving the recipe.
- Blind Bake: bake bottom pie crust until lightly golden
- Whisk together the filling: Cream butter and sugar, and add eggs, vinegar, salt, vanilla, corn syrup and bourbon. Stir in pecans and pumpkin puree.
- Pour: pour the filling into the partially baked crust.
- Bake until set: The pie is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips for Recipe Success
- Bourbon Quality: Use a good-quality bourbon for the best flavor. No need to break the bank, but avoid the bottom shelf.
- Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick near the center of the pie; if it comes out clean, your pie is done.
- Don't overbake: The pie is done when the center is just set, not completely firm. Overbaking can lead to a dry and crumbly filling.
- Resting Time: Let the pie cool completely to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully and for the filling to set properly.
Ingredient Swaps
- Bourbon: If you don't have bourbon on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of brandy, rum, or even vanilla extract. However, bourbon adds a unique depth of flavor that is unmatched.
- Pecans: You can substitute walnuts, almonds, or even chopped hazelnuts for the pecans.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Substitute bourbon with apple juice or vanilla extract.
- Sugar Alternatives: Use maple syrup or honey instead of sugar for a different sweetness.
Storage Instructions
Keep the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- For an extra decadent touch, drizzle the pie with some salted caramel sauce.
- Add a scoop of your favorite pumpkin spice ice cream for a fun and festive twist.
Recommended Tools
Pie Crust Protector Shield, Baking Ceramic Pie Crust Weights and Stand Mixer
FAQs
There isn't a single "best" bourbon to use in a pecan pie, as it depends on your personal preference and what you have on hand. However, here are some tips:
Use a bourbon you would enjoy drinking. This ensures you'll enjoy the flavor it imparts to the pie.
Opt for a mid-priced bourbon. You don't need to use a top-shelf bourbon for baking, as the heat will mellow out the subtleties of the flavor.
Avoid bourbons that are too sweet. The bourbon can accentuate the sweetness of the pie filling, so a sweeter bourbon might make the pie overly sweet.
Bourbon pecan pie has the classic flavors of pecan pie - sweetness from the pecans and sugar, richness from the eggs and butter, and warmth from the spices. The addition of a subtle caramel and oaky flavor comes from the bourbon. The bourbon doesn't overpower the other flavors, but it adds a touch of complexity and sophistication that makes the pie truly special.
Derby pie is a type of pecan pie that originated in Kentucky. It is similar to a pecan pie, but it typically has a chocolate cookie crust and a corn syrup filling. The addition of chocolate and corn syrup gives derby pie a slightly different flavor profile than traditional pecan pie.
Bourbon pecan pie has the classic flavors of pecan pie - sweetness from the pecans and sugar, richness from the eggs and butter, and warmth from the spices - with the addition of a subtle caramel and oaky flavor from the bourbon. The bourbon doesn't overpower the other flavors, but it adds a touch of complexity and sophistication that makes the pie truly special.
Absolutely! Make it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator to ease your party preparations.
It's a possibility that the pie was overbaked.
If you give this recipe a try, please leave a comment below, rate the recipe, and don’t forget to tag me @homesweetfarmhome on Instagram. I’d love to see what you come up with and share with our community. Cheers!
If you love baking with pumpkin as much as I do, check out my other favorite pumpkin recipes: Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies, Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Bourbon Cream Cheese Frosting & Pecan and Toffee Bits and Pumpkin Spice Sheet Cake with Bourbon Cream Cheese Frosting.
Recipe Card
Bourbon Pecan Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients
- 1 Pie Crust Recipe
- 2 tablespoons butter softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dark corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1 ½ cups pecans chopped
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
Optional:
- 1 egg lightly beaten for egg wash
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Roll out chilled pie dough disc on a lightly floured work surface until dough is about ⅛” thick and about 12” in diameter.
- Transfer dough to a 9” pie plate. Trim the edge of the dough so that there is about 1” overhang.
- Fold the edges under and crimp with your fingers or a fork.
- Put the pie plate in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes.
- Remove the pie plate from the freezer and line with parchment paper and pour in baking beans or pie weights.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until pie crust is lightly golden.
- Meanwhile, in a mixer, cream butter and sugar. With the mixer on low, add eggs (one at a time), vinegar, salt, vanilla, corn syrup and bourbon. Stir in pecans and pumpkin puree.
- Pour filling into pie pan.
- Place assembled pie on baking sheet and place on the middle rack in the oven.
- Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until set. Cool completely on wire rack.
Justine says
I've made this recipe for Thanksgiving for 3 years in a row now and it's always the favorite with my family!