If you have a sweet spot for indulgently rich desserts, this Bourbon Pecan Pie Recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. Combining the classic buttery crunch of pecans with the deep, warming notes of bourbon, this pie delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and complexity. Each bite offers a luscious, gooey filling that’s beautifully complemented by a flaky golden crust. Whether it’s for holiday celebrations or simply to treat yourself, this luscious pie brings a cozy, comforting vibe to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building those signature flavors and textures. From the smooth blend of syrups to the toasty aroma of browned butter, these simple essentials come together to create something truly magical.
- Pie shell: Use a 9-inch homemade or store-bought shell to provide a flaky, buttery foundation for your pie.
- Eggs: They act as the binder and help the filling set to that perfect custard-like consistency.
- Light brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and depth of flavor to the filling.
- Dark corn syrup: Gives a rich, molasses-like sweetness that enhances the overall gooey texture.
- Light corn syrup: Balances out sweetness and helps maintain a smooth, glossy filling.
- Bourbon: Introduces warm, oaky undertones adding sophistication and a subtle kick.
- Unsalted butter: When browned, it imparts a nutty, deep flavor that elevates the filling.
- Salt: A pinch brightens all the sweet flavors and keeps the richness well-rounded.
- Vanilla extract: Lends fragrant sweetness that melds all ingredients harmoniously.
- Pecan halves: Offer a crunchy, toasted texture with earthy nutty notes that define the pie’s identity.
How to Make Bourbon Pecan Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pie Shell
Start by preheating your oven to 350º F, making sure it’s fully warmed before baking. Place your pie shell into a 9-inch plate and gently shape the crust if needed. Don’t worry if you prefer store-bought shells—they work wonderfully and save time.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter while stirring continuously. Watch closely until it transforms into a golden-brown color and you start seeing delicious brown bits forming on the bottom—this is where the magic happens! Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly to bring out that rich, nutty essence.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the eggs vigorously to start the filling off on the right foot. Then add your light brown sugar along with both the dark and light corn syrups—whisk everything together until smooth. Next, fold in the browned butter, bourbon, and vanilla extract. This blend creates the luscious filling that’s bursting with layered flavors.
Step 4: Add the Pecans and Assemble
Fold the pecan halves into your mixture, ensuring they’re evenly coated with the sugary blend. Pour this sumptuous filling carefully into the prepared pie shell. You’ll notice the pecans will naturally float toward the top, giving the pie that perfect, nut-topped look everyone loves.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Place the pie in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center jiggles slightly but isn’t runny or soupy—think of this as a gentle wobble that signals a beautifully set custard. Once baked, cool the pie completely. For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate overnight before serving to let everything meld perfectly.
How to Serve Bourbon Pecan Pie Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Bourbon Pecan Pie Recipe experience, consider topping slices with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. A light sprinkle of toasted pecans or a drizzle of honey can add an elegant visual touch and extra layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
This decadent pie pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides like a crisp apple salad or citrusy arugula salad. The acidity balances the richness of the pie beautifully, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve mini versions of this pie in individual ramekins or tartlet pans, perfect for easy sharing at parties. You can also pair it with coffee or a glass of bourbon on the rocks to complement the pie’s signature flavor notes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Bourbon Pecan Pie Recipe, wrap any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator. This helps maintain freshness and keeps the filling firm and flavorful for up to 4 days.
Freezing
While this pie is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze unbaked pies wrapped securely in two layers of plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adjusting additional baking time as needed. Fully baked pies can also be frozen but may lose some texture quality once thawed.
Reheating
For a warm slice, reheat leftover pie pieces in a preheated oven at 300º F for about 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust crisp and the filling creamy without making it rubbery.
FAQs
Can I substitute the bourbon with another liquor?
Absolutely! While bourbon is classic for this recipe’s warm flavor, you can use whiskey or even rum. Just remember, each swap slightly changes the taste, so adjust based on your preference.
Is it necessary to brown the butter?
Browning the butter adds a wonderful nutty depth that’s worth the extra step. However, if you’re short on time, melted butter will work but with a less complex flavor profile.
How do I know when the pie is done?
The filling should jiggle softly in the center without appearing liquidy or overly loose. This means the custard has set but remains creamy—perfect for slicing and serving.
Can I use chopped pecans instead of halves?
Yes, chopped pecans are fine and will distribute throughout the pie more evenly, but halves provide that iconic textured top that looks stunning and adds a satisfying crunch.
Should the pie be refrigerated before serving?
For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the pie overnight after it cools. This resting time allows the filling to firm up and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a pie that combines nutty textures with the subtle kick of bourbon, and this Bourbon Pecan Pie Recipe delivers just that in every delightful forkful. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just craving a comforting dessert to share, this recipe invites you to savor the cozy warmth of home baking. Give it a go—you won’t regret sharing this slice of sweetness with your favorite people.
Print
Bourbon Pecan Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 9-inch pie (serves 8)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Bourbon Pecan Pie combines the rich flavors of toasted pecans with a buttery, bourbon-infused filling baked in a flaky pie crust. The filling is enhanced by browned butter for a deep, nutty undertone and balanced sweetness from a blend of light and dark corn syrups and brown sugar. Perfect for special occasions or holiday tables, this pie offers a deliciously gooey texture with a crisp nut topping.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 9-inch pie shell or your favorite pie dough recipe
Filling
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup dark corn syrup
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/4 cup)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C) to ensure it’s ready when your pie is assembled.
- Prepare Pie Shell: Place the rolled-out 9-inch pie dough into a pie plate, shaping the crust edges as desired. Alternatively, use a store-bought pie shell to save time.
- Bake Brown Butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Continue cooking and stirring until the butter browns and you notice the nutty brown bits forming. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Mix Eggs: In a large bowl, beat the three eggs together until smooth and slightly frothy.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: Add light brown sugar, dark corn syrup, and light corn syrup to the beaten eggs. Whisk thoroughly to combine. Then stir in the cooled browned butter, bourbon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat the mixture until fully combined.
- Add Pecans: Fold in the pecan halves, distributing them evenly throughout the filling. Pour this filling carefully into your prepared pie shell. The pecans will naturally float to the top during baking.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie on the oven rack and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The center should still jiggle slightly but not be liquidy or soupy. This ensures the filling is set but not overcooked.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. For best results, refrigerate the pie overnight to allow the filling to fully set and flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- You can use a homemade or store-bought pie crust according to your preference.
- Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the pie; do not skip this step.
- The pecans will float to the top naturally when baking, creating an attractive topping.
- Do not overbake; the center should jiggle slightly when done.
- Refrigerating the pie overnight improves texture and flavor.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
