Bourbon Pecan Pie Recipe - Sweet & Boozy Perfection

There’s something magical about the combination of gooey pecan filling, buttery crust, and a subtle kick of bourbon. Bourbon Pecan Pie is a dessert that feels at home at Thanksgiving dinner, holiday gatherings, or even as an indulgent treat any time of the year. Its rich, nutty flavor paired with the unmistakable caramel notes of bourbon makes it a crowd-pleaser for adults and a signature dish for bakers looking to wow their friends and family.

This recipe will guide you through every step of making the ultimate Bourbon Pecan Pie — from preparing the perfect crust to creating that luscious filling. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at an impressive dessert for the first time, this article will make the experience simple and delightful.

Why You'll Love Bourbon Pecan Pie

The Perfect Combination of Sweet and Boozy

Bourbon Pecan Pie strikes a balance that few desserts can match. Sweet, nutty, and rich, the pie gets a depth of flavor thanks to the bourbon. Don’t worry — the alcohol cooks out, leaving behind warm undertones that elevate the filling.

Holiday Favorite

This pie is practically tailor-made for the festive season. It’s a classic on Thanksgiving tables, pairs beautifully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, and adds that homemade touch to any celebration. Plus, it’s just as good for casual dinner parties or cozy weekends at home.

Easy to Customize

You can tweak the sweetness, swap out the bourbon for vanilla or rum, or roast the pecans in butter for even more flavor. The versatility of this recipe allows for endless creativity.

Essential Ingredients for Bourbon Pecan Pie

You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to create an impressive Bourbon Pecan Pie. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
• 3–5 tablespoons ice-cold water

For the Filling:

• 1 ½ cups pecans (halves or chopped, depending on preference)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 tablespoons bourbon
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

How to Make Bourbon Pecan Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add Butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Water: Gradually add ice-cold water one tablespoon at a time, tossing the dough with a fork until it just comes together.
4. Chill: Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

1. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch round.
2. Transfer it carefully to a 9-inch pie dish, trimming any excess overhang. Crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
3. Chill the crust in the fridge while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Toast the Pecans (Optional But Recommended!)

To amplify the nutty flavor, lightly toast your pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes. Be sure to stir constantly to prevent burning.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Whisk together eggs, light corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, bourbon, salt, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Place toasted pecans into the prepared pie crust and pour the filling mixture over them, ensuring all nuts are evenly coated.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

1. Cover the pie loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
2. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden. A slight jiggle in the center is fine — the pie will continue to set as it cools.
3. Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Serving and Pairing Ideas

Classic Pairings

• Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream balances the richness of the pie.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: For a warm slice straight out of the oven, ice cream creates the perfect contrast.

Drink Recommendations

• Coffee: Pair with a cup of black coffee for a classic combo.
• Bourbon on the Rocks: Lean into the bourbon theme with a glass of your favorite whiskey on the side!

Troubleshooting Tips for Baking

• Burnt Edges: If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with a pie shield or strips of foil.
• Runny Filling: Ensure the pie bakes long enough to set properly. A thermometer should read 200°F when inserted into the center of the pie.
• Cracked Crust: Use chilled butter and ice water to maintain the flakiness of the crust. Avoid overworking the dough.

Make It Your Own

• Bourbon-Free Option: Substitute an equal amount of vanilla extract for a kid-friendly version.
• Chocolate Pecan Pie: Add half a cup of chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
• Maple Syrup Swap: Replace corn syrup with maple syrup for a natural sweetener and deeper flavor.

Why Bourbon Pecan Pie is Worth the Effort

Bourbon Pecan Pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. The smell of toasted pecans wafting through your kitchen and the joy of presenting a beautifully crafted pie make it all worthwhile. This pie has a way of exciting taste buds and sparking conversations, embodying the spirit of togetherness and indulgence.

Now it’s your turn to create this unforgettable dessert. With our easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll stun your dinner guests, charm your holiday crowd, or savor a simple yet refined moment of indulgence on your own.

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