Bourbon Pecan Pie
This Bourbon Pecan Pie with a Southern Kick combines the rich, nutty flavor of toasted pecans with the bold taste of bourbon, making it the perfect dessert for holidays. With an easy-to-follow recipe and a store-bought crust, you can create this crowd-pleasing pie in no time!🥧🥃
This post may contain affiliate links. View our disclosure policy.
Looking for a dessert that packs all the charm of a classic Southern pecan pie but with an extra layer of flavor? Look no further! This Bourbon Pecan Pie with a Southern Kick will be your new holiday favorite. 🥃
The combination of toasted pecans, rich buttery filling, and a bold touch of bourbon creates a pie that’s as impressive as it is easy to make.
Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any gathering that calls for something sweet and comforting, this pie is sure to be a hit! 🥧
Advertisement
3 Reasons Why You'll Love This Recipe!
Classic Southern Flavor with a Bold Twist: Pecan pie is a beloved dessert in the South, but adding bourbon takes it up a notch! The deep, rich flavors of the bourbon blend seamlessly with the sweet, nutty filling, creating a pie that’s elevated but still familiar.
Effortlessly Easy: With the help of a store-bought pie crust, you can focus on whipping up the filling, making this a stress-free dessert perfect for any occasion. It’s beginner-friendly but has the taste of something you’ve spent hours perfecting.
Customizable to Your Taste: You can easily adjust the amount of bourbon or add variations like chocolate chips or a hint of cinnamon. This pie is versatile, so you can make it your own while keeping its signature bold kick.
Advertisement
How To Make a Bourbon Pecan Pie with a Southern Kick
Equipment Needed:
Skillet (for toasting pecans, optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the store-bought pie crust on a non-stick pie drip catcher or baking sheet to catch any drips. Set it aside.
Toast the Pecans (Optional but recommended):
Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecan halves for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Once toasted, set the pecans aside to cool.
Advertisement
Prepare the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, packed light brown sugar, and cornstarch. This ensures the cornstarch is evenly distributed throughout the filling.
Add eggs, dark corn syrup, melted unsalted butter (slightly cooled), quality bourbon, vanilla extract, and salt to the dry mixture. Whisk until everything is well combined.
Dark corn syrup has a richer, molasses-like taste and will give the pie a slightly darker color and a more pronounced sweetness. However, feel free to use light corn syrup if you prefer.
Make sure the butter isn’t hot, or you will scramble the eggs.
Instead of 1/4 cup, use 3 Tablespoons of bourbon for a less intense flavor that still delivers a rich, boozy note.
Stir in the toasted pecans, making sure they’re evenly coated with the filling.
Advertisement
Assemble the Pie:
Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading the pecans evenly on top.
Bake the Pie:
Bake in the preheated oven for 60–70 minutes.
The filling should be set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with a pie crust protector or aluminum foil halfway through baking.
Let it Cool:
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This allows the filling to fully set.
If you cut into it too soon, the filling may still be too soft and runny.
Serve:
Slice and serve your Bourbon Pecan Pie at room temperature or chilled. For an extra indulgent treat, top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
This Bourbon Pecan Pie is the perfect combination of classic Southern charm and a rich, bold twist. With its gooey, nutty filling and the warm flavor of bourbon, this pie is a holiday favorite, made even easier with a store-bought crust!
Advertisement
How Does a Pie Crust Protector Work?
A pie crust protector, sometimes called a pie shield, is a handy kitchen tool designed to prevent the edges of your pie crust from over-browning or burning while the filling cooks. Here's how it works and how you can use one for your Bourbon Pecan Pie recipe:
A pie crust protector is typically made of heat-resistant material, such as silicone or aluminum foil.
It's shaped like a ring or a shield that fits over the outer edge of your pie crust.
When placed on top of your pie, it acts as a barrier to shield the exposed crust from direct heat, allowing the filling to cook evenly without burning the edges.
Advertisement
Using a pie crust protector for your Bourbon Pecan Pie:
After you've prepared your pie crust and filled it with the pecan pie mixture according to the recipe instructions, place the pie crust protector over the unbaked crust.
Ensure that the protector covers the entire edge of the crust, including any decorative edges you may have created.
Once the protector is in place, proceed with baking your pie as directed in the recipe.
The pie crust protector will effectively shield the edges of the crust from excessive heat, preventing them from becoming too dark while the filling sets and bakes.
When the pie is done baking, carefully remove the pie crust protector to reveal a beautifully golden, evenly baked crust.
Using a pie crust protector can help you achieve a pie with perfectly cooked filling and a crust that's just the right shade of golden brown. It's a simple yet effective tool that ensures your Bourbon Pecan Pie looks as good as it tastes!
Advertisement
How to Store Your Bourbon Pecan Pie:
To store your Bourbon Pecan Pie, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days.
You can also freeze the pie! Simply wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let the pie thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
How Long Does Bourbon Pecan Pie Last?
At room temperature, your pie will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
If you refrigerate it, it will last up to 5 days.
If you’re planning to freeze the pie, it will maintain its flavor and texture for about 2 months. Make sure to thaw it in the fridge before serving for the best results.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Bourbon: If you prefer a milder bourbon flavor, reduce the bourbon from ¼ cup to 3 tablespoons. You’ll still get that delightful kick without it being overpowering.
Corn Syrup: You can substitute dark corn syrup with light corn syrup if that’s what you have on hand, though dark corn syrup adds a deeper flavor. Alternatively, maple syrup can add a unique twist.
Add-Ins: Want to experiment? Try adding a handful of chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent chocolate bourbon pecan pie. You can also sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warming spice flavor.
Advertisement
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I make this pie without bourbon?
A: Yes! If you want a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the bourbon and replace it with ¼ cup of heavy cream for a similar richness.
Q: Do I have to toast the pecans?
A: No, toasting the pecans is optional, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor that complements the bourbon. If you're short on time, you can skip this step.
Q: Can I use a homemade pie crust?
A: Absolutely! While a store-bought crust makes this recipe super simple, a homemade pie crust can add a personal touch. Just be sure it’s a deep-dish crust to hold all that delicious filling.
Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This Bourbon Pecan Pie can be baked a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Q: How can I prevent my pie crust from getting soggy?
A: To avoid a soggy crust, you can brush the unbaked crust with egg wash before adding the pecan filling.
Advertisement
Tips & Tricks:
Prevent Over-Browning: If the pie crust edges start to brown too quickly, use a pie crust protector or wrap the edges in foil during the last 20–30 minutes of baking.
Let the Pie Set: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to give the filling time to fully set. If you cut into it too soon, the filling may still be too soft and runny.
Use Quality Bourbon: The flavor of the bourbon really comes through, so choose one you enjoy drinking. Even though the alcohol cooks off, the essence of the bourbon remains in the pie.
Slightly Reduced Bourbon Measurement: Instead of 1/4 cup, use 3 Tablespoons of bourbon for a less intense flavor that still delivers a rich, boozy note.
Share the Love!
If you try my Bourbon Pecan Pie, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family on social media.
Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious recipes, tips, and updates from my kitchen to yours!
Happy Baking! -Xoxo Chyna B 🥧🥃
More Boozy Recipes you’ll enjoy:
Advertisement
SAVE THE RECIPE ON PINTEREST!
Advertisement
WATCH THE RECIPE VIDEO HERE!
Watch the step-by-step instructions on YouTube!
Hey Sweeties, keep the excitement going by exploring more delightful recipes and tips at Chyna B's Sweets. Don't miss out on the latest updates and mouthwatering treats – subscribe to the newsletter and connect on social media today.
More Pies & Cobblers
Advertisement