Bourbon Pecan Pie

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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Bourbon Pecan Pie is a delightful twist on the classic Southern dessert. With its rich, nutty flavor and a hint of bourbon warmth, this pie is perfect for special occasions or just because you fancy a treat. It's a crowd-pleaser that combines sweet, savory, and a touch of indulgence.

Ingredients for Bourbon Pecan Pie

The foundation of this pie is the flaky pie crust, which holds the rich filling and provides a contrasting texture. Granulated sugar and dark corn syrup team up to create the signature sweetness and slightly sticky texture of the filling. The unsalted butter adds richness and helps bind the filling together, while eggs provide structure and a custard-like consistency. The star of the show, bourbon, imparts warmth and complexity, perfectly complementing the vanilla extract and balancing the sweetness. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, and finally, pecan halves contribute crunch and a nutty essence that defines the pie.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a pie shield or tin foil to cover the edges of the crust if they start to brown too quickly.
  • For an extra kick, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the filling.
  • Ensure your ingredients, especially the eggs, are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Bourbon Pecan Pie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. For a sophisticated touch, serve with a glass of the same bourbon used in the pie, allowing the flavors to complement each other beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pie without bourbon?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can omit the bourbon or substitute it with a teaspoon of additional vanilla extract.
How can I tell when the pie is done?
The pie is done when the filling is set and slightly puffed, and the crust is golden brown. It should jiggle slightly in the center but not be liquid.

Bourbon Pecan Pie Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it's nice and hot by the time you're ready to pop the pie in. Next, roll out your pie crust and carefully fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Don't forget to crimp the edges for a decorative finish — this also helps the crust stay in place as it bakes.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and melted butter. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-integrated. It's important to mix thoroughly here to avoid any grittiness. Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition; this helps the filling to set properly.

Now, stir in the bourbon, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is fully combined. This is where the magic happens — the aroma is just heavenly! Next, gently fold in the pecan halves, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Pour the filling into your prepared pie crust, spreading the pecans evenly if needed. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’re looking for the filling to set and the crust to turn a beautiful golden brown. Once baked, let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This cooling period is crucial for the pie to firm up and makes slicing a breeze.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The bourbon adds a sophisticated depth of flavor that elevates the traditional pecan pie.
  • This recipe is straightforward and uses simple ingredients you likely already have.
  • Perfect for celebrations, holidays, or an indulgent dessert any day of the week.
  • The texture is beautifully balanced between the crunchy pecans and the gooey filling.

Ingredients

1 9-inch pie crust
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup dark corn syrup
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 large eggs
1 1/2 tablespoons bourbon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups pecan halves

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan, crimping the edges as desired.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, corn syrup, and melted butter until smooth.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in the bourbon, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined.
6. Fold in the pecan halves, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
7. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
9. Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

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