Maple Bourbon Pumpkin Pie is a delightful twist on the classic fall favorite, offering a rich blend of flavors that will warm you from the inside out. With the sweetness of maple syrup and the kick of bourbon, this pie is perfect for your holiday table or any cozy gathering.
The foundation of this pie is, of course, the pumpkin puree, which gives it that classic, creamy texture and autumnal flavor. The dark brown sugar adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness, while the pure maple syrup introduces a natural, woodsy depth. We’ll use eggs and an additional egg yolk to help bind the filling and add richness. The heavy cream ensures a velvety texture, and a splash of bourbon gives the pie a warm, sophisticated edge. Rounding it out are vanilla extract for aromatic sweetness, and a blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves for that quintessential pumpkin spice flavor. A little salt ties everything together by enhancing the other flavors.
This pie pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a festive touch, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg on top before serving. Consider serving alongside a warm apple cider or a spiced latte to complement the pie's rich flavors.
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and make sure the rack is in the middle. This will help your pie bake evenly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, dark brown sugar, and maple syrup. Stir them together until you have a well-blended mixture.
Next, add in the eggs and the egg yolk. Follow up with the heavy cream, bourbon, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until smooth. It's important to have a consistent texture, so take your time with this step.
Now, stir in the spices: cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, along with the salt. Mix them until they're evenly distributed throughout the filling. The aroma will be incredible!
Pour the filling into your prepared pie crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring an even surface. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips and slide it into the oven. Bake for about 50 minutes, checking that the filling is set but still slightly wobbly in the center. This means it will finish setting as it cools.
Once done, let the pie cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling process is crucial as it helps the pie finish setting up and makes slicing easier. You can serve it at room temperature or chill it for later. Either way, a dollop of whipped cream on top is highly recommended!