Name: Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: All-butter pie crust; Chopped pecans; Unsalted butter (1 stick or 4 oz); Light brown sugar (1 cup); Heavy cream (2/3 cup); Pure maple syrup (1/2 cup); Bourbon (3 tablespoons); Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon); Ground cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon); Vanilla bean paste (1 teaspoon); Eggs (3, room temperature)

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Ah, the sweet aroma of baking pecan pie wafting through the house—it’s simply irresistible! Picture a beautifully golden crust cradling a gooey filling, punctuated by crunchy, toasted pecans, all kissed with a touch of bourbon. This Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience that evokes warmth and nostalgia, perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings at home. Every bite is a perfect balance of sweet and nutty, a celebration of comfort that’s sure to win hearts and taste buds alike. As I put together this pie, I can’t help but recall the joy of family holidays spent around the table, laughter mingling with the sounds of cutlery clinking on plates. With the holiday season fast approaching, now’s the perfect time to dive into this delicious recipe. Let’s create something that brings joy, one slice at a time!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie

Imagine serving up a slice of warm, gooey Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie at your next family gathering or casual get-together. It’s sure to be the star of the dessert table, an instant conversation starter. Let’s explore why this recipe steals the show!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This recipe comes together in about 90 minutes, including baking and cooling time—perfect when you’re short on time!
Irresistible Flavor: The mix of maple syrup and bourbon gives the pie a rich, deep flavor, beautifully complemented by the crunchiness of toasted pecans.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With its glossy filling and perfectly arranged pecan halves, this pie is as stunning as it is delicious.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it warm with ice cream for dessert, or have a chilled slice with coffee for breakfast—no judgment here!
Diet-Friendly Options: Looking for alternatives? Gluten-free pie crusts and dairy-free butter can easily be swapped in to cater to dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-butter pie crust: Using an all-butter crust ensures a flaky, tender texture that’s bursting with flavor. You can use a homemade crust or opt for a store-bought one—just make sure it’s not made with corn syrup!
Chopped pecans: Toasting the pecans accentuates their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch. You can substitute with walnuts if you’re in a pinch, but the signature pecan taste is unmatched.
Unsalted butter (1 stick or 4 oz): For richness and a silky texture in the filling. Always use unsalted to control the seasoning better.
Light brown sugar (1 cup): Offers a deep caramel flavor that complements the other ingredients. You can replace it with dark brown sugar for a richer taste.
Heavy cream (2/3 cup): This adds the necessary creaminess to the filling. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or coconut cream works as good substitutes.
Pure maple syrup (1/2 cup): The star of our recipe! It provides natural sweetness and depth. Avoid pancake syrup, which lacks the complex flavor.
Bourbon (3 tablespoons): A subtle splash adds warmth and character. If you want to omit alcohol, use a splash of vanilla extract instead, though it won’t taste quite the same.
Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor—always a must in dessert recipes!
Ground cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): Just a hint of spice to warm up the overall flavor. You can skip this if you’re not a fan, but cinnamon pairs wonderfully with maple!
Vanilla bean paste (1 teaspoon): Adding depth and warmth; substituting with vanilla extract is perfectly acceptable if you don’t have paste handy.
Eggs (3, room temperature): Eggs bind everything together and give the filling its rich custard-like consistency. Room temperature eggs mix in more readily, preventing lumps.

How to Make Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie

Roll Out the Crust: Start by rolling out your pie crust on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 12-13 inches in diameter. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch; too much flour can dry it out. Transfer it to a pie pan and gently press it into the edges, trimming any excess dough. If you want a decorative edge, feel free to crimp it. After docking your crust with a fork, pop it into the fridge for about 30 minutes—this helps keep it from shrinking during baking.

Preheat and Prepare: While your pie crust chills, preheat your oven to 400°F. This ensures that crust will start baking immediately, helping it to set and form a lovely texture.

Blind Bake the Crust: After 30 minutes, take your chilled pie crust out of the fridge and place it on a baking sheet. Line the crust with crumpled parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans to keep it from puffing up. Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully remove the weights and parchment, returning it to the oven for another 5 minutes until it’s lightly golden. Let it cool completely.

Reduce Oven Temperature: Once the crust has cooled, lower the oven temperature to 350°F—this is the ideal temperature for baking the filling while ensuring it doesn’t overcook.

Toast the Pecans: Spread the chopped pecans out on a small baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 6-8 minutes. They should smell fragrant but be careful to avoid burning them! Set the pecans aside to cool while you prepare the filling.

Make the Filling Base: In a medium stainless steel saucepan, melt the stick of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the light brown sugar and whisk for about a minute until it looks well-combined. Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly for 1 minute. Remove from heat, then stir in maple syrup, bourbon, vanilla bean paste, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon. Allow it to cool to room temperature; you can speed this process by placing it in the fridge and stirring occasionally to prevent any seizing.

Finish the Filling: After your filling base is cool, add the eggs one by one, whisking until smooth. Gently fold in the toasted pecans, making sure they’re well-distributed throughout. Pour the filling into the cooled pie crust, ensuring the pecans are evenly spread. Feel free to decorate with whole pecan halves on top for that extra sparkle!

Bake to Perfection: Bake your masterpiece for 35-45 minutes, until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center—look for an internal temperature of around 200°F. The edges should be golden, and you’ll see the filling bubbling gently. Let the pie cool for 2-3 hours before slicing; it can also be chilled in the fridge for an even more decadent treat!

Storing & Reheating

To store your Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie at room temperature, simply cover it with plastic wrap or foil and it should keep for about 1-2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe ziplock bag, where it can stay fresh for up to 3 months. To enjoy later, defrost it in the refrigerator overnight. When you’re ready to serve, simply warm it slightly in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes; just know the texture may change slightly, but the flavor will still be divine!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoiding a Soggy Crust: Make sure to blind bake the crust properly—this prevents the filling from making it soggy.
Ensure Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and cream helps to create a smooth filling without lumps.
Pay Attention to Baking Time: Keep an eye on your pie as it bakes. The filling should be set around the edges while still slightly loose in the center.
Flavor Boosting Options: Consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top just before serving to enhance the flavors.
Plan Ahead: You can make the pie crust a day in advance and refrigerate it, saving you time on the day you plan to serve the pie.

It’s hard to go wrong with a dessert as comforting and heartfelt as Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie. From its rich, gooey filling to the delightful crunch of toasted pecans, every bite offers a unique experience that’s sure to make any occasion feel special. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring a slice alone, the warmth of this pie is inviting and satisfying. Get ready to create lasting memories around your table!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a store-bought pie crust?

Absolutely! Using a store-bought all-butter pie crust can save you time and still give you a delicious result. Just ensure you choose one that fits your dietary needs, avoiding those made with corn syrup.

Can I make this pie without bourbon?

Yes! If you prefer to skip the bourbon, you can replace it with additional vanilla extract or maple extract for a similar flavor profile, although it will slightly alter the depth of flavor.

How do I know when the pie is done baking?

You’re looking for the filling to be set but with a slight jiggle in the center. A good internal temperature to aim for is around 200°F. The edges should also look golden and just barely bubbling.

How can I enhance the flavor of my pie?

Consider adding a dash of sea salt on top right before serving for an enjoyable contrast to the sweetness. You can also play with the spices; adding a touch of nutmeg or allspice can create a cozy flavor profile that’s perfect for the holidays!