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Pecan Pie with Bourbon Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 140 reviews
  • Author: Lana
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

This classic Pecan Pie with Bourbon recipe features a flaky homemade crust filled with a rich, creamy pecan filling infused with real bourbon for a warm, complex flavor. The toasted pecans add a satisfying crunch while the dark corn syrup and brown sugar provide the perfect balance of sweetness. Ideal for holiday celebrations or any special occasion, this pie serves 8 and is baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Pie Crust

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
  • 1/4 cup shortening, cold and diced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 3–4 tablespoons cold water

Pie Filling

  • 1 1/3 cups pecans, roasted and chopped
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar (light brown sugar also works)
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 egg yolks, room temperature
  • 1 cup dark corn syrup or maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, lukewarm
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and diced
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup bourbon (optional)
  • 22 pecan halves (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pie Crust: In a food processor, combine flour, salt, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add cold diced butter and shortening, processing until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
  2. Add Cold Water: Gradually add cold water, pulsing until dough comes together, shiny and well blended. Add extra water if needed.
  3. Alternative Mixing Method: If preferred, mix the dough by hand in a large bowl using a pastry blender or fingers.
  4. Chill Dough: Shape dough into a ball, wrap with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  5. Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface with waxed paper, roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch or 10 1/2-inch pie dish.
  6. Transfer Crust: Press the rolled dough evenly into the bottom and sides of the pie dish.
  7. Make Pie Filling: In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Add this mixture to a saucepan over medium-low heat.
  8. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Whisk in egg yolks, dark corn syrup or maple syrup, and lukewarm cream. Stir continuously, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  9. Simmer Filling: Reduce heat to low and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened like pudding.
  10. Add Butter: Remove from heat and stir in cold diced butter until melted.
  11. Add Flavorings: Stir in vanilla extract and bourbon, if using.
  12. Assemble Pie: Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the prepared crust. Pour filling mixture over pecans, then level with a spatula.
  13. Top with Pecan Halves: Arrange pecan halves on top of the filling decoratively.
  14. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) with rack in the middle position.
  15. Bake Covered: Cover pie with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  16. Continue Baking Uncovered: Remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes. Check if pie is set but slightly jiggly; if needed, recover with foil and bake for up to 10 more minutes.
  17. Cool Pie: Remove from oven, discard foil, and let cool on a wire rack for several hours.
  18. Refrigerate: Once cooled to room temperature, place pie in the refrigerator to fully set the filling.
  19. Serve: Slice and serve with vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.

Notes

  • If bourbon is not desired, omit it for a non-alcoholic version without sacrificing flavor.
  • Make sure the butter and shortening are cold to achieve a flaky crust.
  • For extra flavor, toast pecans before chopping to enhance their nuttiness.
  • Use light brown sugar if dark brown sugar is not available; it will slightly alter the depth of flavor.
  • Covering the pie during the first part of baking prevents over-browning of the pecans.
  • Allow pie to cool completely before refrigerating to help the filling set properly.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator; consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: pecan pie, bourbon pecan pie, holiday pie, homemade pie crust, nut pie, classic dessert

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Find it online: https://mealsbylana.com/pecan-pie-with-bourbon-recipe/