The Perfect Bourbon Pumpkin Pie Recipe for Fall Gatherings

Bourbon pumpkin pie elevates the traditional autumn classic into a sophisticated dessert experience.

Rich, velvety pumpkin filling gets a spirited upgrade with a splash of complex bourbon notes.

Warm spices dance through the silky custard, creating an unexpected depth of flavor.

The crowning glory arrives in a crunchy, salty-sweet pecan streusel that adds irresistible texture and nuance.

Golden-brown edges promise a crisp, flaky crust that crumbles perfectly against the smooth filling.

Nutty brown butter intensifies the streusel complexity, delivering a luxurious contrast to the creamy pie beneath.

Comfort meets elegance in this reimagined classic that will delight your most discerning guests.

Bourbon Pumpkin Pie with Salted Brown-Butter Pecan Streusel: A Fall Dessert Dream

• Savor Sophisticated Flavor Fusion: The bourbon adds a rich, complex depth to traditional pumpkin pie, transforming a classic dessert into a gourmet experience that tingles your taste buds with unexpected warmth and complexity.
• Texture Triumph with Crunchy Contrast: Brown-butter pecan streusel creates an irresistible crispy layer that perfectly complements the silky-smooth pumpkin filling, delivering a delightful textural dance in every single bite.
• Elevate Your Holiday Dessert Game: This recipe upgrades the standard pumpkin pie with professional-level techniques like browning butter and adding bourbon, making you look like a culinary rockstar without requiring advanced baking skills.
• Quick and Impressive Seasonal Treat: From start to finish, this pie takes just about an hour to prepare, offering a stunning dessert that looks and tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen, perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort.

Essential Ingredients for Bourbon Pumpkin Pie

• Pie Crust: A pre-made or homemade shell that holds the creamy pumpkin filling, best when flaky and buttery.
• Pumpkin Puree: Smooth, pure pumpkin that provides the classic autumn flavor and rich orange color.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps set the custard-like filling and adds richness.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the pie filling.
• Evaporated Milk: Creamy dairy product that creates a silky, dense pie texture.
• Bourbon: Optional spirit that enhances the pumpkins warmth with a sophisticated flavor note.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend: A mix of warm spices that gives traditional pumpkin pie its signature taste.

• Butter: Browned to develop a nutty, caramel-like flavor that adds depth to the streusel.
• Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a crispy, caramelized topping.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the streusel ingredients and create a crumbly texture.
• Pecans: Adds crunch, nuttiness, and a rich, toasted flavor to the pie topping.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Whipped Cream: Light, airy topping that complements the rich, spiced pie.

Baking Bourbon Pumpkin Pie with Perfect Streusel

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Preheat the oven to 425°F, ensuring the rack is centered for even baking.

Step 2: Create Pie Filling

• Pumpkin puree
• Brown sugar
• Pumpkin pie spices
• Bourbon
• Evaporated milk

Stir until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform.

Step 3: Initial Baking

Pour the filling into an unbaked pie crust. Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F to set the initial layer.

Step 4: Lower Temperature Baking

Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Continue baking for 30 minutes or until the filling is set and slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 5: Add Streusel Topping

Remove pie from oven and generously sprinkle with prepared streusel.

Step 6: Final Baking

Return pie to oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until streusel is golden and crisp.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow pie to cool completely at room temperature. Serve chilled, with optional whipped cream.

For the Streusel:

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma.

Step 2: Combine Streusel Ingredients

• Browned butter
• Brown sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Chopped pecans

Mix until ingredients are well incorporated and crumbly.

Step 3: Prepare for Topping

Sprinkle streusel evenly over the partially baked pie before the final baking stage.

Tips for Perfecting Your Bourbon Pumpkin Pie

• Brown Butter Brilliance: Gently brown butter until it reaches a golden, nutty color to enhance the streusel's depth of flavor without burning.
• Bourbon Balance: Use high-quality bourbon sparingly to complement the pumpkin's sweetness without overpowering the pie's delicate taste.
• Crust Protection: Wrap pie edges with aluminum foil during initial baking to prevent over-browning and ensure a perfectly golden crust.
• Streusel Spacing: Sprinkle streusel evenly across the pie's surface for consistent crunch and maximum flavor in every bite.
• Cooling Technique: Allow pie to cool completely at room temperature to help filling set and develop richer, more integrated flavors.

How to Keep Bourbon Pumpkin Pie Fresh for Later

• Refrigeration: Carefully wrap the pie loosely with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the pie away from strong-smelling foods to preserve its delicate bourbon and pumpkin flavors.
• Room Temperature: Never leave the pie out for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth. Consume within 1-2 days for the best taste and texture.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes. Place pie slice on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent the streusel from burning. For a crisp streusel, remove the foil during the last 3 minutes of heating. Serve immediately with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a delightful experience.

Pair Your Bourbon Pumpkin Pie with These Drinks

• Sip Smooth Bourbon Cocktails: Pair this decadent pie with a classic old fashioned or maple bourbon sour to echo the pie's bourbon notes and complement its rich, warm spices.
• Scoop Creamy Companions: Top the pie with vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of bourbon-spiked whipped cream to enhance the dessert's luxurious texture and add a cool contrast.
• Match Warming Coffee Blends: Serve alongside a strong espresso or dark roast coffee with hints of caramel and nutmeg to harmonize with the pie's deep, autumnal flavor profile.
• Explore Whiskey Pairings: Select a smooth small-batch bourbon or aged whiskey that brings out the pie's complex spice and brown butter undertones, creating a delightful after-dinner experience.

Customize Your Bourbon Pumpkin Pie with Fun Ingredients

• Maple Rum Pumpkin Delight: Replace bourbon with dark maple rum for a richer, more complex flavor profile. Swap brown sugar with maple sugar to enhance the woodsy sweetness. Maintain the same baking technique for a smooth, creamy pie experience.
• Gluten-Free Nutty Pumpkin Treat: Use gluten-free flour for the streusel and pie crust. Add almond flour to the streusel for extra crunch and nutty depth. Incorporate ground cinnamon and cardamom for a warm, aromatic touch.
• Vegan Spiced Pumpkin Creation: Substitute eggs with silken tofu or chickpea flour. Use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk. Replace butter with coconut oil for the streusel. Add extra warming spices like ginger and nutmeg to boost flavor intensity.
• Mexican-Inspired Chocolate Pumpkin Fusion: Mix cocoa powder into the pumpkin filling. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper and cinnamon. Use dark chocolate chips in the streusel for a rich, slightly spicy dessert with deep, complex notes.

Bourbon Pumpkin Pie Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Southern charm meets autumn’s embrace in this bourbon-spiked pumpkin pie crowned with a salty-sweet pecan streusel. Rich with warm spices and deep caramel notes, this dessert delivers pure comfort that will transport pals straight to grandmother’s kitchen.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust (9 inches, 22.86 centimeters, unbaked)
• 1 ¾ cups (415 milliliters) pumpkin puree
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) brown sugar
• 2 eggs

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) evaporated milk
• ⅓ cup (75 grams) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) bourbon

Spices and Streusel Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (60 grams) brown sugar
• ½ cup (60 grams) pecans, coarsely chopped

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 425°F (220°C) and position a rack in the lower third of the oven to ensure even baking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until they become light and frothy.
3. Gently fold in the pumpkin puree, ensuring a smooth and uniform consistency.
4. Incorporate the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves, stirring until the spices are thoroughly distributed.
5. Pour in the bourbon, creating a rich, aromatic base, then blend in the evaporated milk until the mixture is silky and well-combined.
6. Transfer the liquid filling into an unbaked pie crust, taking care to distribute it evenly.
7. Slide the pie into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes to set the initial structure.
8. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 30 to 35 minutes, or until the filling is slightly jiggly but mostly set.
9. While the pie bakes, prepare the brown-butter pecan streusel by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, swirling occasionally until it turns a golden amber color and develops a nutty aroma.
10. Remove the brown butter from heat and mix with brown sugar, all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and finely chopped pecans to create a crumbly topping.
11. After the pie has baked for 30 minutes, carefully sprinkle the streusel evenly across the surface.
12. Return the pie to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the streusel to become golden and crisp.
13. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours.
14. Serve at room temperature or chilled, optionally garnished with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.

Notes

• Elevate your holiday dessert with this bourbon-infused pumpkin pie that transforms a classic into a gourmet showstopper.
• Brown butter creates a rich, nutty depth that complements the warm pumpkin spices and smooth bourbon undertones.
• Toasting pecans in salted brown butter intensifies their flavor, adding a delightful crunch to the creamy pie filling.
• Make ahead and chill the pie to let the flavors meld, ensuring a more complex and developed taste profile.
• Whipped cream optional but recommended for a luxurious finishing touch that balances the pie’s robust flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 510 kcal
• Sugar: 38g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 110mg