Bourbon Pumpkin Pie Recipe

If you’re looking to add a charming twist to your classic fall dessert lineup, then this Bourbon Pumpkin Pie is an absolute must-try. It brings together the warm, comforting spices of traditional pumpkin pie with a splash of rich bourbon that deepens the flavors in the most inviting way. Topped with a luscious salted brown butter pecan streusel, this pie offers a delightful contrast between creamy filling and crunchy topping. Every slice tells a story of cozy autumn afternoons and holiday gatherings, making Bourbon Pumpkin Pie the star of your dessert table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to crafting a memorable Bourbon Pumpkin Pie. Each ingredient plays a vital role — from the smooth pumpkin puree that provides the rich base, to the bourbon that adds a unique warm kick, and the pecans which offer a satisfying crunch.

• Pie crust (9-inch, unbaked): Your perfect foundation for the pie, ready to hold all those delicious layers.
• Eggs (2): These bind the filling and create that silky, set texture everyone loves.
• Pumpkin puree (1 3/4 cup): The star ingredient, delivering that classic pumpkin flavor and creamy consistency.
• Brown sugar (1 cup): Sweetness with a hint of molasses that complements the spices beautifully.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, aromatic spice that defines pumpkin pie.
• Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a subtle nutty depth to the flavor profile.
• Ground ginger (1/4 teaspoon): Delivers a slight zing to balance the sweetness.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
• Bourbon (2 tablespoons): The magic ingredient that infuses the pie with a smooth, smoky complexity.
• Evaporated milk (1/2 cup): Adds richness and a creamy finish to the filling.
• Unsalted butter (1/3 cup): Used to make the streusel topping, browned for that irresistible nutty aroma.
• Brown sugar for streusel (1/4 cup): Sweetens the crumbly topping to perfection.
• All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Gives structure to the streusel crumb.
• Sea salt (1/4 teaspoon): Accentuates the flavors in the topping.
• Pecans (1/2 cup, coarsely chopped): Provide a crunchy, buttery contrast that makes this pie unforgettable.

How to Make Bourbon Pumpkin Pie

Step 1: Prep and Mix the Filling

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. Then, stir in the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, salt, bourbon, and evaporated milk. Whisk everything until you have a smooth, silky mixture that promises lusciousness in every bite.

Step 2: Pour and Bake the Pie

Pour that gorgeous filling right into your unbaked pie crust. Pop it into the oven and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes to give it a nice initial lift. Then, lower the heat to 350°F and continue baking for another 30 minutes. At this point, your pie will be nearly perfect — creamy and just set.

Step 3: Prepare the Salted Brown Butter Pecan Streusel

While the pie bakes, melt the unsalted butter in a small pot over medium heat. Keep swirling it until it foams and turns a beautiful light golden brown with those delightful brown specks that smell nutty. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly, then mix in the brown sugar, sea salt, and flour until smooth and crumbly. Stir in the chopped pecans to add that signature crunch.

Step 4: Add Streusel and Finish Baking

After the initial bake, gently sprinkle the streusel all over the pie. Return it to the oven for about 10 more minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. This final bake crisps up the topping perfectly without disturbing the creamy filling beneath.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Once out of the oven, it’s important to let the pie cool completely to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set fully. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

How to Serve Bourbon Pumpkin Pie

Garnishes

This Bourbon Pumpkin Pie practically sings on its own, but topping it with a generous dollop of lightly whipped cream adds a dreamy touch that balances the robust flavors. For an extra touch, sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg over the cream to echo the spices in the pie.

Side Dishes

Serve slices alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or spiced chai tea to complement the warm spices and bourbon notes. If you’re aiming for a decadent dessert course, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is simply irresistible paired with this pie.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive occasions, consider serving the pie in individual mini tart forms using the same filling and streusel topping — perfect for gatherings where guests appreciate their own personal treat. You can also drizzle a bourbon caramel sauce over each slice for a show-stopping finish that doubles down on bourbon flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Bourbon Pumpkin Pie can be covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making every bite even better the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze this pie wrapped snugly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to two months. To thaw, simply move it to the refrigerator overnight before serving to preserve the texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you prefer enjoying the pie warm, reheat slices gently in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This will revive the pie’s comforting aroma without drying out the filling or topping.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! If using fresh pumpkin, be sure to cook it down properly and puree it until silky smooth. Keep in mind fresh pumpkin often has a higher water content, so you may need to strain some liquid to avoid a watery filling.

Is it okay to substitute bourbon with another liquor?

While bourbon adds a unique depth and sweetness, you can substitute it with a good-quality whiskey or even rum if preferred. Just know the flavor profile will shift slightly but still remain delicious.

What’s the best way to prevent the pie crust from getting soggy?

Blind baking the crust for a few minutes before adding the filling can help keep things crisp. Also, ensure your filling isn’t too watery by properly measuring ingredients and not overmixing pumpkin puree.

Can I make the streusel topping nut-free?

Yes! You can swap out pecans for more flour and a bit of extra brown sugar or add seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a crunch without nuts.

How do I know when the pie is perfectly baked?

The pie is done when it no longer jiggles in the center but still has a slight wiggle. A knife inserted in the middle should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.

Final Thoughts

This Bourbon Pumpkin Pie is truly a dessert that warms the soul and brightens any occasion. From its fragrant spices and smooth filling to that crisp, nutty streusel topping, every bite is packed with love and flavor. I can’t recommend it enough — whether you’re making it for family, friends, or yourself, this pie is guaranteed to bring smiles around the table. Give it a try and let the rich, comforting magic of bourbon and pumpkin become your new favorite fall indulgence.

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