Bourbon Pecan Pie – A Rich, Southern-Inspired Classic Dessert
There are desserts that feel like home—and then there’s pecan pie. Sticky, sweet, buttery, and rich, pecan pie has been a staple of Southern baking for generations. But add a splash of bourbon? Suddenly, you have a pie that’s elevated, deeply flavorful, and unforgettable. Bourbon Pecan Pie brings the warm caramel notes of whiskey together with toasted pecans and golden corn syrup, creating a dessert that tastes both nostalgic and gourmet.
Whether you’re preparing a holiday spread, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving something indulgent on a cozy weekend, this easy Bourbon Pecan Pie delivers impressive results without complicated steps. With its flaky homemade crust, glossy caramelized filling, and crunchy pecan topping, this pie is a true showstopper.
In this post, we’ll walk through every detail—from the ingredients and step-by-step directions to expert tips, storage advice, and ways to personalize your pie. Let’s bake something extraordinary!
Why Bourbon Pecan Pie Is the Ultimate Dessert
If you love traditional pecan pie, you’re going to be obsessed with this bourbon version. Here’s what makes it stand out:
1. Bourbon adds depth and complexity
Instead of being just sweet, the pie becomes layered with notes of caramel, oak, and warm vanilla. Even a small amount transforms the flavor profile entirely.
2. Easy for beginners—but bakery-level results
The steps are simple and approachable. No special techniques or tricky equipment required.
3. A homemade pie crust that comes together fast
This recipe gives you a buttery, flaky crust that perfectly balances the rich filling.
4. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser
Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, fall gatherings, and winter celebrations—but truly delicious any time of year.
5. A make-ahead dessert that stores beautifully
Pecan pie actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen and the filling fully sets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the crust
- 2 ½ cups flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ⅓–½ cup water
For the pie filling
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 3 eggs
- ¼ cup bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Dash of salt
- 1 ½ cups pecan halves
Tools to Have Ready
- Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- 9.5-inch pie dish
- Cooling rack
- Sharp knife for slicing
How to Make Bourbon Pecan Pie – Step-by-Step Guide
Prep time: 30 minutes
Bake time: 55–60 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 8 slices
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F so it’s ready once the pie is assembled.
Step 2: Make the Homemade Pie Crust
A flaky crust is the foundation of every great pie, and this recipe is just as easy as it is delicious.
Mix the dry ingredients
In the bowl of a stand mixer, add:
- Flour
- Salt
- Sugar
- Unsalted butter (cold and cubed is ideal)
Using the paddle attachment, mix on low for 2–3 minutes, or just until the mixture looks crumbly. You want the butter to remain in coarse, pea-sized bits—this is what gives the crust its flakiness.
Add water slowly
Pour in ⅓–½ cup of cold water, splashing small amounts at a time until the dough begins to come together. Stop mixing as soon as it forms a rough dough. Overmixing can create a tough crust.
Press the crust into the pie dish
Press the dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9.5-inch pie dish. No rolling pin needed! Freeze the crust while preparing the filling—this keeps it from shrinking or bubbling in the oven.
Step 3: Make the Bourbon Pecan Pie Filling
Heat the butter, sugar, and corn syrup
In a small saucepan, combine:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
Heat over medium until the mixture comes to a boil, stirring occasionally. Let it boil gently for 3–5 minutes, just until the sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly so it doesn’t scramble the eggs later.
Whisk the eggs and flavorings
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- 3 eggs
- ¼ cup bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Dash of salt
Combine the mixtures
Slowly pour the warm corn syrup mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. The result should be glossy, smooth, and well incorporated.
Add the pecans
Stir in 1½ cups pecan halves, making sure they’re coated evenly.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Pie
Pour the pecan filling into the chilled pie crust. Smooth the pecans so they’re evenly distributed—they will naturally rise to the top as the pie bakes.
Bake at 325°F for 55–60 minutes, or until:
- The edges look set
- The center has a slight jiggle (not liquidy)
The pie will continue to firm as it cools.
Allow it to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until ready to serve. This helps the filling slice perfectly.
Tips for the Best Bourbon Pecan Pie
Use a good-quality bourbon
Choose one with warm vanilla or caramel notes. You don’t need anything pricey—just a bourbon you enjoy.
Don’t skip cooling the syrup mixture
Pouring piping hot syrup over eggs can scramble them. Let it cool slightly and whisk continuously.
Chill the pie before slicing
Pecan pies cut much cleaner when fully chilled.
Use pecan halves, not pieces
Halves float beautifully and give the pie its signature look.
Protect your crust
If the edges brown too quickly, tent them with foil during baking.
Flavor Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered this Bourbon Pecan Pie, you can customize it to match your taste or seasonal vibes.
Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
Add ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips to the filling for a rich, brownie-like indulgence.
Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie
Replace ¼ cup of corn syrup with pure maple syrup for warm, woodsy sweetness.
Salted Bourbon Pecan Pie
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top after baking.
Spiced Holiday Pecan Pie
Add cinnamon, allspice, or nutmeg for an autumn flavor twist.
What to Serve With Bourbon Pecan Pie
This pie is delicious on its own, but the right topping can take it over the top.
1. Freshly whipped cream
Light, airy cream balances the richness.
2. Vanilla bean ice cream
A cold, creamy contrast to the warm, caramel filling.
3. Bourbon caramel sauce
For true bourbon lovers, a drizzle of bourbon caramel is irresistible.
4. Coffee or espresso
The bitterness enhances the buttery sweetness of the pie.
How to Store Your Bourbon Pecan Pie
Refrigerator Storage
Cover the pie tightly and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen beautifully over time.
Freezer Storage
For longer storage, freeze the pie (fully baked and wrapped well) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Make-Ahead Option
Bake the pie 1–2 days before a holiday gathering—it slices cleaner and tastes even better after resting.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
The filling is runny.
This usually means the pie needed a few more minutes in the oven. The center should jiggle slightly but appear mostly set.
The crust shrank in the oven.
Freezing the crust before adding filling helps prevent shrinking. Also ensure you’re not overmixing the dough.
The pecans burned on top.
This can happen if they’re too close to the heating element. Loosely tent the pie with foil halfway through baking.
Final Thoughts
Bourbon Pecan Pie is one of those desserts that feels like an experience—warm, comforting, nostalgic, and undeniably decadent. The bourbon enhances the traditional pecan pie flavor without overpowering it, giving the entire dessert a sophisticated twist. Whether you bake it for a holiday meal, a special celebration, or simply because you’re craving something sweet and cozy, this pie is guaranteed to impress.
Serve it chilled or slightly warmed, with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and enjoy each buttery, crunchy, caramel-kissed bite.
If you try this recipe, be sure to share it—you may just become everyone’s new go-to pie baker.
