Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Pie Recipe

Introduction

Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Pie is a decadent twist on the classic Southern dessert, featuring nutty browned butter and a splash of bourbon for added depth. Rich, gooey, and studded with crunchy pecans, this pie is perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, browned
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Brown the butter by melting it in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it turns a rich golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately and transfer to a heatproof bowl to stop cooking.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the browned butter, brown sugar, and salt. Stir until the mixture is well blended.
4. Step 4: Add the light corn syrup, lightly beaten eggs, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Whisk everything together until smooth.
5. Step 5: Stir in the bourbon until evenly incorporated.
6. Step 6: Arrange the pecan halves evenly in the unbaked pie crust, covering the bottom completely.
7. Step 7: Pour the filling mixture over the pecans, spreading it out gently to cover.
8. Step 8: Bake the pie for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. To prevent the crust edges from over-browning, cover them with foil if needed during baking.
9. Step 9: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This resting time helps the filling set fully for clean slices.

Tips & Variations

• Use a homemade pie crust for extra flakiness or substitute with a store-bought crust for convenience.
• If you prefer a milder bourbon flavor, reduce the bourbon to 2 tablespoons.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of maple syrup for a flavor twist.
• Toast the pecans lightly before arranging them in the crust to enhance their crunch and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or serve chilled—the pie tastes great both ways.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance. Bake it as directed, then store it covered in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.

Can I substitute bourbon with another spirit?

Absolutely! Whiskey or rum can be used as substitutes for bourbon and provide a similar depth of flavor. For a non-alcoholic version, replace it with an equal amount of additional vanilla extract or brewed coffee.

Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Pie Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 150 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This rich and indulgent Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Pie is a decadent twist on the classic Southern dessert. Featuring a nutty, caramelized brown butter filling enhanced with the warm depth of bourbon and crunchy pecan halves, this pie offers an irresistible balance of flavors and textures. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion, it promises a luscious, buttery crust and a gooey, flavorful center that will delight any pecan pie lover.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pie Crust

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust

Filling

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, browned
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the pie.
2. Brown the Butter: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook until the butter turns a rich golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Remove immediately from heat and transfer to a heatproof bowl to stop cooking.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the browned butter, brown sugar, and salt together until well combined to form the base of your filling.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the light corn syrup, lightly beaten eggs, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Whisk everything until the mixture is smooth and uniform in texture.
5. Incorporate Bourbon: Stir in the bourbon gently, ensuring it blends thoroughly into the filling.
6. Prepare Pie Crust: Arrange the pecan halves evenly in the unbaked 9-inch pie crust to create a visually appealing nut layer.
7. Pour Filling: Carefully pour the prepared filling mixture over the arranged pecans, evenly distributing it across the crust.
8. Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust achieves a golden brown color. If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
9. Cool Completely: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This allows the filling to set properly for clean slicing and optimal texture.

Notes

• Use a deep-dish pie crust if you prefer a higher filling level.
• Ensure the butter is browned but not burnt for the best flavor.
• If you prefer a stronger bourbon flavor, you can increase the bourbon to 1/3 cup.
• Cover the pie edges with foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative, but note this will change the flavor profile.
• Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to avoid a runny filling.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Keywords: pecan pie, bourbon pecan pie, brown butter pie, southern dessert, holiday pie, pecan dessert, homemade pecan pie