The Ultimate Bourbon Pecan Pie Recipe: A Delicious Southern Classic

Pecan pie is a beloved Southern dessert that delivers a delightful combination of sweet, nutty flavors and a rich, gooey texture. Adding bourbon elevates this classic pie to a new level of sophistication. Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients that make this bourbon pecan pie truly exceptional.

Key Ingredients

Eggs

• Eggs provide structure to the pie filling, helping it set into a custard-like consistency as it bakes.

Granulated Sugar

• Sugar is the primary sweetener in the pie, caramelizing during baking to create a rich, gooey texture.

Light Corn Syrup

• Light corn syrup adds smoothness and gloss to the filling, preventing the sugar from crystallizing and ensuring a silky, caramel-like consistency.

Dark Corn Syrup

• Dark corn syrup brings a deeper sweetness with molasses notes, enhancing the overall richness and flavor of the pie.

Unsalted Butter

• Butter contributes a rich, creamy texture to the filling and enhances the pie’s overall flavor with its buttery taste.

Bourbon

• Bourbon introduces a warm, slightly smoky flavor that adds depth and complexity to the filling. The alcohol evaporates during baking, leaving behind its distinctive taste.

Vanilla Extract

• Vanilla extract enhances the sweetness and adds a subtle aromatic note, rounding out the flavors and making the filling more balanced.

Salt

• Salt helps to balance the sweetness and accentuate the flavors of the other ingredients, bringing out the natural taste of the pecans.

Pecan Halves

• Pecans are the star of the pie, offering a rich, nutty flavor and satisfying crunch. They are scattered throughout the filling for a delicious and visually appealing texture.

Unbaked Pie Crust

• The pie crust forms the base and container for the filling. A well-made crust adds a flaky, buttery layer that complements the rich filling.

Baking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to ensure it’s at the right temperature for even baking.

2. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugars, corn syrups, melted butter, bourbon, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.

3. Add Pecans: Gently fold in the pecan halves, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.

4. Assemble and Bake: Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust and bake until the filling is set with a slight jiggle in the center, ensuring a gooey yet firm texture.

5. Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps the filling to set properly and makes for cleaner slices.

This bourbon pecan pie brings together the classic flavors of a traditional pecan pie with the added warmth and complexity of bourbon. Perfect for any occasion, this pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy every rich, nutty bite!