When the autumn breeze starts to whisper and the leaves turn a fiery orange, there’s only one dessert that truly encapsulates the season: Classic Bourbon Pumpkin Pie. Imagine sinking your fork into a velvety slice of this pie, where the spicy warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg dances with rich pumpkin filling, all nestled in a buttery crust. You can almost hear the crisp crunch of leaves underfoot as you savor each bite.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Classic Bourbon Pumpkin Pie</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
- How long should I bake my pumpkin pie?
- What if my pie crust cracks?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Every Thanksgiving at my grandmother’s house was punctuated by the aroma of spices wafting from her kitchen, signaling that her famous bourbon pumpkin pie was on its way to perfection. It became a family tradition that not only filled our bellies but also warmed our hearts. Fast forward to today, and I still make it every fall, reliving those cherished moments while indulging in its amazing flavor experience.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Classic Bourbon Pumpkin Pie is simple to prepare and perfect for any occasion
- Its sweet and spiced flavor profile will delight your taste buds
- The golden-brown crust adds visual appeal, making it a showstopper at any gathering
- Plus, this versatile recipe allows you to adapt it with different spices or toppings based on your preferences
I remember one Thanksgiving when my cousin attempted to “improve” Grandma’s recipe by adding extra bourbon. Let’s just say it turned into a “no thanks” moment for all of us.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Pumpkin Puree: Use canned or homemade puree; just ensure it’s 100% pure pumpkin for the best flavor.
Bourbon: Choose a good-quality bourbon for added depth; it’s the secret ingredient that elevates the pie.
Granulated Sugar: Sweeten things up; adjust according to your taste preferences.
Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, making your pie irresistible.
Cinnamon: A staple spice for that warm flavor; fresh ground works wonders!
Nutmeg: A pinch of this spice adds warmth; don’t go overboard or it can overpower other flavors.
Ginger Powder: Just enough zing to elevate your pie from good to outstanding.
Salt: A small addition balances sweetness; skip it and risk an overly sweet pie.
Eggs: These bind everything together; use large eggs for consistency.
Pie Crust: Store-bought or homemade; choose what fits your schedule best.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Classic Bourbon Pumpkin Pie
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step ensures your pie bakes evenly and gets that beautiful golden crust.
Prepare Your Pie Crust: If using store-bought crust, unroll it into a pie plate. If homemade, roll out your dough until it’s about 1/8 inch thick before placing it carefully into your pan.
Mix Your Filling: In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, spices, salt, eggs, and bourbon. Whisk until smooth; you’ll want to see no lumps here!
Pour Filling Into Crust: Carefully pour your luscious filling into the prepared crust. Gently tap the pan on the counter to eliminate air bubbles—nobody wants a bumpy pie!
Bake with Love: Place the pie in your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes until set.
Cool Before Serving: Once baked, allow the pie to cool on a wire rack. This helps firm up the filling; serve warm or chilled with whipped cream for extra indulgence!
You Must Know
- This classic bourbon pumpkin pie is not just a dessert; it’s the centerpiece of fall festivities
- The rich aroma fills your kitchen, making it impossible to resist
- Perfect for sharing, this pie will have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe thirds)
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven and preparing the pie crust. While the crust bakes, mix the pumpkin filling, ensuring every ingredient is well blended for an even texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist. Adding chopped pecans or walnuts can also provide delightful crunch and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
To store, cover your pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat slices in the microwave or enjoy cold straight from the fridge.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a flaky crust, chill your butter and use ice water
- Avoid overmixing the filling to keep it smooth
- Allow your pie to cool completely before slicing for perfect pieces
The first time I made this classic bourbon pumpkin pie, my family devoured it so quickly that I barely got a slice! Their smiles were priceless, proving that good food creates great memories.
FAQ
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, using fresh pumpkin adds a deeper flavor but requires more preparation time.
How long should I bake my pumpkin pie?
Bake at 350°F for about 45-50 minutes until the center is set yet slightly jiggly.
What if my pie crust cracks?
If cracks appear, don’t panic! A bit of whipped cream can hide imperfections beautifully.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Classic Bourbon Pumpkin Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: About 8 servings 1x
Description
Experience the essence of autumn with this Classic Bourbon Pumpkin Pie. This beloved dessert features a creamy blend of rich pumpkin, warm spices, and a hint of bourbon, all enveloped in a flaky, buttery crust. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall gathering, each slice brings comforting nostalgia and a delightful flavor that will leave everyone asking for more.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup bourbon
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the pie crust in a pie plate.
- In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, spices, salt, eggs, and bourbon until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust and gently tap to remove air bubbles.
- Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C), then reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes until set.
- Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (120g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
