Bourbon Pumpkin Pie

If you love classic pumpkin pie but want something with a little twist, this Bourbon Pumpkin Pie is it. I made it one Thanksgiving, and it instantly became the star of the table. It’s smooth, rich, and has just a hint of warmth from the bourbon.

The filling is creamy and perfectly spiced, with that deep flavor that makes every bite cozy. The bourbon adds this subtle kick that pairs so well with the pumpkin. And when it bakes, the smell fills the kitchen with pure comfort.

Each slice tastes like fall with a grown-up touch—sweet, silky, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of pie that feels special without being complicated. I always top mine with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

So grab your pie crust and a little bourbon, and let’s bake something amazing. This Bourbon Pumpkin Pie is smooth, festive, and sure to impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Bourbon Pumpkin Pie Recipe

• A Flavorful Twist on Tradition: While pumpkin pie is already a classic, adding bourbon takes the flavor to a whole new level. The bourbon gives it a depth and warmth that’s irresistible.
• Perfectly Balanced: The spices blend beautifully with the bourbon and pumpkin, creating a rich, comforting flavor that will remind you of all the cozy fall vibes.
• Easily Make-Ahead: You can prepare this pie ahead of time, making it a great option for holiday gatherings. It actually tastes even better after sitting for a day!
• Showstopper Dessert: Bourbon Pumpkin Pie is the perfect combination of creamy and decadent, making it the star of any dessert table.
• Versatile: You can enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for extra indulgence.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather everything you’ll need:

• 9-inch Pie Pan: A classic pie dish to hold all that delicious filling.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements to ensure the flavors balance just right.
• Mixing Bowls: To combine the ingredients before pouring them into the crust.
• Electric Mixer or Whisk: To beat the eggs and combine the filling smoothly.
• Rolling Pin: If you’re making your own pie crust, this tool will help you roll it out to the perfect thickness.
• Oven: The most important tool for baking this delectable dessert!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this rich and flavorful Bourbon Pumpkin Pie (exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below):

• Pie Crust: Either use a store-bought all-butter pie crust or make your own (I personally recommend a homemade one for extra flakiness and flavor).
• Pumpkin Puree: A 15-ounce can of pure pumpkin puree is the base of your filling. Be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds moisture and caramel-like sweetness to the pie.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances out the brown sugar for a perfect level of sweetness.
• Bourbon: 3 and 1/2 tablespoons of bourbon adds a wonderful warmth and complexity to the pie filling.
• Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of pure vanilla extract enhances the flavors in the filling.
• Eggs: Two large eggs (plus one egg yolk) create a smooth, custardy filling that holds together perfectly.
• Evaporated Milk: The creaminess of evaporated milk brings the filling to life and gives it that traditional pumpkin pie texture.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A mix of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg that defines the seasonal flavors.
• Ground Cinnamon: To enhance the warming spices in the pie.
• Ground Ginger: Adds a subtle zing that works wonderfully with the pumpkin.
• Ground Cardamom: A small pinch of this spice adds a floral, slightly sweet complexity.
• All-Purpose Flour: A small amount of flour helps thicken the filling to just the right consistency.
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

Variations for Bourbon Pumpkin Pie

• Make It Alcohol-Free: If you prefer not to include bourbon, feel free to substitute it with a teaspoon of maple syrup or vanilla extract to maintain the depth of flavor.
• Add a Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crust for a little crunch and texture.
• Change the Spices: While pumpkin pie spice is traditional, you can switch things up by adding a bit of clove or allspice for an extra kick.
• Extra Boozy: If you’re a big fan of bourbon, feel free to increase the amount slightly, but make sure it doesn’t overpower the pumpkin filling.
• Vegan Version: Use a vegan pie crust and substitute the eggs with a flaxseed egg substitute (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water for each egg).

Step-by-Step Instructions for Bourbon Pumpkin Pie

Making Bourbon Pumpkin Pie is simple, but it’s all about layering those beautiful flavors and allowing the pie to bake to perfection. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Pie Crust

If you’re using a store-bought pie crust, just follow the instructions on the package. If you’re making your own, here’s a quick guide:

• Roll out your pie dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 12 inches in diameter.
• Gently transfer it into a 9-inch pie pan, making sure the dough fits snugly.
• Trim any excess dough, leaving about an inch of overhang. Fold the edges under and crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork for a decorative finish.
• Place the crust in the fridge while you prepare the filling to keep it cold.

2. Make the Pumpkin Pie Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, bourbon, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.

• Add the eggs and egg yolk, and whisk again until everything is fully combined.
• Stir in the evaporated milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
• Sprinkle in the pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, flour, and salt. Whisk until the spices are evenly distributed and the mixture is thickened.

3. Pour the Filling into the Pie Crust

Remove the prepared pie crust from the fridge and carefully pour the pumpkin filling into the crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

4. Bake the Pie

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes or until the filling is set and the top has slightly puffed up. You’ll know the pie is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). Keep in mind that the pie will continue to set as it cools.

5. Cool the Pie

Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to firm up and prevents it from spilling out when cut. If you want to speed up the cooling process, you can place the pie in the fridge after it has cooled to room temperature.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Bourbon Pumpkin Pie with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence. The combination of creamy pumpkin filling with a slight bourbon kick is simply irresistible.

How to Serve Bourbon Pumpkin Pie

Bourbon Pumpkin Pie is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few ideas:

• With Whipped Cream: The classic pairing. Light and fluffy whipped cream is the perfect contrast to the rich pie.
• With Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream or cinnamon ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm spices in the pie.
• With a Drizzle of Caramel Sauce: Add a sweet, buttery richness with a drizzle of caramel over the top.
• As a Dessert for Coffee or Tea: The deep flavors of bourbon and pumpkin make this pie an excellent accompaniment to your favorite hot drink.
• Add Candied Pecans: For a little crunch and extra flavor, top your pie with candied pecans or walnuts.

Storing Bourbon Pumpkin Pie

• Leftovers: Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pie will keep its flavor and texture, and actually, the flavors tend to develop more the next day!
• Freezing: You can freeze the pie before or after baking. To freeze before baking, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the bake time. To freeze after baking, wrap the pie tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Bourbon Pumpkin Pie Nutrition (Per Slice)

Here’s an estimate of the nutritional breakdown for one slice of Bourbon Pumpkin Pie:

Nutrient	Amount per Slice (1/8 of pie)
Calories	300-350 kcal
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fat	15g
Saturated Fat	8g
Cholesterol	50mg
Sodium	150mg
Fiber	3g
Sugar	25g

Note: These values can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use (e.g., pie crust, bourbon, etc.).

Conclusion

Bourbon Pumpkin Pie is the ultimate fall dessert, combining the best of pumpkin pie with a smooth, boozy twist. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a cozy night in, this pie will make any occasion special. The warmth of the bourbon and the comforting spices come together in the creamiest pumpkin filling, all set in a flaky pie crust. With the added bonus of being easy to make ahead and a showstopper at any holiday table, this is a recipe you’ll return to year after year.