Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie

This gluten free Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie is perfect for Thanksgiving! It's made with maple syrup, toasted pecans, and without corn syrup.

This Maple Pecan Pie is one of my go-to desserts every year during the holiday season. It's sweetened with maple syrup and kicked up with a splash of bourbon!

Thanksgiving is coming up soon, which means it's time to think about pies. We are often asked to bring pie to holiday dinners and I love a combo of traditional varieties along with something new to switch things up a bit.

This Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie has become a staple in our repertoire. We come back to it year after year and for good reason. It's a classic pie with a twist. This pie is sweetened with maple syrup instead of corn syrup, which gives it a deep and rich flavor.

The sweetness is balanced out with the addition of bourbon along with some cinnamon and nutmeg. It's also made with toasted pecans and baked in a flaky homemade pie crust.

This dish is perfect served with some homemade whipped cream or ice cream along with a cup of coffee. It's one of those things you can always make a little extra room for, no matter how full you are after a holiday meal.

Jump to:

• How To Make Homemade Pie Crust
• What To Use Instead Of Corn Syrup?
• Ingredients For Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie
• Which Bourbon Is Best For Baking?
• Is Bourbon Gluten Free?
• How To Toast Pecans For Pecan Pie
• How To Make Maple Pecan Pie Filling
• How Long Does Pecan Pie Take To Bake?
• How To Tell When A Pecan Pie Is Done
• How To Make Homemade Whipped Cream
• Can It Be Made Ahead?
• What To Serve With Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie
• Can This Pie Be Made Ahead Of Time?
• How Long Does This Pie Last?
• Can It Be Frozen?
• Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie

How To Make Homemade Pie Crust

Homemade gluten free pie crust must be chilled and par-baked before adding the filling, so I recommend completely this step first.

This recipe is gluten free and calls for a gluten free pie crust. Gluten free pie crust must be made ahead of the filling and par-baked before the filling is added and the pie is finished in the oven.

For step-by-step instructions on how to make gluten free pie crust from scratch, check out this post - How To Make Gluten Free Pie Crust.

This recipe makes enough for two pie crusts. If you would like to make only one pie, simply cut the pie crust recipe in half. Alternately, you can make the pie crust recipe as directed and double this recipe for Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie, which will give you two pies.

If you are not gluten free, feel free to follow these instructions for a regular pie crust - How To Make Homemade Pie Crust. Regular pie crust does not need to be par-baked before adding the filling.

The regular pie crust recipe also makes enough for two crusts. Simply cut the recipe in half if you only need one pie or feel free to double this recipe and make two pies using the entire pie crust recipe.

Alternately, you can use a pre-made gluten free or regular pie crust from the store instead of making it from scratch.

What To Use Instead Of Corn Syrup?

When it comes to sweeteners, it doesn't get much better than maple syrup.

Maple syrup is a natural sweetener with a complex flavor profile. It's earthy and has notes of caramel, vanilla, and toffee. Maple syrup is minimally processed and contains vitamins and minerals (not that we eat pie to be healthy).

Pecan pie is often made with corn syrup, which is highly processed and the flavor is kind of one-note.

I love to use maple syrup as a sweetener in all kinds of desserts. You can choose your favorite brand and grade of maple syrup, depending on your preferred flavor profile.

Ingredients For Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie

Here's what you'll need to make it.

• 1 ½ cups Unsalted Pecans (halves or chopped)
• 3 large Eggs
• ½ packed cup Brown Sugar
• 1 cup Maple Syrup
• 3 Tbsp. Bourbon
• 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
• 1 tsp. Cinnamon
• ¼ tsp. Nutmeg
• ¼ tsp. Kosher Salt
• 2 Tbsp. Gluten Free Flour Blend (or AP flour if not gluten free)
• 2 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter
• 1 Prepared Pie Crust (gluten free or regular)
• 1 pint Heavy Whipping Cream (optional)

Which Bourbon Is Best For Baking?

When it comes to bourbon in baking, it's best to choose a brand that you enjoy drinking (the same is true when cooking with wine). Make sure it's a brand whose flavor you enjoy.

I recommend a brand that has notes of sweetness, such as caramel or vanilla, as this will accentuate the flavors of the maple syrup. I would stay away from brands that are smoky or spicy, as this may adversely affect the flavor of the filling.

Bulleit, Maker's Mark, Elajah Craig, or Woodford Reserve are all great choices.

Is Bourbon Gluten Free?

Pure distilled liquor such as bourbon is gluten free. However, some brands of bourbon contain additives such as coloring or flavors that may contain gluten.

Alternately, the bourbon may have been stored in beer barrels, which means that it may not be gluten free.

Always check the labels before choosing which brand of bourbon to use when making this pie if gluten is an issue for you.

You can also switch out the bourbon for another variety of liquor such as brandy or rum if you have any concerns about gluten or if you prefer the taste of those liquors.

How To Toast Pecans For Pecan Pie

When it comes to the pecans, it's best to toast them before adding them to the filling.

Toasting the pecans helps to bring out their natural oils, which deepens the flavor. It makes the overall flavor of the pie more robust.

You can use halved or chopped pecans, depending on your preference. Make sure that the pecans are unsalted, or the pie will be too salty. Feel free to use pre-chopped pecans, or chop them yourself.

1. To toast the pecans, place a small cast iron skillet or small pan on the stove top and heat to medium-low.
2. Place 1 ½ cups of unsalted halved or chopped pecans into the skillet.
3. Toast the pecans for 5-6 minutes on a low heat, stirring occasionally. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
4. Once the pecans are toasted, remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.

How To Make Maple Pecan Pie Filling

The process of making the filling is easy to do. All of the ingredients are added to a mixing bowl and whisked until the mixture is completely combined. It will be slightly thick, sticky, but easily pourable.

1. To make the filling, add 3 large eggs to a large mixing bowl and whisk until combined.
2. To the eggs, add ½ packed cup brown sugar, 1 cup pure maple syrup (use a glass measuring cup to measure maple syrup), 3 Tbsp. bourbon, 1 tsp. vanilla extract, 1 tsp. cinnamon, ¼ tsp. nutmeg, and ¼ tsp. of kosher salt. Whisk until completely combined.
3. Add 2 Tbsp. of gluten free flour blend (or AP flour if not gluten free) to the bowl and stir until combined.
4. Add the cooled toasted pecans to the mixture and stir until combined.
5. Melt 2 Tbsp. of unsalted butter in the microwave and allow it to cool slightly.
6. Slowly pour the melted butter into the bowl and stir constantly (this ensures that the butter won't cook the eggs). Continue to stir until completely incorporated.

How Long Does Pecan Pie Take To Bake?

As mentioned, the pie crust must be prepared before adding the filling, so I recommend completing that step first.

Once the pie crust is prepared, the filling is added to it and the pie is baked in the oven.

If using the gluten free pie crust, it must be par-baked for 15 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Regular pie crust does not need to be par-baked.

This recipe is written for a 9-inch pie dish.

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Prepare the pie crust (gluten free or regular). Roll out the crust and arrange it into a 9-inch pie dish.
3. If using a gluten free pie crust, poke the bottom of the crust 10-12 times with a fork to prevent it from puffing up and par-bake for 15 minutes before adding the filling. Remove the pie crust from the oven and allow to cool slightly before adding the filling. If not gluten free, add the filling to an unbaked pie crust. If using a store bought pie crust, add the filling according to package instructions.
4. Pour the maple bourbon pecan filling into the pie pan.
5. Place the pie into the oven and loosely tent it with foil (this will prevent the edges of the pie crust from burning).
6. Bake the pie for 50-55 minutes tented with foil.
7. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes.
8. Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely.

How To Tell When A Pecan Pie Is Done

Baking times may vary slightly, depending on the type of pie pan and oven used. In general, it should take between 50-60 minutes for this pie to become fully cooked.

The center of the pie will be slightly jiggly when the pie is finished cooking. The filling will continue to cook and harden as the pie cools.

The best method to tell if the pie is finished cooking is to use a food thermometer. A food thermometer inserted into the center of the pie should read 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

The top of the pie should be golden brown, the edges of the pie crust lightly golden, and the center slightly wobbly.

It's also important to allow the pie to cool completely before serving. The filling will set during the cooling process.

How To Make Homemade Whipped Cream

This step is optional, but homemade whipped cream makes for a great pie topping.

It's super easy to make your own whipped cream and well worth the effort.

If you prefer whipped cream that's slightly sweetened, feel free to add 1 Tbsp. of maple syrup or sweetener of choice.

1. To make the whipped cream, pour 1 pint of cold heavy whipping cream (and 1 Tbsp. sweetener of choice if desired) into a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer.
2. Using the whisk attachment of a stand mixer or a hand mixer, whip the heavy cream on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes, or until it forms stiff peaks.
3. Be sure not to whip the cream too long, or it will turn into butter.

Can It Be Made Ahead?

Yes, homemade whipped cream may be made the day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator before serving.

What To Serve With Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie

This pie may be served as-is, or with some homemade whipped cream or ice cream.

It may be served with any brand of pre-made whipped topping or non-dairy topping of choice.

You can also drizzle the top with some chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or salted caramel sauce if you'd like to make it more decadent.

If serving for the holidays, it may be paired with this Tom and Jerry Cocktail or Baileys Affogato Coffee Cocktail.

Of course, you can't have homemade pie without a cup of coffee.

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Can This Pie Be Made Ahead Of Time?

Yes!

It's advised to make pies ahead of time so they have a chance to cool before serving.

This pie can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the fridge or at room temperature (cover with a towel to prevent the pie from drying out) once it has cooled completely.

It's best to have pies made before your guests arrive for Thanksgiving dinner!

How Long Does This Pie Last?

Any leftover pie should last 3-4 days. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Leftover whipped cream may be stored for 2-3 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

Can It Be Frozen?

Yes, pecan pie can be frozen and enjoyed later.

How To Freeze

1. Bake the pie as directed and allow to cool completely before transferring to the freezer for storage.
2. Remove the pie from the pie plate, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, place the wrapped pie in a heavy-duty freezer bag, label with the date, and store for up to two months in the freezer.

How To Thaw

1. Transfer the pie to the fridge 24 hours before serving.
2. The pie may be warmed in the oven or in the microwave before serving.
3. Prepare the whipped cream just before serving (if using).

Love pie? Check out this Maple Walnut Pie, Gluten Free Apple Pie, and Apple Galette!

Looking for more Thanksgiving desserts? Check out these recipes!

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• Gluten Free Apple Crisp
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• Pumpkin Streusel Coffee Cake
• Cast Iron Skillet Apple Crisp
• Gluten Free Apple Cake

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