This easy homemade gluten free Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie recipe is made without corn syrup. It's an old fashioned holiday family favorite!
I find myself making this Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie on repeat every year during the holiday season.
I'm gearing up for Thanksgiving pie season and have been tossing around some ideas as to which recipes to post on the blog. I honestly couldn't decide so I put out a poll on Facebook asking readers to vote on which one they preferred.
The options were A) Scratch-Made Pumpkin Pie B) Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie and C) Sweet Potato Pie. The winner (pretty unanimously) was B) Maple Pecan Pie with Bourbon.
Now, I published this Maple Bourbon Walnut Pie a few years back and its gotten pretty rave reviews from anyone who's tried it. This pecan version is admittedly pretty similar but you can never have too much of anything that starts with 'Maple Bourbon' - Amiright?!
The big difference is that this version is gluten free and it's made with pecans instead of walnuts. This recipe is delicious whether you're gluten free or not - Everyone at your Thanksgiving holiday will love it!
AND it's sweetened with maple syrup so there's no need for corn syrup.
Jump to:
- How To Toast Pecans For Pecan Pie
- How To Make Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie From Scratch
- How To Make Pie Crust From Scratch
- How Long Does Pecan Pie Take To Bake?
- How To Tell When A Pecan Pie Is Done
- What To Serve With Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie
- Can It Be Made Ahead Of Time?
- How Long Does This Pie Last?
- Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie
How To Toast Pecans For Pecan Pie
Whether you go with the walnut version or this pecan version the first step is to toast the nuts. I like to toast nuts whenever I include them in a recipe - Either sweet or savory.
It's an easy thing to do and brings out their natural oils making them even more delicious. Toasting the pecans in this recipe deepens their flavor.
- Place 1 ½ cups of pecans in a small cast iron skillet or your favorite small pan.
- Place the pan on the stove top and heat to medium low.
- Toast the pecans for 5-6 minutes on a low heat, stirring occasionally. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Once the pecans are toasted simply remove from the heat and set aside (you can chop them into smaller pieces if you like once they've cooled).
How To Make Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie From Scratch
One of the reasons I like to bake pies is that they're so stinking easy. There are no complicated steps - Just roll out the dough, mix the filling in a bowl, and bake.
They don't need to look perfect, they aren't fancy, they're simply rustic and tasty.
How To Make The Filling
- Add 3 large eggs to a mixing bowl. Whisk the eggs completely.
- To the eggs add ½ packed cup brown sugar, 1 cup maple syrup, 3 Tbsp. bourbon, 1 tsp. vanilla extract, 1 tsp. cinnamon, ⅛ tsp. nutmeg, ¼ tsp. of kosher salt, and 2 Tbsp. gluten free flour (or regular AP flour if not gluten free).
- Add the cooled toasted pecans (feel free to chop them into smaller pieces before adding to the filling).
- Mix all of these ingredients until completely combined.
- Melt 2 Tbsp. of butter in the microwave. Once the butter has cooled a bit add it slowly to the filling (this ensures that it won't cook the eggs). Stir again to incorporate the butter.
Is Bourbon Gluten Free?
Pure distilled liquor like 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.
If you are celiac or highly sensitive to gluten please make sure to choose a brand of bourbon that you know to be free of gluten or opt for another liquor such as rum or brandy. The bourbon in this recipe can also be left out and the pie will still be delicious.
A Note About The Filling
This recipe is written to fill a 9 inch pie dish. If you are using a deep-dish pie plate you may need to double the amount of filling in order to have enough to accommodate the deeper dish.
How To Make Pie Crust From Scratch
This pecan pie is written as a gluten free recipe BUT it's totally easy to alter it if gluten isn't a problem for you. The main difference is the crust. The process of making gluten free pie crust is slightly different than that of a regular pie crust.
Check out this post for detailed instructions on How To Make Gluten Free Pie Crust. Check out this post to learn How To Make Homemade Pie Crust for regular pie crust instructions.
Both of these pie crust recipes make 2 crusts - You can simply double this Pecan Pie recipe if you'd like two pies OR cut the pie crust recipe in half if you'd only like one crust.
Once the crust is prepared place it in a 9 inch pie pan and pour the filling into the pie plate.
How Long Does Pecan Pie Take To Bake?
- Prepare gluten free pie crust using this recipe for Gluten Free Pie Crust. Use this recipe for Regular Pie Crust if not gluten free. Alternately, you can use a store bought pie crust (regular or gluten free).
- If using a gluten free pie crust, par bake the crust for 15 minutes 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.
- Place the pie into an oven that has been heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are making the gluten free version of this pie then you will have baked the pie crust for 15 minutes already.
- Bake the pie for 50-55 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Loosely place a piece of foil over the pie to tent it as it bakes to prevent the crust from becoming too brown. Mine baked for exactly 55 minutes and it was perfect.
How To Tell When A Pecan Pie Is Done
- A toothpick poked into the center should come out clean when the pie is done.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before serving.
If you like homemade pies I think you'll love this Old Fashioned Apple Pie!
Looking for more Thanksgiving desserts? Check out these recipes!
- Cast Iron Skillet Apple Crisp
- Gluten Free Apple Crisp
- Rustic Apple Galette
- Pumpkin Bread Pudding
- Pumpkin Coffee Cake
- Cinnamon Caramel Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
- Pumpkin Caramel Panna Cotta
What To Serve With Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie
As the pie is cooling feel free to whip up some homemade whipped cream! Of course, you can use whipped cream from a can, but it's SO much better when made from scratch and takes about 5 minutes.
Homemade whipped cream is WAY easy with a KitchenAid stand mixer. This pie is delicious when it's still a little warm but I'd definitely let it cool down for awhile after taking it out of the oven.
Of course, you can't have homemade pie without a cup of coffee.
Can It 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 they have cooled completely.
It's best to have them all 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.
These 'Maple Bourbon' Pies have been my go-to for many years and I've been asked to bring them to family holidays repeatedly. The pecan version is slightly sweeter than the walnut version simply because pecans are sweeter than walnuts.
I bumped up the bourbon and cinnamon in this version and added some nutmeg for good measure. Maple is the perfect flavor for fall and bourbon is great, well, because it's bourbon.
This pie is one of the reasons why Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday!
Love holiday treats? Check out these recipes!
- Maple Walnut Baklava Bites
- Whiskey Baileys Affogato
- Tom and Jerry Holiday Cocktail
- Peppermint Chocolate Cheesecake Cups
- Chocolate Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
- Crispy Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies
- Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Pistachio Panna Cotta
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Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie
Equipment
- Pie Plate 9 inch
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups pecans unsalted
- 3 large eggs
- ½ packed cup brown sugar
- 1 cup maple syrup pure maple syrup, not artificial
- 3 Tbsp. bourbon make sure brand is gluten free
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp. nutmeg
- ¼ tsp. salt
- 2 Tbsp. gluten free flour or regular AP flour if not gluten free
- 2 Tbsp. butter unsalted
- 1 prepared pie crust
- whipped cream for topping optional
Instructions
- Prepare gluten free pie crust using this recipe for Gluten Free Pie Crust. Use this recipe for Regular Pie Crust if not gluten free.If using a gluten free pie crust, par bake the crust for 15 minutes 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.
- Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place 1 ½ cups of pecans in a small cast iron skillet or small pan of choice. Heat the skillet to medium low and toast the pecans on the stove top for 5-6 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning. Remove from stove top and set aside when finished toasting. Feel free to chop the pecans into small pieces (after they have cooled) if you prefer.
- Place 3 large eggs in a mixing bowl. Whisk the eggs completely. To the eggs add ½ packed cup brown sugar, 1 cup maple syrup, 3 Tbsp. bourbon, 1 tsp. vanilla extract, 1 tsp. cinnamon, ⅛ tsp. nutmeg, ¼ tsp. sea salt, and 2 Tbsp. gluten free flour (or regular AP flour if not gluten free). Add the cooled toasted pecans (chop pecans before adding if you like). Mix these ingredients until completely combined.
- Melt 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter in the microwave. Once the butter has cooled slightly add it to the rest of the ingredients. Stir until combined.
- Place a prepared pie crust in a 9" pie plate. Pour the filling into the prepared crust.
- Place the pie in the oven and loosely cover it with tinfoil. This will prevent the edges of the crust from burning as it bakes. Bake the pie for 50-55 minutes, baking longer if necessary. Feel free to check the pie with a toothpick to see if it is done (the toothpick should come out clean).
- Remove the pie from the oven when it has finished baking. Allow the pie to cool completely before serving.
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream (optional).
Jacque Hastert
You had my attention at bourbon. This would be a great addition to our holiday dessert table.
Karly
Now this is my kinda pie! Thanks for sharing!
Vanessa Studer
This doesn't say when to put the pecans in.
Christine
Hi Vanessa - Thank you for pointing that out. I went in and made a note in the content and the recipe card stating when to add the pecans to the filling. 🙂
Kari Heron Morrison
I absolutely LOVE pecan pie! It is one of the treats I was able to try ing Texas and it was delectable so I love that I discovered this recipe.
bob
This pie is delicious. It got rave reviews at our Friendsgiving gathering. I used half bigleaf maple syrup and half regular maple syrup.
Christine
So glad everyone enjoyed it and thank you for the feedback! This is definitely a favorite in our house as well. 🙂
carol chambers
meow... don't need to wait for the holidays...its great
Christine
Hi Carol - Totally agree - Everyday is a good day for pie. So glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Lawrence Almberg
Loved it. I've made many pecan pies. This was the best! (Maybe it's the Maker's Mark?)
Christine
Hi Lawrence - So glad you enjoyed it! This is a favorite in our house, too. And adding a splash of whiskey never hurts, right? 😉
Karen Bozich
This is the first gluten free pieci have baked. It looks and smells delicious! We are waiting to taste it on Christmas. Thank you for including the amounts in the recipe directions!
Christine
Hi Karen - Glad to hear that it went well! Hope you enjoy the pie! 🙂
K cook
I’ve tried making this pie twice now. I’m following the recipe exactly like it says and it’s turned out as a pecan soup instead of a pie. Can anyone tell me what I’m doing wrong 🙁
Christine
I'm sorry to hear that this happened.
You can definitely try baking the pie longer - I would tent the pie with foil so that the edges of the crust don't burn and then continue to bake until the center sets.
You can also try to add 1-2 more Tbsp. of flour to the filling in an effort to firm it up a little bit.
One question - Are you using real maple syrup or artificial maple syrup?
Jan
The recipe says add filling to prepared crust.. do you bake the crust first? Then add filling?
Christine
Hi Jan - Thank you for the question, I have updated the recipe to make the instructions more clear. This pie is gluten free as written and gluten free pie crust needs to be par baked for 15 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit before adding the filling. However, you can make the pie using regular pie crust. Regular pie crust does not need to be par baked before adding the filling - It can simply be rolled out, placed in the pie dish, and the filling is added at that point.
I have linked to each pie crust (regular and gluten free) in the recipe, so you can feel free to use either of those. OR, you can use a store bought pie crust if you prefer.
Hope that helps! 🙂