This gluten free Maple Walnut Pie recipe is kicked up with a splash of bourbon! The filling is sweetened with toasted walnuts and brown sugar.
Maple Walnut Pie is a twist on a classic pecan pie recipe. I love pecans, especially in desserts, but I also really love walnuts. The earthy and slightly bitter flavor of walnuts works so well in sweet dishes.
Walnuts pair perfectly with maple syrup, which is one of the world's best natural sweeteners! I love to use maple syrup in desserts like this one because it means the pie can be without corn syrup.
This recipe is amped up with the addition of bourbon. It gives the pie a little kick and helps to wake up all of the other flavors. The filling is made with toasted walnuts, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, a little nutmeg, and, of course, bourbon whiskey.
I made this pie as an experiment a few years ago when a family member asked if I could bring dessert for Thanksgiving dinner. It is now officially the most requested pie for Thanksgiving or any other holiday get-togethers. I don't mind, though, because it really is one of my favorites.
I mean, there's bourbon in it - What could be wrong with that?
Jump to:
- How To Make Pie Crust From Scratch
- How To Toast Walnuts
- What Can I Use Instead Of Corn Syrup?
- Ingredients For Maple Bourbon Walnut Pie
- How To Make Maple Walnut Pie Filling
- How Long Does Walnut Pie Take To Bake?
- How To Tell When The Pie Is Done
- Is Bourbon Gluten Free?
- Do I Have To Add Bourbon?
- What To Serve With Homemade Pie
- How To Make Homemade Whipped Cream
- Can It Be Made Ahead?
- How Long Does Maple Walnut Pie Last?
- Can It Be Made The Day Ahead?
- Can It Be Frozen?
- Maple Walnut Pie with Bourbon
How To Make Pie Crust From Scratch
This recipe is gluten free and uses a gluten free pie crust. The 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 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 only like to make 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 Walnut 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.
The same goes for the regular pie crust recipe. 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 purchase a pre-made regular or gluten free pie crust from the store instead of making it from scratch.
How To Toast Walnuts
A pie like this one is typically made with pecans instead of walnuts. I have made both versions (check out this recipe for Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie for the the pecan version)!
Each version is delicious and unique in its own way. Pecans are naturally sweeter than walnuts, resulting in a slightly sweeter pie. I love this walnut version when I want to switch things up a bit.
Whenever I make a recipe that calls for nuts, either sweet or savory, I love to toast the nuts before adding them to the dish.
Toasting the walnuts will release the oils and make them more flavorful overall. This makes a big difference in a recipe where walnuts are one of the main ingredients.
This recipe starts with 1 ½ cups of chopped toasted walnuts. You can use pre-chopped walnuts or just chop them yourself.
- Heat a small pan to medium low heat - I use a 6" cast iron skillet that I affectionately refer to as my 'nut pan' - but any kind of pan will do.
- Once heated, add the walnuts and toast for 5-6 minutes. Stir the nuts occasionally so that they don't burn.
- Once you can smell the walnut flavor, remove from heat, set aside, and allow to cool.
What Can I Use Instead Of Corn Syrup?
This recipe is all about the filling. The filling is sticky, sweet, and the bourbon gives it a great boozy kick.
It's sweetened with maple syrup and dark brown sugar, the combination of the two, along with the eggs, butter, and flour, create a consistency just like that of a regular pecan pie, so there is no need for corn syrup.
Ingredients For Maple Bourbon Walnut Pie
Here's what you'll need to make it.
- 1 ½ cups Unsalted Walnuts
- 3 large Eggs
- ½ packed cup Dark Brown Sugar (light brown sugar works as well)
- 1 cup Maple Syrup
- 3 Tbsp. Bourbon (make sure the brand is gluten free if gluten is an issue for you)
- 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
- 1 tsp. Cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp. Nutmeg
- ¼ tsp. Kosher Salt
- 2 Tbsp. Gluten Free Flour Blend (or regular AP flour if not gluten free)
- 2 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 1 Prepared Pie Crust
- 1 pint Heavy Whipping Cream (or pre-made whipped topping) (optional)
How To Make Maple Walnut Pie Filling
The filling for this pie is super simple to prepare. It's mixed entirely in one bowl and requires no complicated techniques.
- Melt 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter and allow to cool slightly.
- Combine 3 large eggs and ½ cup packed dark (or light) brown sugar in a large bowl.
- Once combined, add 1 cup maple syrup, 3 Tbsp. bourbon, 1 tsp. vanilla extract, 1 tsp. cinnamon, ⅛ tsp. nutmeg, ¼ tsp. kosher salt, and 2 Tbsp. gluten free flour blend (or regular AP flour if not gluten free). Stir all of these ingredients until completely combined.
- Add the melted (and slightly cooled) butter and stir to combine.
- Fold the toasted and cooled walnuts into the filling.
- Pour the filling into a prepared 9 inch pie crust.
How Much Filling Does This Recipe Make?
This recipe is written to fill a 9″ 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 Long Does Walnut Pie Take To Bake?
The baking times for this Maple Walnut Pie are just like that of a pecan pie.
- Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the filled pie crust into the oven and tent it with foil. (To tent simply means to loosely place a piece of foil over the entire pie while it bakes. This helps to prevent the crust from burning.)
- Bake the pie for 50 minutes with the foil.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove the pie from the oven and allow to cool completely before serving.
How To Tell When The Pie Is Done
You'll be able to tell the pie is finished by sticking a toothpick into the center of it. If the toothpick emerges clean, the pie is done.
The top of the pie should be golden brown, as well as the crust.
The walnut filling should harden slightly, but not become overly hard or dry.
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.
Do I Have To Add Bourbon?
It is not necessary to add bourbon to this recipe. The bourbon may be omitted and the pie will still be delicious!
Alternately, you can switch out the bourbon for another variety of liquor such as brandy or rum if you have any concerns about gluten or simply if you prefer the taste of those liquors.
Looking for more desserts? Check out these recipes!
- Italian Chocolate Hazelnut Cake
- Old Fashioned Blueberry Buckle
- Baked Lemon Doughnuts
- Scandinavian Almond Cake
- Maple Walnut Baklava Bites
- Pistachio Panna Cotta
What To Serve With Homemade Pie
This pie is super flavorful and can definately be served on its own.
I love to enjoy pie with some homemade whipped cream and, of course, a cup of coffee.
You can also top it with any brand of pre-made whipped topping or non-dairy topping of choice.
Ice cream is also a popular pairing to serve with freshly baked pies.
How To Make Homemade Whipped Cream
Making your own whipped cream is super easy and is always a hit when paired with homemade pie.
- Pour 1 pint of cold heavy whipping cream into a large bowl or the bowl of a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer.
- Using the whisk attachment of a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer or a hand mixer, whip the heavy cream on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes, or until it forms stiff peaks.
- 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 fridge before serving.
How Long Does Maple Walnut Pie Last?
This pie should last 3-4 days stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Be sure to allow the pie to cool completely before transferring to a container for storage.
Can It Be Made The Day Ahead?
Yes!
It's advised to make this pie the day ahead if serving for a holiday like Thanksgiving. It needs to be cooled before serving and making it the day ahead will allow it to cool before your guests arrive.
Pop the baked pie in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve.
Can It Be Frozen?
Yes!
Walnut Pie can be frozen just like pecan pie.
How To Freeze
- Bake the pie as directed and allow to cool completely before transferring to the freezer for storage.
- 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
- Transfer the pie to the fridge 24 hours before serving.
- The pie may be warmed in the oven or in the microwave before serving.
- Prepare the whipped cream just before serving (if using).
Watch out - Your relatives might start requesting that you bring it to all the family holidays!
Love fall desserts? Check out these recipes!
- Classic Apple Pie
- Maple Pumpkin Scones
- Buttermilk Apple Cake
- Pumpkin Bread Pudding
- Crustless Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Pumpkin Streusel Coffee Cake
- Pumpkin Panna Cotta
Looking For More Pie Recipes? Don't Miss These!
Swedish Apple Pie
Sweet Potato Pie
Sour Cream Apple Berry Pie
Maple Walnut Pie with Bourbon
Ingredients
For The Pie Filling:
- 3 eggs
- ½ packed cup dark brown sugar can use light brown sugar
- 1 cup maple syrup pure maple syrup, not artificial
- 3 Tbsp. bourbon make sure brand is gluten free
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp. cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp. nutmeg
- 2 Tbsp. gluten free flour blend or AP flour if not gluten free
- ¼ tsp. kosher salt
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter melted
- 1 ½ cups unsalted walnuts toasted
For The Whipped Cream:
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream optional
- 1 pie crust prepared
Instructions
For The Pie Crust:
- Prepare pie crust before preparing the filling. Follow this recipe for Gluten Free Pie Crust if you would like to keep this recipe gluten free.Follow this recipe for Homemade Pie Crust if gluten is not an issue for you.
For The Pie Filling:
- Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Chop 1 ½ cups of unsalted walnuts if needed. Place a small cast iron skillet or any pan on the stove top and heat to medium-low. Add the walnuts and toast for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. The walnuts should be fragrant when toasted.
- Remove the walnuts from the stove top and allow to cool before adding to the filling.
- Melt 2 tablespoon unsalted butter and allow to cool slightly.
- Combine 3 large eggs and ½ cup packed dark (or light) brown sugar in a large bowl.
- Once combined, add 1 cup maple syrup, 3 tablespoon bourbon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and 2 tablespoon gluten free flour blend (or regular AP flour if not gluten free). Stir all of these ingredients until completely combined.
- Add the melted (and slightly cooled) butter and stir to combine. Fold the toasted and cooled walnuts into the filling.
- Pour the filling into a prepared 9 inch pie crust.
- Place the filled pie crust into the oven and tent it with foil. (To tent simply means to loosely place a piece of foil over the entire pie while it bakes. This helps to prevent the crust from burning.) Bake the pie for 50 minutes with the foil.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Feel free to bake the pie longer if the middle hasn't set.The pie is done when a toothpick stuck into the center comes out clean. The top of the pie should be golden brown.
- Remove the pie from the oven and allow to cool completely before serving.
For The Whipped Cream: (optional)
- Pour 1 pint of cold heavy whipping cream into a large bowl or the bowl of a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer.
- Using the whisk attachment of a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer or a hand mixer, whip the heavy cream on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes, or until it forms stiff peaks.
Monica
Can't deny the connection maple and bourbon have. The best combo ever!
Christine
Agreed!
Elaine @ Dishes Delish
I love maple and bourbon and paired in a pie!! Yum!!
Christine
Thanks!
Katrin
What a delicious looking, boozy pie! Love the photography 🙂
Christine
Thank you so much!
Kimberly @ Berly's Kitchen
I can totally get on board with this pie. Maple and walnuts go great together and a little bourbon doesn't hurt either.
Christine
A little bourbon never hurts!
Fiona
You had me at maple bourbon.... This pie looks delicious!
Christine
Thank you!
michele
I make a bourbon pecan, but can't wait to try this with walnuts.... which is my favorite nut! 🙂
Christine
Mine, too!
Marie @ Yay! For Food
I love how easy this recipe is. You had me at maple, bourbon, and walnuts! Yum!
Christine
Yeah, I love easy baking recipes!
Amanda Mason
I was introduced to adding bourbon to my pecan pie last year and its so yummy! I''ve never tried making a walnut pie! Looks super yummy!
Christine
Thank you! Yeah, the bourbon cuts the sweetness a little bit.
Kelly Asche
Bourbon and walnuts. Pretty much heaven. Awesome recipe. It tastes really damn good.
Kashmiri walnuts
Love It
Sarag
Hey there. Do you need to prebake the crust?
Christine
Hi Sarag - For this recipe you do not need to pre-bake the crust. I do have a recipe for gluten free pie crust on my blog and that one needs to be pre-baked but for a regular pie crust that uses AP flour there is no need to pre-bake. Hope you enjoy the pie!
Sarah
Thank you!! (Didn’t know if I would get a reply since this is a couple of years old.). Gonna try making this for our thanksgiving this weekend! So, thanks for the recipe!
Ps. HA! I saw my name as Sarag on your reply and I was like, huh she must have accidentally misspelled, then checked mine, and nope, I misspelled! It’s actually Sarah. ????
Steph
Could you use a graham cracker crust instead of the traditional pie crust?
Christine
Hi Steph - I've never tried it but I think you could definitely make this pie with a graham cracker crust! It would be much easier than a traditional pie crust. Let me know if you try it out! 🙂
Allyssa
Thanks a lot for this amazing and super easy to make maple bourbon walnut pie recipe! It's really tasty and very flavorful! Will surely have this again! Highly recommended!
Kate
The combination of walnut and bourbon was amazing! I can't wait to make this pie again!
Liz
Love the idea of using walnuts in this pie! Going to give it a try for the holidays this year!