Maple Walnut Pie with Bourbon

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.

1. 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.
2. Once heated, add the walnuts and toast for 5-6 minutes. Stir the nuts occasionally so that they don't burn.
3. 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.

1. Melt 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter and allow to cool slightly.
2. Combine 3 large eggs and ½ cup packed dark (or light) brown sugar in a large bowl.
3. 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.
4. Add the melted (and slightly cooled) butter and stir to combine.
5. Fold the toasted and cooled walnuts into the filling.
6. 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.

1. Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. 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.)
3. Bake the pie for 50 minutes with the foil.
4. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
5. 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.

1. Pour 1 pint of cold heavy whipping cream into a large bowl or the bowl of a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer.
2. 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.
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 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

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).

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

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