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Best Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Pie

brown butter bourbon pecan pie - featured image

A rich, fudgy pecan pie featuring toasted brown butter and a splash of bourbon for a smoky, caramel-like depth. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for holidays or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups pecan halves
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp real maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 single pie crust (pre-made or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place a rack in the lower third of the oven.
  2. Melt butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until it foams, crackles, and forms brown bits with a nutty aroma (5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. If using homemade crust, roll it out and fit into a 9-inch pie dish. Prick the bottom with a fork and chill in the fridge for 15 minutes.
  4. Toast pecans on a baking sheet in the oven for 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Let cool completely.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the browned butter until smooth. Add brown sugar and granulated sugar, whisking vigorously until glossy.
  6. Whisk in eggs one at a time until incorporated. Stir in heavy cream, bourbon, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
  7. Pour toasted pecans into the chilled pie crust. Slowly pour the filling over the pecans.
  8. Bake for 45-55 minutes until edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. Cover crust edges with foil if browning too quickly.
  9. Cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set.

Notes

Ensure eggs are at room temperature to prevent curdling. Do not overmix the filling after adding eggs to avoid cracks. The pie must cool completely to set properly. Can be stored at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter, bourbon, pecan pie, holiday dessert, Thanksgiving, easy baking, fudgy pie