Bourbon Pumpkin Pie with Salted Brown-Butter Pecan Streusel – A Decadent Twist on a Classic

Pumpkin pie is a beloved fall tradition, but this Bourbon Pumpkin Pie with Salted Brown-Butter Pecan Streusel takes the classic dessert to a whole new level of flavor. The rich, spiced pumpkin filling is enhanced with a splash of bourbon, adding a subtle warmth, while the salted brown-butter pecan streusel provides a deliciously crunchy and salty-sweet topping. This pie is perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive occasion when you want to impress your guests with something truly special.

Let’s dive into this unforgettable combination of creamy pumpkin, buttery pecans, and the subtle kick of bourbon!

Ingredients

For the Bourbon Pumpkin Pie:

• 1 pie crust (9 inches, unbaked)
• 2 eggs
• 1 ¾ cups pumpkin puree
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons bourbon
• ½ cup evaporated milk

For the Salted Brown Butter Pecan Streusel:

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ cup pecans, coarsely chopped

Directions

1. Prepare the Bourbon Pumpkin Pie

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to start baking the pie.

Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Stir in the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, bourbon, and evaporated milk. Whisk until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.

Pour the Filling: Pour the pumpkin mixture into the unbaked pie crust.

2. Bake the Pie

First Bake: Bake the pie at 425°F for 15 minutes to help set the crust and filling.

Lower the Temperature: Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 30 minutes, or until the filling is mostly set but still has a slight jiggle in the center.

3. Make the Salted Brown Butter Pecan Streusel

Brown the Butter: While the pie is baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Swirl the pan occasionally and cook until the butter turns light golden brown and smells nutty, with small brown bits forming at the bottom, about 4-5 minutes.

Cool and Mix: Transfer the browned butter, including the browned bits, to a small dish and let it cool slightly. Stir in the brown sugar until smooth, then add the flour and sea salt, mixing until combined. Finally, fold in the chopped pecans.

4. Add the Streusel

Crumble the Streusel: Remove the pie from the oven and carefully crumble the prepared streusel evenly over the top of the pie.

Final Bake: Return the pie to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the streusel is golden brown and the filling is completely set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.

5. Cool and Serve

Cool the Pie: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This step ensures the filling firms up nicely.

Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate the pie until ready to serve. For an added indulgence, serve the pie chilled with a dollop of whipped cream.

Recipe Tips

• Bourbon Substitute: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the bourbon with vanilla extract or leave it out entirely.
• Make Ahead: This pie can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, making it a great option for holiday gatherings.
• Nut Alternatives: If you don’t have pecans, you can use walnuts or almonds for the streusel topping.

Nutrition Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 8 slices
• Calories: 380 kcal per serving

Why You’ll Love This Bourbon Pumpkin Pie with Salted Brown-Butter Pecan Streusel

This Bourbon Pumpkin Pie with Salted Brown-Butter Pecan Streusel is a show-stopping dessert that combines the best of fall flavors in one delicious pie. The creamy pumpkin filling is perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, while the addition of bourbon adds a subtle depth of flavor. The streusel topping made with brown butter, pecans, and sea salt provides a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the silky pumpkin custard.

This pie is perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or anytime you want to serve up a dessert that feels both traditional and elevated.

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