Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your dessert game forever! This Bourbon Brown Butter Pecan Pie isn't just a dessert—it's a decadent experience that marries the rich, nutty flavors of toasted pecans with the complex, caramel-like notes of brown butter and a bold bourbon kick. Imagine a pie so luxurious it will make your taste buds dance and your dinner guests swoon with every single bite. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious home cook, this recipe promises to elevate your dessert repertoire from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish, crimping the edges decoratively and setting aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling occasionally, until the butter turns a golden brown color and develops a nutty aroma, approximately 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn the butter.
- Remove the brown butter from heat and let it cool slightly for 2-3 minutes. The butter will continue to darken and develop deeper flavors.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, bourbon, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and fully combined.
- Gradually pour the warm brown butter into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Spread the chopped pecans evenly across the bottom of the prepared pie crust.
- Carefully pour the bourbon-brown butter filling over the pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- If the pie crust edges begin to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This allows the filling to set fully.
- Serve at room temperature, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Tips
- Brown Butter Technique: The key to this pie's incredible flavor is properly browning the butter. Watch it carefully and swirl the pan to ensure even browning without burning.
- Bourbon Selection: Use a good quality bourbon that you'd enjoy drinking. The alcohol will mostly cook off, leaving behind a rich, complex flavor.
- Prevent Soggy Crust: To keep your pie crust crisp, consider blind-baking it for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
- Temperature Matters: Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and more consistent baking.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to let the filling set properly. Patience will reward you with perfect, clean slices.
- Make Ahead: This pie actually tastes even better the next day, so it's perfect for holiday preparations or advance entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 110mg
