If you’re ready to wow your friends or treat yourself to something unforgettable, this Deep Dish Bourbon Pecan Pie is exactly what you need. Imagine a thick, buttery crust holding a luscious filling bursting with toasted pecans, warm spices, and just the perfect splash of bourbon to elevate every bite. This dessert is an indulgent classic with a twist that transforms any occasion into a cozy celebration. Its rich caramel notes mingle perfectly with the crunch of pecans, making every slice pure magic from the first forkful to the last crumb.

Deep Dish Bourbon Pecan Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet carefully selected to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal in your pie. Each one plays a crucial role—from the flaky crust to the rich, gooey filling bursting with toasted pecans and a kick of bourbon.

2½ cups flour: The foundation for a tender, flaky pie crust that holds everything together beautifully.
1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the flavors while balancing sweetness in both crust and filling.
1½ teaspoons white sugar: Adds a subtle hint of sweetness to the crust dough.
1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed (2 sticks): This provides a rich, buttery taste and that delightful flake in every bite.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to both crust and filling.
¾ cup cold water: Binds the dough just right without making it sticky.
Egg wash (1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon cold water, beaten): Creates a beautiful glossy finish on the crust.
2 cups roughly chopped pecans: The star texture and flavor of this deep dish pie providing crunch and nuttiness.
Extra whole pecans for topping: Adds sophistication and an inviting visual touch.
4 eggs: The key to that custardy, rich filling texture.
½ cup dark brown sugar, packed: Gives a deep molasses flavor, adding complexity.
½ cup white sugar: Balances the filling’s sweetness.
½ cup light corn syrup: Helps create that classic gooey pecan pie consistency.
½ cup dark corn syrup: Adds richness and a darker color to the filling.
3 tablespoons bourbon: Infuses a subtle warmth and boozy charm that makes this Deep Dish Bourbon Pecan Pie truly special.
½ teaspoon salt: Perfectly balances the sweetness in the filling.
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a gentle hint of spice for depth.
¼ teaspoon ground ginger: Complements the pecans and bourbon with a slight zing.
½ cup unsalted butter: Used in the filling to brown and bring a caramel-like nutty aroma.

How to Make Deep Dish Bourbon Pecan Pie

Step 1: Make the Pie Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350˚F and mixing the flour, sugar, and sea salt in a large bowl. Cut the chilled cubed butter into the flour mixture until it resembles peas. This step is crucial for that flaky texture.

Step 2: Form the Dough

Add the cold water and vanilla extract to the mix and stir until it clumps. Transfer the dough to a floured surface, fold it gently until fully combined, and form two disks. Chilling these will help the butter stay cold, leading to a crisp crust.

Step 3: Roll and Chill the Crust

Roll out one disk into a 12-inch circle and place it into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim excess to leave a 1-inch overhang, prick the base with a fork, and crimp the edges as you like. Line with parchment and pie weights, then chill for 10 minutes—it prevents shrinkage during baking.

Step 4: Prepare Decorative Cutouts

Roll out the second dough disk and use fun autumn-themed cookie cutters, like pumpkins and leaves, to create pie toppers. Chill these while you bake the bottom crust to keep them firm and perfect.

Step 5: Blind Bake the Crust

Brush the chilled crust with egg wash for a glossy finish and bake it for 10-15 minutes until light golden. Remove the parchment and weights, then let the crust cool. This step ensures a crisp, non-soggy bottom for the luscious filling.

Step 6: Brown the Butter for Filling

Gently melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. This deepens the flavor exponentially and adds an irresistible aroma you’ll love.

Step 7: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugars until smooth. Whisk in both light and dark corn syrups, salt, nutmeg, ginger, and bourbon. Stir in your chopped pecans to make sure every bite has that satisfying pecan crunch.

Step 8: Temper and Combine Butter

Add a spoonful of the warm browned butter to the filling mixture to temper it, then slowly whisk in the remaining butter until it’s perfectly combined. This step ensures the filling has a smooth consistency without cooking the eggs prematurely.

Step 9: Assemble and Bake

Pour the filling into your cooled crust and arrange whole pecans on top for decoration. Bake for 55-60 minutes, loosely covering with foil if the pie browns too fast. The center should jiggle slightly when done—the filling sets as the pie cools.

Step 10: Bake the Decorative Cutouts

Brush the pie cutouts with egg wash and sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar before baking them for 10-15 minutes until golden. Let them cool completely before adding them as a festive topping once the pie has set.

How to Serve Deep Dish Bourbon Pecan Pie

Garnishes

Top your Deep Dish Bourbon Pecan Pie with those gorgeous cinnamon-sugar pie cutouts to add a festive crunch and visual wow. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly, balancing the rich sweetness with cool creaminess.

Side Dishes

Serve this pie alongside a simple cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine to highlight the bourbon notes. Light sides like fresh berries or a crisp green salad can also refresh the palate between indulgent bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For an autumnal vibe, plate slices on warm-colored ceramic dishes and sprinkle with extra chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon powder. Personalize servings by adding small bourbon caramel drizzle or edible flowers for an extra-special touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover slices tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. Deep Dish Bourbon Pecan Pie keeps beautifully for up to 4 days while retaining its texture and flavor.

Freezing

This pie freezes wonderfully. Wrap the whole pie tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and gently reheat if desired.

Reheating

To serve warm, reheat slices in a 300˚F oven for about 10-15 minutes on a baking sheet. Avoid the microwave as it can make the crust soggy, and you definitely want to keep that delightful crispness intact.

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this recipe?

You certainly can, but making your own crust adds a flaky texture and richer flavor that really complements the Deep Dish Bourbon Pecan Pie’s decadent filling.

Is it necessary to brown the butter for the filling?

While optional, browning the butter adds a nutty complexity that deepens the overall flavour, making the pie even more indulgent and aromatic.

How do I know when the pie is done baking?

The filling should be mostly set but still a little wobbly in the center. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out clean—this ensures the pie will set properly as it cools.

Can I substitute the bourbon with another liquor or flavor?

You can try a bourbon substitute like whiskey or omit alcohol entirely for a milder pie, but bourbon is key to that classic flavor punch in the Deep Dish Bourbon Pecan Pie.

What’s the best way to slice this deep dish pie?

Use a sharp, serrated knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between slices for clean edges and to avoid cracking the crust or filling.

Final Thoughts

This Deep Dish Bourbon Pecan Pie is truly a showstopper and a joy to bake. Its irresistible combination of a flaky crust, nutty, spiced filling, and the warming bourbon notes make it a perfect centerpiece for any gathering. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for the recipe again and again, sharing that cozy homemade feeling with everyone lucky enough to get a slice.

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Deep Dish Bourbon Pecan Pie Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 16 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 8 slices 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Deep Dish Bourbon Pecan Pie features a buttery, flaky crust filled with a rich, gooey bourbon-infused pecan filling. The pie combines the warmth of bourbon and spices with the crunch of toasted pecans, making it an indulgent dessert perfect for special occasions or holiday gatherings.

Instructions

Make the Pie Crust: Preheat oven to 350˚F. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add cubed butter and cut into mixture until pea-sized pieces form. Add cold water and vanilla extract, stirring until the dough clumps together.
Form Dough Discs: Transfer dough to a floured surface and fold until all flour is incorporated and a smooth ball forms. Divide dough in half and shape each into a ½-inch thick disc. Wrap and chill in fridge for at least 10 minutes or overnight.
Roll Out and Prepare Crust: Remove one disc, roll into a 12-inch circle, and place in a 9-inch pie pan. Trim overhang to 1 inch. Dock the bottom with fork pricks and crimp edges. Line with parchment and fill with pie weights. Chill for 10 minutes.
Prepare Top Crust Decorations: Roll out the second disc into a 12-inch circle. Use pumpkin and leaf cookie cutters for cutouts. Place cutouts on parchment-lined baking sheet and chill.
Blind Bake Crust: Remove weights and parchment, brush crust with egg wash, and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
Prepare Filling Butter: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat; cook 3-4 minutes until browned with nutty aroma. Remove from heat and keep warm.
Mix Filling: In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugars until smooth. Whisk in syrups, salt, nutmeg, ginger, and bourbon until combined. Stir in chopped pecans.
Temper Filling: Slowly whisk warmed browned butter into filling mixture until fully incorporated.
Assemble Pie: Pour filling into cooled crust. Top with whole pecans if desired.
Bake Pie: Bake at 350˚F for 55-60 minutes. Cover with foil if browning too quickly. The filling should be nearly set but slightly wobbly in the center.
Bake Cutouts: Brush cutouts with egg wash, sprinkle cinnamon sugar if desired, and bake 10-15 minutes until golden. Cool for at least 2 hours.
Finish Pie: Once the pie has cooled completely, arrange the baked cutouts on top. Slice into 8 pieces and serve.

Notes

Chill dough thoroughly to prevent shrinkage during baking.
Use good quality bourbon for best flavor.
Blind baking the crust prevents sogginess from the filling.
If the pie browns too quickly, cover edges with foil to avoid burning.
Allow the pie to cool completely for the filling to fully set.
Cutouts are optional but add a decorative touch for serving.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
Calories: 510 kcal
Sugar: 32 g
Sodium: 190 mg
Fat: 32 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
Trans Fat: 0.2 g
Carbohydrates: 52 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: pecan pie, bourbon pecan pie, deep dish pie, holiday dessert, southern pie, nut pie, bourbon dessert