Spicy Bourbon Pumpkin Pie (2024)

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Spicy bourbon pumpkin pie is a classic, comforting twist on everyone’s favorite fall dessert – we love making this pie for Thanksgiving, for a cozy dessert, or just anytime we’re craving some out of this world pumpkin flavor!

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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe – my goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

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Warm Spiked Pumpkin Pie

How to make Bourbon Spicy Pumpkin Pie

First you need to assemble the following ingredients:

• Pie crust (9-inch) – a good quality pie crust gives the pie a buttery and flaky base with a hint of savory richness.
• Pumpkin purée (15 ounces) – whether fresh or canned, pumpkin puree offers an earthy and subtly sweet with the unmistakable essence of autumn squash.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup) – sugar gives the pie a straightforward sweetness that enhances and brightens other flavors.
• Light brown sugar (1/2 cup) – I love using brown sugar since it adds moist sweetness with hints of caramel and molasses.
• Molasses (2 tbsp) – molasses has a deep, rich sweetness with undertones of smoky bitterness.
• Salt (1/2 tsp) – salt has a sharp mineral flavor that heightens and balances the palate.
• Cinnamon (2 tsp) – cinnamon has warm, aromatic spice with sweet and woody nuances.
• Ginger (1 tsp) – this adds a spicy and zesty kick with a touch of warmth and sweetness.
• Nutmeg (1/4 tsp) – nutmeg gives the pie a sweet and nutty spice with subtle woody undertones.
• Cloves (1/8 tsp) – cloves have a bold, pungent spice exuding warmth and a hint of bitterness.
• Milk (3/4 cup) – milk has creamy, mild sweetness with a delicate lactic essence.
• Heavy cream (3/4 cup) – has a rich, velvety texture with a decadent dairy sweetness.
• Eggs (3) – A neutral foundation with a subtle richness that binds and sets the other ingredients.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp) – A fragrant, sweet essence with floral undertones and a hint of caramel.
• Bourbon (3 tbsp) – Adding bourbon to pumpkin pie infuses the dessert with a rich, smoky depth, elevating its traditional flavors and introducing a sophisticated twist to a classic treat.

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, use this method to make the pie:

• Bake crust. Roll the crust into a buttered pie pan trim or crimp the edges. Make sure you refrigerate the crust ahead of time so it is cold. Crumple up some parchment paper and place over the unbaked crust, place pie weighs or dried beans in the covered pie crust. This is to weigh it down and prevent shrinking. Bake at 425 for 12 minutes, remove the weights and parchment paper. Then bake another 5 minutes to cook the bottom. Set aside to cool and turn oven down to 375.
• Blend. Blend the pumpkin puree, sugars, molasses, and spices together. You can do this in a stand-up blender or with an immersion blender in a saucepan. Blend until sugar is fully incorporated.
• Cook Filling. Transfer the mixture to a saucepan. Heat on medium high, stirring frequently until you see steam rising, about 5 minutes. You are heating the spices to integrate the flavors. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the milk and heavy cream. Once it is cooled add the eggs, bourbon, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
• Bake. Pour the filling into the pre-baked pie crust. I usually fill it halfway on the countertop and the rest of the way in the oven. Bake an hour or until it is set but has a slight jiggle when you shake the pan. Check the pie every 15-20 minutes during baking to make sure the crust doesn’t burn, you can cover it with tin foil if you need to. Let the pie cool completely at room temperature before cutting into it, enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Spicy Bourbon Pumpkin Pie

Choose Your Bourbon Wisely: Go for a quality bourbon with a flavor profile you enjoy. The notes of caramel, oak, and vanilla in many bourbons complement pumpkin well.

Don’t Overdo the Bourbon: While it might be tempting to add a generous splash, too much bourbon can overpower the pumpkin and spices. Start with a recommended amount, and adjust to taste in subsequent bakes.

Enhance the Spices: Bourbon can stand up to and even enhance the flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Consider increasing the spices slightly to maintain their presence against the strong character of bourbon.

Bourbon in the Crust: For an extra hint of bourbon, brush the pie crust with a small amount before blind baking.

Avoid a Soggy Bottom: Since you’re adding liquid with the bourbon, it’s even more essential to blind bake your crust to ensure it stays crisp.

Blend Well: Make sure the bourbon is well integrated into the pumpkin mixture. An uneven blend might result in certain bites being too strong.

Temperature Matters: After adding bourbon, ensure your pie filling is not too cold or too warm when pouring into the crust. Room temperature is ideal.

Taste As You Go: Before baking, taste the filling. If the bourbon flavor is too subtle, you can always add a splash more.

Consider a Water Bath: Baking your pie in a water bath can help ensure even cooking, reducing the risk of overbaking or cracking, especially since the addition of bourbon might change the pie’s baking dynamics slightly.

Pairing With Whipped Cream: If you’re serving with whipped cream, consider adding a splash of bourbon to that as well for a consistent flavor profile.

Adjust Cooking Time: Alcohol can affect the setting time of the pie. Monitor it closely towards the end of the recommended baking time, checking for the signature slight wobble in the center.

Rest and Set: Once out of the oven, let the pie cool completely before refrigerating. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.

FAQs

What to Enjoy with your Bourbon Spiked Pumpkin Pie

Enjoying bourbon-spiked pumpkin pie with complementary accompaniments can elevate the overall tasting experience. Here are some suggestions:

Whipped Cream: Opt for a slightly less sweetened whipped cream or even a bourbon-infused whipped cream to emphasize the pie’s unique flavor.

Ice Cream: Salted caramel, vanilla bean, or even a butter pecan ice cream can beautifully enhance the deep, rich notes of the bourbon in the pie.

Beverages:

Coffee: A strong dark roast or espresso complements the richness of the pie.

Hot Toddy: This warm alcoholic beverage, made with bourbon, honey, and lemon, can echo the pie’s flavors.

Cheese: A slice of aged cheddar or a creamy brie can introduce a savory element that plays well with the pie’s sweetness.

Toasted Coconut: Adds a slightly tropical hint and an extra layer of texture.

Try these other favorite pumpkin recipes next:

Click here to see all our favorite pie recipes!

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