Embrace the joy of the holiday season with the perfect blend of Southern charm and festive flavors in Whiskey Pecan Pie. Enjoy the sweet, buttery goodness of traditional pecan pie with a delightful hint of whiskey or bourbon’s warmth and complexity. It’s an ideal treat for Fall and Thanksgiving festivities and Christmas celebration.
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Get ready to add a dash of holiday spirit to your dessert repertoire with our Whiskey Pecan Pie!
It’s a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie, designed to bring a touch of warmth and sophistication (and boozy fun!?) to your festive gatherings. Speaking of boozy baking, be sure to check out these Cherry Brownies (with boozy cherries!).
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just love treating your loved ones to something special during the holidays, this pecan pie recipe is sure to hit the sweet spot.
Imagine the sweet, buttery pecan filling you know and love, but with a subtle kick of whiskey that elevates it to a whole new level of deliciousness.
It’s the kind of dessert that warms both your heart and is perfect for those cozy holiday moments. Speaking of cozy, you will love this key lime pie with premade graham cracker crust!
So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get our bake on with this Whiskey Pecan Pie recipe that’ll have your family and friends singing your praises this holiday season!
Why this recipe works
Whiskey Pecan Pie adds a sophisticated twist to the traditional pecan pie, making it a standout dessert that’s sure to impress your guests during festive gatherings.
You might be intimidated by a pecan pie but guess what!? This whiskey pecan recipe looks and tastes like it took hours to make, but its a super easy holiday dessert recipe.
When the weather turns chilly, this easy pecan pie provides the ultimate comfort food experience. This whiskey bourbon pecan pie is a delightful way to incorporate your favorite spirit into a dessert and add a layer of complexity that whiskey and bourbon enthusiasts will adore.
Ingredients
Whiskey Pecan Pie Crust
- Frozen Pie Crust: This frozen pie crust is a great option.
Whiskey Pecan Pie
- Corn Syrup: Light or dark corn syrup, Karo®or other brand. You can use a combination for additional molasses flavor.
- Eggs
- Sugar: White granulated sugar. You can also use dark or light brown sugar.
- Butter: Unsalted or salted butter (omit salt if using salted butter).
- Whiskey: You can make this pecan pie with Jack Daniels or use any whiskey or bourbon of choice. Can also use rum for a rum pecan pie.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- Salt: Kosher salt is best.
- Pecans: Pecan halves or pieces, can also use chopped.
- Whipped cream or Ice cream topping
- Chocolate Chips: For a chocolate whiskey pecan pie.
Whiskey pecan pie recipe
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix corn syrup, eggs, sugar, butter, whiskey, vanilla and salt using a spoon or a rubber spatula.
- Stir in pecans.
- Pour the mixture into pie crust.
- Bake on center rack of oven for 55-70 minutes or until the center has just a slight jiggle but the edges are stable and set.
- Note: If piecrust is over-browning, cover edges with foil.
- Cool completely on wire rack before slicing.
- Optional: Add whipped cream topping or ice cream. Pre-soak โ of pecans in whiskey and layer on top of whiskey pecan pie. Lightly sprinkle white sugar on top.
Bourbon vs whiskey
Guess what! All bourbon is whiskey but not all whiskey is bourbon. So, this whiskey pecan pie recipe makes your life easier. You can use bourbon OR whiskey!
Bourbon and whiskey are two closely related spirits, both beloved for their rich history and complex flavors.
One defining characteristic of bourbon is its mash bill, which must contain at least 51% corn, lending it a sweet and mellow profile.
It must also adhere to strict production guidelines and regulations including aging in new, charred oak barrels and entering the barrel at no more than 125 proof.
Whiskey, on the other hand, is a broader category that encompasses a multitude of spirits from around the world, including Scotland, Ireland, and Canada, and each region imparts its unique characteristics to the final product. So make this whiskey pecan pie with Jack Daniels!
Whiskey’s flavor profile varies widely depending on the grains used and the production techniques employed. Piehole whiskey pecan pie (using pecan pie whiskey) is a great option.
So go wild with your whiskey pecan pie and use your favorite bourbon or whiskey!
How do I prevent the pecans from sinking to the bottom of the pie?
To keep the pecans evenly distributed, stir them in the filling mixture before pouring it into the crust. This ensures they’re suspended throughout the pie as it bakes.
You can also pre-soak some pecans in whiskey and place them on top prior to baking (a sprinkle of white sugar adds a beautiful glaze).
Can I make a pecan pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can make pecan pie ahead of time.
Prepare the whiskey pecan pie filling a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to bake, allow the mixture to come to room temperature. Then, pull out your frozen pie crust and proceed with recipe instructions.
You can also make the whiskey bourbon pecan pie and store in the freezer if making earlier in the season.
How do I prevent the edges of the pie crust from burning?
You can protect the edges of the pie crust from burning by covering them with aluminum foil or a pie crust shield during baking. This prevents excessive browning while the pie cooks.
Can I freeze pecan pie?
Yes, pecan pie can be frozen. Spoiler alert – its really good frozen! Like, sneak into your kitchen sweet tooth and cut a piece!
Or if you are more traditional, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to a few months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
Don’t be a a late night sweet junkie! Or do.
What are some creative variations of traditional pecan pie?
Get creative with pecan pie by adding ingredients like chocolate chips (chocolate whiskey pecan pie), bourbon, or even spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to give it a unique twist while maintaining its classic charm.
Why is my pecan pie runny?
The number one reason for runny pecan is under baking.
Pecan pies need sufficient time in the oven to set properly. However, you don’t want to overcook the crust.
To protect the edges of the pie crust from burning by covering them with aluminum foil or a pie crust shield during baking.
How to store pecan pie?
To store pecan pie, let it cool completely at room temperature. Once fully cooled, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Store bourbon and whiskey pecan pie in the refrigerator for 4-7 days. Alternatively, if you need to store your pecan pie for a more extended period, you can freeze it.
Wrap the pie tightly tightly in plastic wrap and place in airtight container. Frozen pecan pie can last for several months when properly frozen.
When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
How to tell when pecan pie is done?
Knowing when pecan pie is done is crucial to achieving the perfect texture but can be tricky!
To test for doneness, gently shake the pie. The center should jiggle slightly, but the edges should be firmly set.
Additionally, insert a toothpick or knife into the center of the pie. If it comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, the pie is done.
Overbaking can result in a dry pie, so it’s better to slightly underbake than to overbake.
Remember that the pie will continue to set as it cools, so it’s normal for it to firm up a bit after removing it from the oven.
Fall recipes
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Whiskey Pecan Pie
Equipment
- Oven, whisk or electric beaters
Ingredients
Whiskey Pecan Pie Crust
- 1 9 inch unbaked frozen pie crust
Whiskey Pecan Pie
- 1 cup corn syrup (light or dark) Karo® or other brand
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons whiskey
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups pecan halves or pieces
- 1 cup whipped cream topping or ice cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix corn syrup, eggs, sugar, butter, whiskey, vanilla and salt using a spoon or a rubber spatula.
- Stir in pecans.
- Pour the mixture into pie crust.
- Bake on center rack of oven for 55-70 minutes or until the center has just a slight jiggle but the edges are stable and set.
- Note: If piecrust is over-browning, cover edges with foil.
- Cool completely on wire rack before slicing.
- Optional: Add whipped cream topping or ice cream. Pre-soak โ of pecans in whiskey and layer on top of whiskey pecan pie. Lightly sprinkle white sugar on top.
Notes
- Jack Daniel’s
- Maker’s Mark
- Jim Beam
- Wild Turkey
- Bulleit
- Woodford Reserve
- Evan Williams
- Knob Creek
- Buffalo Trace
- Four Roses
- Best Bourbons
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