If you have a soft spot for pies that are rich, gooey, and bursting with flavor, this Bourbon Caramel Pecan Pie Recipe will become your new absolute favorite. It combines the deep, intoxicating notes of bourbon with the warm sweetness of homemade caramel and the irresistible crunch of toasted pecans, all nestled into a perfectly flaky pie crust. Every bite is a celebration of textures and tastes, making this dessert the ultimate showstopper at any gathering or cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pie dish holds a single layer of unbaked pie crust with a ruffled edge, light beige in color and smooth in texture. Around it, on a white marbled surface, are small white bowls and dishes with various ingredients: one bowl with white sugar, another with cubed pale yellow butter, a small bowl with dark vanilla extract, and a small cup of amber liquid. Three white eggs rest nearby along with a small white bowl of creamy milk. To the bottom right, a white bowl is filled with dark brown pecans, and a small bowl next to it contains light brown sugar. A dark green cloth is placed on the surface under a vintage silver spoon. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Bourbon Caramel Pecan Pie Recipe plays a vital role, from the buttery pie dough that creates the perfect base to the luscious caramel infused with bourbon that gives this pie its unforgettable charm. These essentials are simple yet magical when brought together.

Sugar: The foundation for the caramel, carefully cooked to achieve that rich amber color.
Unsalted Butter: Adds creaminess and depth to both the caramel sauce and the filling.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Brings silky smoothness to the caramel, balancing the intense sweetness.
Bourbon: Injects complexity with warm, oaky notes that elevate every layer of flavor.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the sweetness and adds a delicate savory contrast.
Pie Dough: Whether homemade or store-bought, a flaky crust is essential to support all those gooey, nutty flavors.
Large Eggs: Bind the filling together while adding richness and structure.
Whole Pecans: Provide crunch and texture, some chopped to meld into the filling and some left whole for a stunning top design.
Bourbon Caramel Sauce: The star component that douses the pie with sticky sweetness.
Dark Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, molasses undertone to intensify the filling’s flavor.
Vanilla Bean Paste: Or vanilla extract, to bring warmth and aromatic sweetness.
Flaky Salt: For finishing, lending a perfect bite of salty crunch.
Ice Cream or Whipped Cream (optional): Perfect accompaniments for serving, adding creaminess and coolness.

How to Make Bourbon Caramel Pecan Pie Recipe

Step 1: Crafting the Bourbon Caramel Sauce

Start by melting sugar patiently over medium-low heat, watching it clump before it beautifully transforms into a deep amber caramel. The magic happens when you whisk in soft butter, then stir in heavy cream, bourbon, and kosher salt to create a silky, irresistible sauce that’s the heart and soul of this pie.

Step 2: Preparing the Perfect Pie Crust

Roll out your pie dough to just the right thickness and place it gently into a 9-inch pie plate. After crimping the edges, chill it to keep that flakiness intact. Blind bake with parchment and pie weights until lightly golden, then brush with an egg wash to add a gorgeous sheen and crispness once baked with the filling.

Step 3: Toasting and Chopping Pecans

Toast pecans in a pan until their rich fragrance fills your kitchen, enhancing their flavor immensely. After cooling, chop half coarsely for the filling and set aside whole pecans if you want to create that picture-perfect concentric circle design on top of your pie. Crunchy texture and nutty aroma make all the difference here.

Step 4: Combining the Filling

Whisk together the bourbon caramel sauce, dark brown sugar, lightly beaten eggs, melted butter, and vanilla bean paste. Fold in the chopped pecans carefully, making sure you keep the filling smooth but not overmixed so the textures stay perfect.

Step 5: Baking to Gooey Perfection

Pour the luscious filling into the par-baked crust and artfully arrange the whole pecans on top if you like. Bake at 350°F until the edges are set but the center jiggles softly—think of a gentle wobble like Jell-O—then allow it to cool on the counter followed by chilling in the fridge for a few hours to let the flavors fully meld.

How to Serve Bourbon Caramel Pecan Pie Recipe

A pecan pie sits in a white pie dish with scalloped edges, resting on a round wooden board on a white marbled surface. The pie has a golden-brown crust with a wavy edge and is topped with many shiny dark brown pecan halves arranged in a circular pattern, with some white flaky salt sprinkled over the surface. Nearby, there is a glass filled with an amber liquid and a clear cut glass container, as well as a small white bowl containing a caramel-colored sauce with a silver spoon resting inside. A dark green cloth is partly visible in the upper left corner, and a vintage silver fork lies on the left side of the frame. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light sprinkle of flaky salt over the top of the pie adds a delightful contrast to all the caramel sweetness and nutty crunch. Drizzle with a little extra bourbon caramel sauce for that wow factor and a glossy finish that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.

Side Dishes

Serve slices alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. These cool, light additions balance the rich and intense flavors of the pie, making each bite a delicious harmony of temperatures and textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping dessert, consider serving your Bourbon Caramel Pecan Pie Recipe on a rustic wooden board with extra toasted pecans sprinkled around. Add delicate edible flowers or sprigs of fresh thyme for a charming rustic touch that will impress your guests and incite eager taste buds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover pie tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, giving you plenty of time to savor those bourbon caramel and pecan flavors again without compromising texture or taste.

Freezing

This pie freezes beautifully. Wrap it securely in foil and place it in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently before serving for a near-fresh experience.

Reheating

To reheat, place slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm in a low oven until just warmed through. This will soften the caramel slightly and bring out the nutty aroma, making every bite just as scrumptious as when first baked.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce for this recipe?

Absolutely! While homemade bourbon caramel sauce adds a personalized touch and depth of flavor, a high-quality store-bought caramel sauce can work in a pinch. Just be sure to choose one with rich flavor to complement the pecans.

What if I don’t have bourbon? Can I substitute something else?

If bourbon isn’t your thing or if you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute with a good vanilla extract or even a splash of maple syrup for that same warm sweetness. It won’t have the exact depth bourbon has, but it’s still delicious.

How do I prevent the pie crust from getting soggy?

Blind baking the crust and brushing it with an egg wash before adding the filling creates a moisture barrier so the crust stays crisp and flaky even under the sticky filling. This step is key to the perfect texture.

Can I make this pie gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pie crust recipe or store-bought gluten-free dough. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’ll be just as tasty.

What’s the best way to store and serve leftover pie?

Keep the pie refrigerated, covered tightly, for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving, or enjoy chilled with a scoop of ice cream for a refreshing twist.

Final Thoughts

This Bourbon Caramel Pecan Pie Recipe isn’t just a dessert—it’s an experience. From the handmade bourbon caramel sauce to the perfectly toasted pecans and flaky crust, every step is rewarding. I promise once you make it, this pie will become a beloved classic in your recipe collection and a go-to whenever you want to impress with something truly special. So, grab those ingredients and get ready to wow your taste buds and anyone lucky enough to share a slice with you.