Bourbon Pumpkin Pie with a Salted Brown Butter Pecan Streusel
If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that captures the essence of fall, you’ve found it! This Bourbon Pumpkin Pie with a Salted Brown Butter Pecan Streusel is a delightful twist on the classic pumpkin pie we all know and love. The warm spices and creamy pumpkin filling come alive with the rich nuttiness of the streusel topping, making it perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings or cozy family dinners.
What makes this pie truly special is its unique flavor profile. The salted brown butter adds a deep, nutty essence that perfectly complements the sweet pumpkin puree. It’s a crowd favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a stunning dessert ready to impress your guests.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the comforting flavors of pumpkin and pecans in this pie.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this pie in advance, giving you more time to enjoy your celebration.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices and the buttery streusel creates an irresistible treat that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is part of the fun! They’re simple, wholesome, and likely items you already have in your pantry. Here’s what you need to create this delicious Bourbon Pumpkin Pie with a Salted Brown Butter Pecan Streusel:
For the Pumpkin Filling
- 1 pie crust (9-inches; unbaked)
- 2 eggs
- 1 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
For the Streusel Topping
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup pecans (coarsely chopped)
Variations
One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily make it your own with just a few tweaks. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Add Extra Spices: If you love bold flavors, try adding a pinch of allspice or cloves for an extra kick.
- Use Different Nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer something different.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute evaporated milk with coconut milk for a dairy-free version that’s still creamy and delicious.
- Try Different Sweeteners: Experiment with maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a unique flavor twist.
How to Make Bourbon Pumpkin Pie with a Salted Brown Butter Pecan Streusel
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Gently press it against the bottom and sides, ensuring there are no cracks. A well-prepared crust holds all those wonderful flavors!
Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs until they’re frothy. Add in the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, bourbon, and evaporated milk. Mix everything until smooth and combined. This filling is where all those delightful flavors come together—don’t rush it!
Step 3: Bake the Pie
Pour the pumpkin mixture into your prepared crust. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes or until the filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center. This ensures that every slice holds its shape while still being creamy.
Step 4: Prepare the Streusel Topping
While your pie bakes, melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma—this is where that amazing flavor comes from! In another bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour, and sea salt before adding in your browned butter. Finally, fold in coarsely chopped pecans.
Step 5: Add Topping and Finish Baking
Once your pie has baked for about 40 minutes, carefully sprinkle the streusel topping over it. Return it to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown on top. This final touch adds texture and bursts of flavor that elevate your pumpkin pie to new heights!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let your pie cool at room temperature for at least two hours before serving. This allows all those lovely flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve slices plain or with whipped coconut cream for an extra treat!
Now you’re ready to savor this Bourbon Pumpkin Pie with a Salted Brown Butter Pecan Streusel—a dish sure to become a cherished favorite at any gathering!
Pro Tips for Making Bourbon Pumpkin Pie with a Salted Brown Butter Pecan Streusel
Baking a perfect bourbon pumpkin pie is a delightful experience, and these tips will help you master it!
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Use fresh pumpkin puree: Freshly made pumpkin puree tends to have a deeper flavor and creamier texture compared to canned. It can elevate your pie to new heights!
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Chill the pie crust: Allowing your pie crust to chill in the refrigerator before baking helps prevent it from shrinking while it bakes. This results in a perfectly shaped crust that holds all the delicious filling.
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Don’t skip the bourbon: The bourbon adds a unique depth of flavor that complements the spices and pumpkin beautifully. If you’re concerned about alcohol content, rest assured that most of it cooks off during baking.
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Toast the pecans: Lightly toasting your pecans before mixing them into the streusel enhances their nuttiness and adds an extra layer of flavor. It’s a small step that makes a big difference!
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Let it cool properly: After baking, allow your pie to cool completely before slicing. This helps the filling set up nicely, ensuring clean slices and a beautiful presentation.
How to Serve Bourbon Pumpkin Pie with a Salted Brown Butter Pecan Streusel
Serving your bourbon pumpkin pie can be as enjoyable as making it! With just a few thoughtful touches, you can create an enticing dessert experience for your guests.
Garnishes
- Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream is a fantastic dairy-free alternative that adds creaminess and sweetness.
- Caramel drizzle: A light drizzle of vegan caramel sauce over each slice brings an added richness and visual appeal.
- Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of ground cinnamon on top not only looks lovely but enhances that warm spice aroma we all love in pumpkin desserts.
Side Dishes
- Cranberry sauce: The tartness of homemade cranberry sauce provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet and spiced pumpkin pie.
- Roasted Brussels sprouts: Their earthy flavor and crispy texture make them an excellent savory counterpart to the sweetness of the pie.
- Maple-glazed sweet potatoes: These naturally sweet vegetables pair beautifully with pumpkin flavors, creating harmony on your Thanksgiving table.
- Green salad with vinaigrette: A fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pie, balancing out your meal perfectly.
Now that you’ve got all these tips and serving ideas, you’re ready to impress this holiday season with your fabulous bourbon pumpkin pie! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage
This Bourbon Pumpkin Pie with a Salted Brown Butter Pecan Streusel is not only a delightful treat but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment, ensuring that you can focus on other holiday preparations.
Storing Leftovers
- Store the pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- It will keep well for about 3-4 days.
- If you notice the streusel becoming soggy, consider reheating the pie to restore its crunch.
Freezing
- To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- The pie can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the slice on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
FAQs
Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious pie!
Can I make Bourbon Pumpkin Pie with a Salted Brown Butter Pecan Streusel without bourbon?
Absolutely! You can simply omit the bourbon or substitute it with a splash of vanilla extract for added flavor. The pie will still be delicious!
How long does Bourbon Pumpkin Pie with a Salted Brown Butter Pecan Streusel last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, this pie lasts about 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices.
What can I serve with Bourbon Pumpkin Pie with a Salted Brown Butter Pecan Streusel?
This pie pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce also makes for an indulgent topping!
Is it okay to use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Yes! Fresh pumpkin can be used; just make sure it’s well-pureed and cooked down until smooth. This adds a lovely homemade touch to your pie.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this Bourbon Pumpkin Pie with a Salted Brown Butter Pecan Streusel! It’s such a special recipe that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving or just because, this pie is sure to delight everyone at your table. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with love and laughter!
Pumpkin Pie with a Salted Brown Butter Pecan Streusel
Indulge in the warmth of autumn with this delectable Pumpkin Pie featuring a Salted Brown Butter Pecan Streusel. This recipe transforms the classic pumpkin dessert into a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday gatherings. The creamy pumpkin filling, flavored with warm spices, pairs beautifully with a crunchy and nutty streusel that adds texture and richness. Perfect for Thanksgiving or cozy family dinners, this pie is sure to impress everyone at your table. Enjoy every slice, topped with whipped coconut cream for an extra touch of indulgence!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 unbaked pie crust (9-inches)
- 2 eggs
- 1 ¾ cups pumpkin puree
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup pecans (coarsely chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the pie crust in a 9-inch dish.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs until frothy. Add pumpkin puree, brown sugar, spices, evaporated milk, and mix until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the crust and bake for about 50 minutes until set.
- For the streusel, melt butter until golden brown; mix with sugar, flour, salt, and pecans.
- After baking the pie for 40 minutes, add streusel topping and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden.
- Cool at room temperature for at least two hours before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg