Bourbon Pumpkin Pie with Salted Brown Butter Pecan Streusel Recipe
Introduction
This Bourbon Pumpkin Pie with a Salted Brown Butter Pecan Streusel is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. The rich pumpkin filling is enhanced with warming spices and a splash of bourbon, while the buttery pecan streusel adds a crunchy, salty finish. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any cozy occasion.

Ingredients
- 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 Salted Brown Butter Pecan Streusel:
- 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)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
- Step 2: Add the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, bourbon, and evaporated milk to the eggs. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Step 3: Pour the pumpkin filling into the unbaked pie crust, spreading evenly.
- Step 4: Bake the pie at 425°F for 15 minutes. Then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
- Step 5: While the pie is baking, prepare the streusel topping. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Step 6: In a bowl, combine the browned butter, brown sugar, sea salt, flour, and chopped pecans. Mix until crumbly.
- Step 7: Once the pie has baked for 45 minutes, sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top.
- Step 8: Return the pie to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the streusel is golden and crisp.
- Step 9: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Refrigerate before serving for best results.
- Step 10: Serve chilled or at room temperature, topped with whipped cream if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a deeper bourbon flavor, soak the pecans in bourbon for 30 minutes before adding to the streusel.
- Use homemade pumpkin puree for a fresher taste and smoother texture.
- If you prefer a nut-free version, substitute the pecans with toasted oats or omit them altogether.
- Be sure to watch the pie during the final bake to prevent the streusel from burning.
Storage
Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices gently in a low oven or microwave if you prefer serving it warm. The streusel topping may soften slightly after refrigeration but will remain flavorful.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pumpkin filling and streusel up to a day in advance. Assemble and bake the pie on the day you plan to serve it for the best texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for bourbon?
If you prefer to skip alcohol, substitute equal parts vanilla extract or maple syrup. This will keep the flavor rich without the bourbon’s warmth.
PrintBourbon Pumpkin Pie with Salted Brown Butter Pecan Streusel Recipe
This rich and festive Bourbon Pumpkin Pie features a smooth pumpkin filling infused with warm spices and a splash of bourbon, nestled in a flaky pie crust. Topped with a decadent salted brown butter pecan streusel, this dessert combines creamy, nutty, and buttery flavors perfect for holiday celebrations and cozy gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pie:
- 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
Salted Brown Butter Pecan Streusel:
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the pie filling: In a large bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Add the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, bourbon, and evaporated milk. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until you achieve a smooth, creamy filling.
- Preheat the oven and bake the pie base: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pour the pumpkin filling evenly into the unbaked 9-inch pie crust. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes to set the filling.
- Reduce oven temperature and continue baking: Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Continue baking the pie uncovered for an additional 30 minutes to ensure the filling is cooked through.
- Make the salted brown butter pecan streusel: While the pie bakes, melt the unsalted butter in a small pot over medium heat. Continue heating until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Transfer the browned butter to a bowl to cool slightly. Stir in the brown sugar, sea salt, all-purpose flour, and chopped pecans until crumbly.
- Add streusel topping and finish baking: After the initial 45 minutes of baking, remove the pie from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the pecan streusel topping over the pie filling. Return the pie to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes at 350°F until the streusel is golden and crisp.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Refrigerate to set the filling before serving. For the best experience, top each slice with whipped cream just before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or canned pumpkin puree for convenience; avoid pumpkin pie filling as it contains added spices.
- The bourbon adds a subtle depth of flavor but can be omitted or replaced with vanilla extract if preferred.
- If you prefer a less sweet streusel topping, reduce the sugar slightly.
- Be cautious when browning the butter; it can burn quickly once it reaches the brown stage.
- Make sure the pie is fully cooled before slicing to achieve clean slices.
Keywords: Bourbon Pumpkin Pie, Salted Brown Butter Pecan Streusel, Thanksgiving dessert, holiday pie, pumpkin pie recipe

