You could have a traditional pumpkin pie on your Thanksgiving dessert table, or you could take that classic up a notch with this homemade Bourbon Pumpkin Pie. Warm bourbon in a creamy pumpkin filling and a flaky crust results in the most irresistible cozy Thanksgiving pie. The filling comes together super quickly in one bowl and is poured into a prepared pie crust, resulting in the easiest fall dessert, and also the most fun!
If you love pumpkin pie, be sure to check out my Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust and my Fireball Pumpkin Pie for more delicious classics with a twist.
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This pie is delicious! The bourbon gives it a scrumptious surprise. I'm not an experienced baker, but this recipe makes me feel and tastes like an expert. Can't wait to make it again for Thanksgiving.
- Amanda
🍭 Short & Sweet Recipe Overview
- ⏲️ Time: Takes only 5 minutes to prep, and about 40 minutes to bake
- 🛒 Ingredients: Needs just 9 ingredients
- 🍽️ Servings: Makes a 10-inch pie, yielding 6-8 slices depending on slice size
- 🥣 Difficulty: Super Simple, One-Bowl
- 👩🍳 Prep: Can be made a day or two in advance and chilled, covered, overnight
- 😋 Flavor: Rich, creamy, spiced filling with a warm bourbon finish
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Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Deliciously balanced and smooth flavors with a subtle kick of bourbon
- Quick & Easy, so that it won't add extra effort to your holiday meal prep
- Perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, and all pumpkin season long
- This quick filling is made without evaporated milk, and instead uses a combination of cream and sour cream for a rich, silky custard
Looking for bourbon recipes for Thanksgiving? This Bourbon Sweet Potato Pie is easy and delicious, this Bourbon Cranberry Sauce is the perfect simple side, and this Sweet Potato Cake with Maple Bourbon Marshmallow Frosting is super moist and so delicious.
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Ingredients and Notes
Pumpkin - This should be canned pureed pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. You want only 100% pure pumpkin without any sweeteners, spices, or anything else added. These Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies and this Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake are more fun and delicious ways to use pumpkin puree!
Bourbon - Bourbon adds the perfect rich and warm flavor to the pie filling. Most Bourbon Pumpkin Pie recipes use 2 tablespoons of bourbon, but this recipe doubles that typical amount, which gives a noticeable, but not overwhelming, pop of flavor that adds a delicious depth to the Thanksgiving classic.
I suggest using a bourbon you enjoy because this boozy pie only calls for a small amount, and you'll have plenty left to drink! Alternatively, an airplane bottle or nip should provide the perfect amount.
As a Kentuckian I've always loved baking with bourbon, and I may be biased, but I highly recommend using a Kentucky bourbon. I generally prefer to bake with Jim Beam or Four Roses, but Maker's Mark is also a popular bourbon because it's on the sweeter side. I would avoid using the cheapest bourbons because they have a sharper or harsher flavor that will be noticeable in this pumpkin pie.
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients.
Substitutions & Variations
Frozen Pie Crust - I use a frozen pie crust in this recipe to keep it as simple as possible, but a roll-out pie crust or a homemade crust works great too! If you're using homemade, just be sure to follow the recipe, as it may require par baking before adding the filling. For a pre-made frozen or roll-out crust, follow any defrosting or blind baking instructions on the packaging.
Pumpkin Pie Spice - In place of the pumpkin pie spice, you can use 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon each of nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Individual spices can be added, removed, or otherwise adjusted to your taste
Bourbon - Instead of bourbon, the same measurement of another whiskey or even a spiced rum could be a good replacement. Though the alcohol will bake out some, if you prefer to skip the alcohol, you can replace the bourbon with the same measurement of heavy cream, or a spiritless bourbon.
Maple - Consider reducing the measurement of bourbon to 2 tablespoons and add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup for a maple bourbon pumpkin pie. Or check out this Maple Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie!
Toppings - For a little extra deliciousness, top Bourbon Pumpkin Pie with a maple bourbon whipped cream! Add 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon and/or maple syrup to heavy whipping cream and beat until stiff peaks form.
How to Make Bourbon Pumpkin Pie
Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.
- Step 1: Combine all pie filling ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix until well combined.
- Step 2: Pour into pie crust and bake at 375°F for 40-50 minutes, until the center of the pie is slightly jiggly. Cool completely, chill, slice, and enjoy!
Bourbon Pumpkin Pie Tips & Tricks
Tip #1: Ensure the pie dish is placed directly on the oven rack and not on a baking sheet to avoid over-baking.
Tip #2: This pumpkin pie with bourbon should be removed from the oven while the center is still jiggly. Allow the pie to cool fully at room temperature before refrigerating to avoid cracks in the filling. If the filling cracks, use whipped cream topping to cover the cracks!
Tip #3: This super simple pie is best served chilled.
Recipe FAQs
You can, but as long as it's not too overcooked, it will still taste good! When it's overcooked, the top will likely crack as it cools, but you can hide the cracks with a whipped cream topping!
Yes! You want to remove the pie from the oven when the center is still a bit jiggly, and it will continue to set as it cools. Don't rush the cooling process. If the pie cools down too quickly it will crack. Let it come to room temperature before chilling.
If the pie is overbaked or if it cools too quickly, it will crack. This is why we bring it to room temperature first before chilling. Remove the pie from the oven while the center is still jiggly, but not wet, to avoid overbaking. If your pie does crack, just decorate the top with whipped cream to cover the cracks - it will still taste just as delicious!
This pumpkin pie with bourbon can be made a day or two in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator until it's ready to serve, making it perfect for keeping your Thanksgiving day super simple! Leftover Bourbon Pumpkin Pie should be stored covered in the refrigerator and will keep for 3-5 days.
These Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies are another great make-ahead dessert for the holiday season!
More Bourbon Thanksgiving Recipes to try!
👩🍳 If you tried this Bourbon Pumpkin Pie or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the recipe card below and leave a comment. I love hearing from you!
📖 Recipe
Bourbon Pumpkin Pie
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- silicone spatula
- 9" pie dish
Ingredients
- Frozen Pie Shell or homemade if you prefer
- 15 oz can pumpkin a heaping 1 ½ cups
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ cup cream
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup bourbon
- 2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice see notes
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt Diamond Crystal
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375℉.
- If using a frozen or roll-out pie shell, remove it from the freezer or refrigerator. If using homemade, par-bake if the recipe requires.Frozen Pie Shell
- Put all other ingredients into a bowl and whisk until fully combined.15 oz can pumpkin, ¼ cup sour cream, ½ cup cream, 2 eggs, ¾ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup bourbon, 2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- Pour into pie shell and bake approximately 40 - 50 minutes until mostly set (just a bit jiggly in the center) and the crust is golden.
- Cool completely, then chill.
- Slice and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated so should only be used as an estimate. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
Amanda Lambert says
This pie is delicious! The bourbon gives it a scrumptious surprise. I'm not an experienced baker, but this recipe makes me feel and tastes like an expert. Can't wait to make it again for Thanksgiving.
Liz says
This pie is definitely one that is ridiculously easy to make, but tastes like it was made by an expert baker! So glad you like it!!