Bourbon Brûlée Pumpkin Pie

Bourbon Brûlée Pumpkin Pie

Introduction

As autumn sweeps in with its cool breeze and the leaves start to turn, it's the perfect time to indulge in rich, cozy flavors. Pumpkin pie is a quintessential fall dessert, but if you're looking to elevate this classic, why not infuse it with the warm, deep notes of bourbon and finish it with a caramelized brûlée topping? Bourbon Brûlée Pumpkin Pie offers a sophisticated twist, blending the comforting essence of pumpkin with the bold, smoky undertones of bourbon and a crisp, caramelized sugar crust. It’s a delightful dessert perfect for special gatherings, holidays, or simply for those who love pumpkin pie but crave something a bit more indulgent.

This recipe ensures the pie is smooth, creamy, and perfectly spiced, with a finishing touch of a crunchy brûlée top that provides a satisfying contrast in textures. The bourbon adds depth and richness without overwhelming the delicate flavors of the pumpkin, and the brûlée topping transforms this pie into a show-stopping dessert that everyone will remember.

Ingredients

To make the perfect Bourbon Brûlée Pumpkin Pie, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Crust:

-1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (approximately 12 crackers)

-2 tablespoons granulated sugar

-½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

-½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Pumpkin Filling:

-1 (15 oz) can of pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

-3 large eggs

-¾ cup granulated sugar

-¼ cup dark brown sugar, packed

-1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

-½ teaspoon ground ginger

-¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

-¼ teaspoon ground cloves

-¼ teaspoon ground allspice

-½ teaspoon salt

-1 cup heavy cream

-¼ cup whole milk

-¼ cup bourbon

For the Brûlée Topping:

-¼ cup granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Crust

-The first step in making a Bourbon Brûlée Pumpkin Pie is creating the crust. The traditional pumpkin pie crust can be made with either a buttery, flaky pastry or a crumb crust. For this recipe, we will go with a graham cracker crust, which adds a deliciously crunchy, sweet base that pairs perfectly with the smooth pumpkin filling.

-Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

-Step 2: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated.

-Step 3: Add the melted butter into the mixture and stir until all the crumbs are evenly coated and look like wet sand.

-Step 4: Press the crumb mixture into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to press down the crust firmly, making sure it’s even.

-Step 5: Bake the crust for about 8–10 minutes until it turns slightly golden and fragrant. Remove from the oven and set it aside to cool while you prepare the filling.

2. Preparing the Pumpkin Filling

Pumpkin filling is the star of this pie, and the addition of bourbon really elevates the flavor profile. The key to a creamy and luscious filling is the combination of rich cream, fresh spices, and smooth pumpkin puree.

-Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and salt).

-Step 2: Crack in the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition. This helps create a smooth and well-combined mixture.

-Step 3: Pour in the heavy cream, milk, and bourbon. Continue to whisk until the filling is smooth and all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. The bourbon will add a subtle kick of flavor without overpowering the pumpkin.

Tip: If you're worried about too strong a bourbon flavor, you can reduce the bourbon to 2 tablespoons for a lighter touch. However, the flavor mellows as it bakes, creating a rich, warming taste that complements the sweetness of the pie.

3. Filling and Baking the Pie

-Now that both the crust and filling are prepared, it's time to bring them together and bake your pie.

-Step 1: Pour the pumpkin filling into the cooled graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top so that the filling is even.

-Step 2: Transfer the pie to the preheated oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50–60 minutes. The pie should be set around the edges, but the center should still have a slight jiggle when shaken gently.

-Step 3: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. Once it’s at room temperature, refrigerate the pie for at least 3–4 hours or overnight to allow  to fully set. This step is crucial for achieving the ideal creamy consistency.

4. Creating the Brûlée Topping

-The brûlée topping is the final touch that takes this pie from classic to extraordinary. It’s a simple process but requires a bit of care to ensure the sugar caramelizes evenly without burning.

-Step 1: Once the pie has completely cooled and set, sprinkle the ¼ cup of granulated sugar evenly over the top of the pie. You want a thin, even layer of sugar for the best brûlée effect.

-Step 2: Use a kitchen torch to melt the sugar by moving the flame slowly and evenly across the surface. The sugar will begin to melt, bubble, and caramelize, forming a crispy layer. Be sure not to hold the torch too close or in one spot for too long, as this could cause the sugar to burn.

-Step 3: If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can use your oven’s broiler. Place the pie under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to avoid burning the sugar.

The brûlée should cool and harden within a few minutes, leaving you with a beautifully crisp, golden sugar topping that cracks perfectly when sliced.

Tips for Success

Room Temperature Ingredients: When making the filling, ensure your eggs, cream, and milk are at room temperature. This helps the ingredients blend together smoothly, resulting in a velvety texture.

Prevent Cracking: To avoid cracks in your pumpkin pie filling, don't overbake. The center should still have a slight wobble when you take it out of the oven. The filling will keep firming up as it cools.

Caramelizing the Sugar: When brûléeing the sugar, be patient. Moving too quickly or applying too much heat at once can cause uneven caramelization. It's worth taking your time for that perfect crisp top.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Bourbon Brûlée Pumpkin Pie is rich and indulgent, so it pairs beautifully with lighter, complementary flavors. Serve slices with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for added creaminess or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance the sweetness of the pie. You could even garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive touch.

For a truly autumnal treat, serve with a glass of bourbon or a warm spiced cider. The warmth of the bourbon will bring out the depth of flavors in the pie, while the cider adds a seasonal flair.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Storage: Store this pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover it loosely with foil or plastic wrap to protect the brûlée topping from becoming too soft.

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the pie a day in advance and brûlée the sugar topping just before serving to ensure it stays crisp and crackable.

If you're hosting a holiday meal, this pie is a great make-ahead dessert since it requires refrigeration to fully set. Just leave the brûléeing for the last minute to wow your guests with the perfect crackling sugar top.

Conclusion

Bourbon Brûlée Pumpkin Pie is an elegant, modern twist on the traditional pumpkin pie that will undoubtedly impress your family and guests. The warm spices of the pumpkin filling, enhanced by the rich notes of bourbon, create a dessert that feels both familiar and new. The brûlée topping adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling, making every bite a symphony of textures and flavors.

This pie is perfect for fall celebrations, Thanksgiving feasts, or simply when you want to enjoy a comforting yet luxurious dessert. Follow this recipe step by step, and you'll have a show-stopping dessert that not only looks impressive but tastes incredible.