Maple-Bourbon Pumpkin Pie Recipe – A Perfect Fall Dessert with a Twist

When the weather starts to cool and the leaves begin to change color, there’s something about pumpkin pie that instantly feels like home. But let’s take this fall classic up a notch with a little twist—Maple-Bourbon Pumpkin Pie. It combines the smooth, spiced flavors of traditional pumpkin pie with the deep, rich notes of bourbon and the sweetness of maple syrup. Trust me, this is a dessert that will leave your guests raving.

I’ve made this pie several times over the years, and it always gets glowing reviews. The bourbon adds a subtle warmth that pairs perfectly with the maple syrup’s sweet richness. This Maple-Bourbon Pumpkin Pie is now a staple in my fall baking rotation, and I think it will become a favorite in your household too!

Let’s dive into the recipe and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create the perfect Maple-Bourbon Pumpkin Pie for any occasion. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a cozy weekend treat, this pie is a guaranteed hit!

Why You’ll Love This Maple-Bourbon Pumpkin Pie Recipe

This isn’t your average pumpkin pie—here’s why you’ll love it:

• Warm and Inviting Flavor: The combination of bourbon and maple syrup gives this pie a deeper, richer flavor than your typical pumpkin pie.
• Perfect for Fall: The flavors of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg evoke the feeling of fall in every bite.
• Simple to Make: Don’t be intimidated by the addition of bourbon—this pie is just as easy to make as a traditional pumpkin pie. Even if you’re new to baking, I promise you can do it!
• Impress Your Guests: If you’re looking to add a little something extra to your fall baking repertoire, this pie is sure to impress. It’s a great conversation starter!

Now that you know why this Maple-Bourbon Pumpkin Pie is so special, let’s get into the details of how to make it.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Maple-Bourbon Pumpkin Pie

You’ll find most of these ingredients are pantry staples, making this recipe both easy and budget-friendly. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Pie Filling:

• ⅔ cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (preferably freshly grated for the best flavor)
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 large eggs (room temperature for best results)
• 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin purée (make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• ½ cup pure maple syrup (I prefer grade A maple syrup for its smooth taste)
• 2 tablespoons bourbon (you don’t need anything fancy here, but I recommend using a smooth bourbon)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pie Crust:

• Unbaked deep-dish pie dough (You can use store-bought dough or make your own! I usually go with store-bought for convenience.)

How to Make Maple-Bourbon Pumpkin Pie

Making this pie is much easier than it sounds, and I’m here to guide you through every step. Let’s get baking!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pie Crust

First, preheat your oven to 425°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, prep your pie dish. Grease a 9-inch deep-dish pie dish and line it with your unbaked pie dough. If you’re using store-bought dough, just roll it out and press it into the dish. If you’re feeling extra, you can always make your own pie dough—either way, it’ll be delicious!

Once the dough is in the dish, set it aside while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the following spices and sugar:

• ⅔ cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

This mixture gives the pie its classic pumpkin flavor. Freshly grated nutmeg really makes a difference here—it adds a warm, aromatic touch that I just love.

Step 3: Prepare the Pumpkin Filling

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar-spice mixture, 2 beaten eggs, and 1 can of pumpkin purée. Stir until everything is smooth and well combined.

Next, add in the 1 cup of evaporated milk, ½ cup maple syrup, 2 tablespoons bourbon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is thoroughly combined. The filling will be a lovely, smooth consistency with a rich, golden color.

Step 4: Pour the Filling into the Pie Crust

Once your filling is ready, pour it into the prepared pie crust. Make sure the filling is evenly distributed. Don’t worry if the pie looks a little full—it will bake up perfectly.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

Now it’s time to bake! Place the pie in the oven and bake at 425°F (190°C) for the first 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 40-45 minutes. The pie is done when the center is just slightly jiggly, but not sloshing. You can test the pie by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the pie is ready.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

Once your pie is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for about 1 hour. After it’s cooled to room temperature, place the pie in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours before serving. This helps the pie set and enhances the flavors.

Tips for the Best Maple-Bourbon Pumpkin Pie

Here are some of my top tips to ensure your pie turns out perfect:

• Room Temperature Eggs: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before adding them to the filling. Cold eggs can make the filling lumpy.
• Bourbon Choice: Don’t stress about using top-shelf bourbon. A mid-range bourbon works just fine in this recipe and still adds that beautiful warmth to the flavor.
• Chill the Pie: As tempting as it is to cut into your pie right away, make sure to let it chill for at least 4 hours. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to slice cleanly.
• Make Ahead: This pie can be made a day or two in advance! It actually tastes even better after sitting for a bit because the flavors have more time to develop.

FAQs About Maple-Bourbon Pumpkin Pie

Can You Put Bourbon in Pumpkin Pie?

Absolutely! Adding bourbon to pumpkin pie enhances the warm, spiced flavors and adds a little depth. It’s a fantastic way to make your pie stand out from the traditional version.

What Is Maple Bourbon?

Maple bourbon is a type of bourbon whiskey that’s flavored with maple syrup or infused with a maple essence. It adds a unique sweetness and warmth to any recipe.

Can I Use Whiskey Instead of Bourbon in this Pie?

Yes, you can use whiskey in place of bourbon. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious. If you use whiskey, I recommend choosing one with a smooth, slightly sweet flavor.

What Is the Best Bourbon for Baking Pies?

I recommend using a medium-priced bourbon with a smooth, caramel flavor. There’s no need to break the bank on a high-end bourbon since the flavors bake into the pie. Some good options include Buffalo Trace or Evan Williams Black Label.

Related Recipes You Might Love

If you’re a fan of this Maple-Bourbon Pumpkin Pie, be sure to check out these other delicious fall treats:

• New Thanksgiving Recipes – A collection of festive recipes that will make your holiday celebrations even sweeter.
• Quick and Delicious Recipes for Fall – Looking for more simple fall desserts? This collection has you covered.
• Maple-Flavored Desserts for the Season – If you love maple, try these Earl Grey cookies with a maple twist.

Conclusion

This Maple-Bourbon Pumpkin Pie is the perfect twist on a fall classic. With its rich, smooth pumpkin filling and the added warmth of bourbon and maple syrup, it’s sure to become a holiday favorite in your household. I love how simple it is to make, yet how special it feels to serve.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave a comment below or share your photos with me on social media. Happy baking!

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