Are you ready to elevate your Thanksgiving dessert game or simply crave a warm, comforting treat? Then look no further! This Pumpkin Bourbon Pie recipe is the perfect blend of classic pumpkin pie flavors with a sophisticated kick of bourbon. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. This recipe offers a delicious twist on a classic, making it a perfect addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. It’s the ultimate quick dinner idea for those cozy autumn evenings.
Ingredients:
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For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¼ cup ice water
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For the Filling:
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ cup bourbon (optional, can substitute with vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version)
Instructions:
Make the Crust:
- Whisk together flour and salt in a large bowl.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together.
- Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 12-inch circle.
- Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges.
Make the Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and bourbon (if using). Make sure there are no lumps.
- Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
Bake the Pie:
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
- Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bourbon Pie:
- For a richer flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- Don't overmix the filling; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough pie.
- For a beautiful, glossy finish, brush the top of the pie with a little bit of milk or cream before baking.
- If you don't have bourbon, you can substitute with vanilla extract for a delicious variation.
- Homemade pie crust is definitely best, but you can use a store-bought crust if you are short on time.
Variations:
- Spiced Pecan Pumpkin Pie: Add ½ cup chopped pecans to the filling for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- Pumpkin Bourbon Cream Pie: Make a whipped cream topping with heavy cream, powdered sugar, and a touch of bourbon for an extra decadent touch.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 (varies depending on crust and bourbon usage)
This recipe is a delicious addition to your collection of homemade cooking recipes. It's a perfect example of how easy it can be to create delicious dishes and healthy meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!