Meet your new all-time favorite autumn dessert: Bourbon Brûlée Pumpkin Pie. This pie takes everything you love about the holiday classic—silky pumpkin, warm spices, and that unmistakable home-baked comfort—then gives it a grown-up glow up with a splash of bourbon and a dramatic brûléed sugar crust. The result? Each bite is a celebration of creamy, custardy pumpkin filling, buttery, flaky crust, and a crackling layer of caramelized sugar that shatters with every forkful. If you’ve been searching for the ultimate show-stopping treat for your next gathering, look no further than this irresistible pie.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to pie perfection, and here, every element is essential. Simple pantry staples work together to create a pie that’s rich in flavor, delightfully textured, and positively stunning to serve.

Baker’s Corner All-purpose flour: The backbone of a tender, flaky pie crust.
Baker’s Corner Granulated Sugar: Adds necessary sweetness while creating the spectacular brûlée topping.
Salt: Brings out all the nuanced flavors and ensures your crust isn’t bland.
Egg (whole and white): Provides structure to both the crust and the filling for that perfect set and beautiful browning.
White vinegar: A secret pie crust hack to keep things light and flaky.
Ice cold water: Chills the dough for a consistently tender bite.
Unsalted butter: The key to that luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth pastry.
Baker’s Corner 100% Pure Canned Pumpkin: For a pure, unmistakably pumpkin flavor in the filling.
Sour cream: Adds tanginess and extra creaminess, pushing this pie over the top.
Bourbon: Brings warmth, depth, and a grown-up twist.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the spice and adds that familiar homey fragrance.
Ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, allspice: This spice blend ensures each bite is complex and aromatic.
Specially Selected 100% Pure Maple Syrup: Natural sweetness and a touch of woodsy flavor, instead of plain sugar.
Heavy cream: Creates that dreamy, luscious custard texture.

How to Make Bourbon Brûlée Pumpkin Pie

Step 1: Make the Pie Crust

Start with the crust—it’s what transforms this pie from good to unforgettable. Add the flour, sugar, and salt to a food processor, pulsing just until combined. In a separate small bowl, whisk together your egg, vinegar, and the cold water. Toss the cold butter pieces into the processor, pulsing again until you’ve got pea-sized, crumbly bits. Drizzle the egg mixture over your flour blend and pulse until the dough just comes together (don’t overdo it or your crust won’t be as tender). Scoop the dough out, wrap it well in plastic, and pop it in the fridge for a 30-minute nap.

Step 2: Roll Out and Shape

Once the dough has rested, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Roll your dough out into a circle roughly 12 inches across—large enough to cover a 9-inch pie plate with ease. To move it without tearing, fold it in half, drape gently into your plate, then unfold and trim any hanging edges. For a little flair, press the edge with a fork or pinch the edges between your thumb and fingers to make ripples. Your crust is now worthy of the Bourbon Brûlée Pumpkin Pie filling to come!

Step 3: Par-bake the Crust

Set your shaped crust for success by lining it with parchment paper and filling with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes until just barely golden—this par-bake ensures your crust stays crisp beneath your luscious filling. Once done, brush with a thin layer of lightly beaten egg white to add shine and seal. Drop your oven’s temperature to 350 degrees F to get it ready for the filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Pumpkin Filling

Let’s make that dazzling custard! In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, canned pumpkin, sour cream, vanilla, bourbon, and all of your fragrant spices: cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, and allspice. Each ingredient contributes layers of flavor, keeping the Bourbon Brûlée Pumpkin Pie anything but ordinary.

Step 5: Combine Maple Syrup and Cream

Bring the maple syrup to a simmer in a saucepan, letting it bubble gently for 2–3 minutes until thickened. This step intensifies the maple and caramel notes. Take it off the heat, then slowly whisk in the cream—go slow to avoid curdling. The warmth from the syrup infuses every drop of cream with flavor.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake the Bourbon Brûlée Pumpkin Pie

Gently whisk the warm maple-cream mixture into your spiced pumpkin base, making sure the filling is smooth and dreamy. Pour it all into your pre-baked crust, and smooth the top. Slide the pie into the oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes until the center quivers ever-so-slightly but doesn’t slosh. Let cool completely for best slicing—and patience will be rewarded.

Step 7: Brûlée the Top

For the crowning touch, refrigerate the pie overnight. Right before serving, sprinkle the surface with granulated sugar. Grab your kitchen torch (or use your broiler for a careful DIY version) to brûlée the top until the sugar melts and forms a shiny, golden, glass-like crust. Now, the real magic of the Bourbon Brûlée Pumpkin Pie is ready to shine.

How to Serve Bourbon Brûlée Pumpkin Pie

Bourbon Brûlée Pumpkin Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A little extra flair makes the first slice truly irresistible. Try a swirl of softly whipped cream, a scatter of toasted pecans, or a dusting of cinnamon right before serving. The brûléed sugar top provides beautiful contrast, so even a simple garnish looks stunning.

Side Dishes

Serve your gorgeous pie alongside a rich cup of coffee, sweet spiced cider, or even a cozy scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, a dollop of bourbon-spiked whipped cream echoes the pie’s signature kick. The silky filling is just begging to be paired with something warm and comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the classic wedge! Cut the Bourbon Brûlée Pumpkin Pie into elegant bars for buffet-style parties, or use small rings to create mini individual portions. Layered parfait-style in clear glasses with whipped cream and crumbs is another crowd-pleaser. However you serve it, be sure that each presentation highlights that gorgeous brûléed top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (lucky you!), cover the pie loosely with foil or plastic wrap and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to three days, and the flavors deepen and mellow beautifully the next day.

Freezing

Bourbon Brûlée Pumpkin Pie can be frozen before brûléeing the top. Wrap the cooled, fully baked pie well in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then brûlée the sugar topping just before serving for the crispest, freshest result.

Reheating

For best texture, serve leftovers chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer a slightly warm filling, heat individual slices gently in the microwave or oven for just a few seconds—just be cautious not to melt that beautiful brûlée layer.

FAQs

Can I make the crust ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare and chill the dough up to two days in advance, or freeze tightly wrapped dough for up to a month. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling out for your Bourbon Brûlée Pumpkin Pie.

What if I don’t have a kitchen torch for the brûlée?

No torch? No problem! Carefully broil the sugared pie under the oven broiler, watching closely and turning as needed until the top is golden and crackly. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Can I use a store-bought crust?

If you’re short on time, a high-quality store-bought crust works in a pinch. While homemade adds something special, the filling and brûléed top are the real stars of this Bourbon Brûlée Pumpkin Pie.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitution for bourbon?

Sure! You can swap the bourbon for extra vanilla extract or a splash of apple cider. You’ll miss a little of those caramel notes, but the pie will still be deliciously rich and flavorful.

Why does my pie have cracks or look puffed?

Cracks or puffing usually means it’s slightly overbaked. Trust your timer and look for a center that jiggles just a bit, then allow the Bourbon Brûlée Pumpkin Pie to cool completely for a smooth, custardy finish.

Final Thoughts

It’s impossible not to fall in love with the crackly sugar crust and deep, spiced flavor of this Bourbon Brûlée Pumpkin Pie. Whether you’re baking for a holiday table or just want to treat yourself to something unforgettable, give this pie a try—you might just find it becomes your new signature dessert!